He looked up, his eyes lit with a brilliant light at the term of address.
"I'm afraid it's not that thrilling. It's simply just to refresh myself on a syllabus."
Seeing that Salīa's attention didn't wane, the wife nudged him to go on and even slipped her a few more fritters as a sign of gratitude.
"I've been looking at the standardized syllabus of teachings within the lowest lands and structured outlands and comparing it to that of the ones in the official lower lands and Isles, and those of the upper lands.
Of course, the comparison is quite drastic.
And to prove the veracity, my wife and I have been venturing to as many lands as we could."
"What do you need the proof for?" asked Bazil.
"Isn't it obvious?" asked the wife. "To present an irrefutable proposal to the higher courts encouraging curriculum changes for those in less privileged lands, so that they may, too, have an opportunity to present as worthy scholars rather than just be regarded as benighted commoners.
Those who can also have the right to take upon court examinations to have the potential to be selected as officials that represent their land to both excel and rise as a nation, but also be granted merit overall within the realm."
"That's remarkable," Salīa said, unable to contain her excitement. "I'll do everything within my power to assist in such and help in any way I can. Tell me what you need, and I'll help you find the sources."
Bazil shot her a glance, and she realized she spoke too much.
The elderly couple looked at her, perplexed, as did the three brothers who were eavesdropping.
"What can a singer do?" asked the big-chested man.
Salīa wasn't sure what to say, and so the elderly couple looked at her pitifully.
"I mean, I can make songs of such a thing. But I am quite a scholar myself, and so the idea was too applaudable that I spoke ahead of myself. I may not have much power but—"
"Don't dismiss yourself," said the wife. "No matter how humble, we all have power, otherwise we wouldn't be able to take steps forward in this life."
The husband added, "I appreciate you two indulging me. We've already implemented some of the proposed changes within smaller, independent places of study, and it's been a few years.
So, we've just been collecting records on the results of such things, and so far, it's been quite favorable. Alongside our proposal, we are also presenting petitions.
If you are from any of the listed lands, would you mind signing it?"
They both agreed, but neither could sign. For each land was listed, even those not on the maps, except for those of the upper lands.
"I told you to include the other lands," said the wife. "I know you worry that those from higher lands wouldn't care for such things, but you never know. It's clear these two are just too embarrassed to say anything."
"Oh, it's not that. Forgive my brother and me. If it pleases you, would you accept a reasoned letter of petition instead?"
They both looked at her, stunned.
"Are you sure?"
"My brother and I are deeply moved by your intentions and would like to offer as much as our power wills us.
But I'm sure these three handsome and proper brothers would be more than delighted to offer their signatures on this. Isn't that right?"
The brothers were speechless.
But the big-chested one, determined to impress Salīa, shoved them forth, so that each signed properly.
As a reward, she smiled at all of them, offering deep stares and words of thanks.
The elder wife couldn't help but smirk.
"Forgive my discourtesy in asking, but do you have any sealed letters of authority?"
The wife almost jumped to defend, yet the husband shook his head, then scrambled through his bag.
"It may be void, however, as I am from a vanquished land."
"It's of no matter," Salīa took it.
Thanks to teachings on heraldry from her uncle, she was easily able to study seals and the verity of the heraldic arms. It accurately portrayed the lynx with its baby and every specifically detailed line that she learned from her studies.
Outside of that, she could sense the powerful essence of the magi that inserted magic into this seal.
"Here. I'll write it on our next stop. I just ask that you provide the address others may be able to send similar letters to."
The wife and husband exchanged glances and nodded, delighted. They were certainly more curious about her identity, but didn't ask.
As promised, by the next stop, she found a private spot behind the trees and wrote, while Bazil stood there watching.
"I thought you'd say something like, 'You can't do this.'"
He had thought to say that many times. But with something like this, he knew it'd be futile.
Back when they were younger, Salīa had met twin white-haired brothers with pale skin from the neighboring outlands.
They were alongside the bordering refugee encampment, close to the Wisher's Waterfall in the forest.
She had been playing around with ala-bala ball with Bazil and Raki, and ran to retrieve it when they knocked into them as they were collecting flowers.
"I know you still think of Asher and Seraphis," he said.
Asher had been the elder, reserved one with a competitive streak and protective nature of the younger one. Seraphis was a lot shyer, childlike, and a mute at first.
In fact, Seraphis only spoke about a month later of knowing them, and his words were, "This feels familiar." To which Salīa said, "For me too."
After learning they were limited in words but quite erudite, Salīa, Bazil, and Raki took to teaching them all sorts of things. They heard someone telling them not to entertain outlanders, but they ignored it.
For they all became the best of friends, up until the incident. Yet Salīa continued to meet all sorts of children on the Noblas Veiros and took great thrill in teaching as well as learning.
Bazil wrote his own letter and stamped the lion family crest seal, which his father had earned.
He also helped heat the wax for Salīa to press her signet ring into as she marked and closed the letters.
She'd even written letters which she'd be sending out requesting that the council submit reasoned letters of petition to the given address.
To prevent any delay, she wrote out the template for them so that they only have to rewrite it in their own handwriting and sign it off.
"Are you certain they'll do this promptly? Especially considering who the black masks might be and how the council may feel."
"It's not a request, but a command," Salīa said firmly. "One that is emphasized by its importance in strengthening our nation and the realm.
If we promote structured education and opportunities for disadvantaged scholars, commoners will feel as acknowledged as nobles, no matter the demarcations of their birthplace.
But that does not mean they'll dishonor nobles as they rise, but support them. Because in these teachings, we'll instill virtuous principles and respect for law and custom, binding all to the same values.
That also grants us more precise means to reveal those with harmful intentions, as they'll be singled out by their distinctly maleficent conduct.
This may prove to be the most prudent path toward stability, harmony, and peace; dissolving unrest and reducing grievances.
If we are there for our people, our people will be there for us."
She paused and added, "And if they are not, then they are not people at all."
Bazil was stunned by the last line. He never expected she would sound so ruthless, but understood why she presented herself this way to the council.
It's never been a secret that the realm fears demons and were suspicious of outlanders roaming with many possessing them. So, if she touches on that nerve and shows fealty in such a way, even though many suspect her of being part of the demons, who would dare disagree?
"It seems the crown isn't too heavy for you."
"It gets heavier in each sitting," she said. "I don't feel it quite fits me, so please don't say such things."
He nodded.
"You do know what we need to do after we hand these over, yes?"
"Of course, I'm ready when you are," she said.
They pulled the elderly couple aside, and Bazil emphasized that they should not take for granted what they're about to receive and not dare expose them. Then their letters were handed over.
The couple's eyes widened at the royal Salazāhn seal, and they traced over the black and gold tiger.
They wanted to ask, but instead they just bowed and thanked them, saying they'll help them wander off.
It was already quite dark, and so Salīa and Bazil intended to just slip away. But the three brothers were intent on following her around.
It was only when the elder woman offered the brothers more fritters and drink from her gourd that the two managed to slide out. Yet they were shortly followed.
But luckily, Salīa and Bazil were adept tree-climbers after all their childhood adventures.
Only when the brothers gave up, and the caravan long passed, did they jump down and light their own lantern as they walked through the quieter and less steady path, full of shrubby bushes and muddied patches.
After some rest, feasting, and walking until their legs were numb, came the next afternoon, and they finally made it to Oggl.
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