The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

Prince Hurion Devras, Heir to the Demon Throne (Part 2)

A round of silence occurred between us after that. However, there's this one thing in my mind that never went away after listening to Princess Noir's story, "Lady Shevaun?"

"You need something, milord?"

"I'd say, if you want to change the system of your people, then change the way your education is being taught."

"What do you mean, milord?"

"You have heard before that I'm a teacher of your old hero, Lady Cassandra David, right?"

"Yes..."

"I may not be an expert on this, but I've taught in schools back in my world long enough to acquire personal philosophies about how education should be imparted to our students. This is based from my experiences and observations, so it may not be necessarily valid," I took a pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "You see, although it may sound questionable, schools are great 'mind-conditioners'...meaning, if you want to bend someone's mind to your liking, you can task the teachers to teach your view of the world."

"Whoa...I never thought that schools can be seen that way."

"Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but my world has always romanticized schools in an edifying, ideal manner. However, in practice, it is like a well-oiled propaganda machine, supported by the people's taxes and directed by the government they put in place. Now, I may have used negative words; nevertheless, schools are important in shaping the future of a nation. It is where minds are galvanized into doing the state's goal."

"So, what you're saying is..."

"Yes, if you want to change how your people think, start in schools. Order the teachers to teach your views, your beliefs, and make the students see reason behind those opinions...even if you have to invent it sometimes. It is a slow, arduous process, but it's a sure one, especially if you're preparing for the future."

"Milord?"

"Yes?"

"If ever, would you help us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Would you like to teach in the Conclave?"

I fell silent when that request was put up on me. I hadn't thought of that possibility, since I view my stay here as somewhat temporary. Nevertheless, I guess it would take some time, and I never wanted to live off the finances of my benefactor. If ever, I'd like to look for a job as well.

"..."

Though, on the other hand, if Shevaun was thinking I could put into practice the words I told her just now, it's an impossibility. No one could sway the people's hearts and minds within a few weeks of teaching; it always takes time, tons of resources and effort from the persons involved in that undertaking.

That's why there's a saying that 'If you want a brighter future, invest in education'.

"Milord?"

"I'll do my best, but don't expect much..."

"I'm aware, milord. Education is truly a long, continuous process, and I know that you don't intend to stay in Cherflammen for long...after all, we only 'borrowed' you. It's just that, if you teach in the Conclave—even for a short time, the seeds you'll sow will remain there. And we demons can take from where you left."

Well, Shevaun had made her point. I missed on what she intended for me to do: pass my ideas to the demons of the Conclave, and it's up to them whether to nurture those concepts, or leave it to the pages of their history.