"Greetings, Your Excellency."
Ivoni offered a respectful bow without the slightest trace of flattery.
"I've traveled through most of the Empire, and this is the first time I've ever seen soldiers who can read, write, and do arithmetic."
"So you came all the way to my territory just to take a look?"
Phield chuckled.
"My biggest question is this. Why do you teach your soldiers how to read, write, and calculate?"
Ivoni glanced around cautiously before lowering his voice.
"They could die at any moment."
"Anyone can die at any moment."
Phield shrugged.
"Tell me, which do you think is stronger, slave soldiers or peasant soldiers?"
"Peasant soldiers, of course. They have stronger physiques and greater determination in battle."
"And what do you think is stronger than peasant soldiers? In my opinion, it's soldiers who possess knowledge."
Phield spoke without hesitation.
