Even the Poor Must Study

Night fell, and Evernight City sank into tranquility.

Vivian had just finished the day’s administrative duties and was preparing to rest.

Suddenly, she sensed a peculiar fluctuation.

It was extremely faint—if not for her current extreme sensitivity to every inch of the Evernight Territory, she might not have noticed it at all.

The source of the fluctuation came from deep within the mine veins.

Vivian furrowed her brows, stepped out of the tent, and gazed toward the mines.

In the darkness, she seemed to see the ground in that area emitting an extremely subtle, rhythmic glow.

The frequency of that light was like… a heartbeat.

“What’s wrong?”

Lucia noticed Vivian’s abnormality and came out as well.

“Something’s off with the mines.” Vivian said in a low voice.

“I feel a strange rhythmic sensation, as if…”

She paused, using a somewhat absurd metaphor.

“As if something there has completely come alive.”

Lucia also looked toward the Blackthorn Village mines.

Though her perception wasn’t as keen as Vivian’s, she vaguely detected something unusual.

“Should we go check?”

“No rush for now.”

Vivian shook her head, knowing it might be activity from the mine core.

She checked the magic she had set up and found no triggered alarms.

“Disturbing it now wouldn’t be good.”

“Moreover… though the fluctuation is strange, it holds no malice.”

“It gives me a very… gentle feeling instead.”

“Gentle?”

“Yes, like… it’s calling to something.”

Vivian pondered for a moment.

“But in any case, I sense no danger.”

“It’s been a while since the last mine patrol anyway.”

“So… we’ll address it then.”

“There are many matters to follow up on; I can’t step away right now.”

Lucia nodded, responding with a simple “okay.”

She didn’t know what was happening, but Lucia chose to trust Vivian.

The two returned to the tent.

Vivian lay on the bed but couldn’t fall asleep for a long time.

Had something happened at the mine core?

Though tempted to investigate, the tasks at hand were more urgent, and there was no danger.

After much thought, Vivian decided to shelve it for now.

Evernight City’s various constructions were just getting on track.

Vivian still couldn’t fully relax.

The construction of Evernight Academy progressed at an astonishing speed.

Under Aria and Lucia’s efficient organization, hundreds of craftsmen worked day and night.

In less than a month, they completed the main structures of phase one.

Three simple yet sturdy stone teaching buildings rose from the ground.

Each had three floors with six classrooms per level.

Adjacent were two dormitory buildings capable of housing about five hundred students.

Though decorations and details remained to be perfected, basic teaching functions were ready.

Enrollment proceeded simultaneously.

“Demon Lord, this is the registration list.” Luna entered the tent hugging a thick stack of parchment, her face beaming with excitement.

“Guess how many signed up?”

“Hm?” Vivian looked up, deliberately guessing low. “Three hundred?”

“Eight hundred seventy-three!” Luna said excitedly.

“Far beyond expectations!”

“Many are young refugees, and some are original Evernight Territory children.”

Vivian raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

Over eight hundred… that number truly exceeded her expectations.

Evernight City’s population had recovered to tens of thousands, but eligible youths weren’t that many.

She had worried many would resist schooling due to traditional views.

Resisting schooling due to traditional views.

It seemed the policy incentives were quite attractive.

Vivian smiled, flipping through the list.

Per her announced policy, students entering Evernight Academy and passing assessments received free tuition and lodging.

Plus a monthly basic living subsidy.

More importantly, graduates earned “skill certification.”

Granting higher work point exchange rates and priority employment in the territory.

For penniless refugees and former slaves, it was a pie from the sky.

The value of education wasn’t in words but tangible benefits.

For families, an enrolled member reduced burden—even if they didn’t work, it was fine.

For original residents, it was a golden chance to change fate and rise socially.

Of course, this strained the territory’s finances greatly.

The funding chain and grain reserves were extremely tight.

But Vivian gritted her teeth and pushed forward.

No matter how poor, the next generation must study and gain knowledge.

“However,” as Vivian casually perused the list, Luna’s expression turned hesitant.

“There are some… unfavorable voices.”

“Oh?” Vivian set down the documents. “Let’s hear them.”

“Several noble families protested, saying the academy shouldn’t accept ‘lowly slaves.'”

“They claim it tarnishes knowledge’s purity.” Luna said cautiously.

“Some old-school demons think you’re destroying tradition, leading to chaos and imbalance.”

Vivian sneered.

“Destroying tradition? Chaos? Imbalance?”

She stood, walked outside the tent, and gazed at the academy still under construction.

“Tell those protesting former nobles.” Her voice was calm yet brooked no argument.

“The Evernight Territory’s traditions changed the moment I returned and took over.”

“If they can’t accept it, they may leave. I won’t force them to stay.”

“As for order…”

She turned to Luna, a sarcastic arc on her lips.

“An order built on oppression and ignorance—better it collapses.”

After hearing Vivian, Luna nodded vigorously.

“I understand, Demon Lord—I’ll convey your words.”

“Additionally,” Vivian continued.

“From these eight hundred-plus, select the first batch—cap at five hundred.”

“Criteria as before: prioritize younger ones, those with strong learning desire, and some foundation.”

“Background irrelevant, race irrelevant—even human slaves can join.”

“The unselected needn’t despair; priority for the next batch.”

“Yes!”

After Luna left, Vivian sat back at the stone table, resuming administrative work.

Yet rustling sounds reached her ears.

Turning, she saw Lucia playing with Luna in the corner.

The little one could now sit steadily.

She enthusiastically fiddled with wooden blocks—toys Vivian had craftsmen specially make.

“Mama, tall!” Luna held up a block, looking expectantly at Lucia.

Lucia smiled gently, helping stack it high.

Watching this heartwarming scene, the pressure, anxiety, and fatigue from work dissipated much for Vivian.

While she bustled leading Evernight City forward, Lucia carefree accompanied Luna daily.

This allowed Luna and Aria more time for Vivian’s tasks.

No matter what those stubborn conservatives thought, she needed only to steadfastly walk her path.

She was the Demon Lord. She had the final say.