How long Adam hung on the lamppost remained a mystery.
Those meant to witness the spectacle did, and even those who weren't supposed to joined in.
Everyone enjoyed the event, save for one Angel of Imagination quietly sulking.
While Adam dangled, Loen... now the Republic of Sotha... bustled with the rapid reconstruction of order.
New departments sprang up, new regulations were swiftly enacted, and society transformed at an extraordinary pace.
For Kohler, the changes in Loen were hard to grasp. An elderly man with a mind less nimble than the young, he struggled to understand the new rules and societal shifts. Yet, he couldn't deny that since the rebels overthrew the Loen royalty, his life had steadily improved.
"Good evening, Mr. Kohler! Off to evening class?" Freya greeted him with a smile. The young woman, noticeably brighter than before, wore a simple yet new school uniform, a far cry from her old, overworn clothes.
The uniform came from the newly established "compulsory education" Schools. The fabric wasn't luxurious but was comfortable and durable. Every student attending received two sets, and the schools provided three free meals daily... nothing fancy, but enough to fill the stomach.
This prompted many families, initially reluctant, to send their children to these schools.
The "evening classes" Freya mentioned weren't part of the compulsory schools, which focused on students and held daytime classes with minimal fees for health reasons. Instead, evening classes belonged to the newly opened "Skill Academy," aimed at adults. Offering both day and night courses for flexible scheduling, the academy taught basic literacy and various vocational skills. Depending on attendance, students received one meal, and those who excelled could earn job placement recommendations. Fees were nearly nonexistent.
Both school types included a mandatory reeducation course to dismantle outdated beliefs and help students adapt to the new society.
Kohler attended the Skill Academy's evening classes, learning a trade suited for his age. His diligence might soon earn him a job recommendation.
"Good evening, Freya. You seem happy today... something good happen?" Kohler asked, fond of the cheerful girl who reminded him of his own children.
"I got praised by my teacher in class today," Freya said, a bit shyly. Then, curious, she asked, "Mr. Kohler, at your age, you could live off relief funds. Why take up a new job?"
The republic had welfare policies for the elderly too old to work. Those meeting the criteria could claim relief funds.
However, able-bodied young adults weren't so lucky... the republic didn't support idleness, emphasizing hard work and self-reliance. Unemployed adults could study at the Skill Academy for free and receive temporary subsidies, but persistent refusal to work wasn't tolerated.
The Republic of Sotha, unlike old Loen where even the capable often went jobless, was in dire need of workers across industries during this rebuilding phase. Anyone willing to work wouldn't go hungry.
Kohler paused, considering his response. "Relief funds would keep me alive, but I'm not useless yet. Why rely on the state? The new… not king, but leader, is great. Someone like me can have a decent job now... something I could only dream of before. I was a good worker back then, and I'll keep at it."
Freya nodded, half-understanding. "I think things are better now too. My mom's taking evening classes and is close to getting a job recommendation. Soon, she won't have to wash clothes anymore. It's not bad work, but the water's so cold in winter…"
They chatted briefly before parting... Kohler hurried to his evening class, and Freya returned home to finish her homework.
The Skill Academy was lively that evening. Since most people worked during the day, night classes were packed.
Kohler greeted familiar classmates and took a front-row seat. His peers ranged from middle-aged to elderly like him.
Soon, staff arrived... not teachers, but workers distributing dinner to the students.
After the meal, with dishes cleared, the instructor arrived.
The hours-long lesson wasn't easy for Kohler due to his age, but his diligence kept him from falling behind. In fact, he was among the top performers.
After class, he shyly asked the teacher a few questions he didn't grasp, then returned to his lodging, shared with many classmates.
The republic provided temporary dorms for the homeless. Small and basic, lacking some amenities due to hasty construction, they at least offered a place to stay.
Like Kohler, most residents attended the Skill Academy. Once they secured stable jobs, they'd move to employee dorms at the republic's new factories and companies.
These workplaces typically provided housing, three meals, and decent wages... not enough for riches, but sufficient for a secure life.
After a simple wash, Kohler ended his day.
***
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