Chapter 33
The illustrious ruler of the Angevin Empire, King Richard I of England, was once again gleefully seizing the assets of the nobility.
“Your Majesty, as per your orders, we thoroughly searched the manor and uncovered a plethora of incriminating evidence.”
“Excellent. Let’s negotiate whether they’ll face trial or surrender their wealth for a pardon.”
“Understood.”
Thanks to his consistent efforts since the beginning of his reign, the royal treasury was flourishing. While fear of the king grew, Richard’s formidable presence prevented any direct opposition. Instead, the power of the king and his close allies only continued to strengthen.
As Richard was compiling a list of treasures to confiscate next, a scribe entered the room.
“Your Majesty, the Count of Auvergne has sent a message.”
“Oh, what delightful news has our dear Marshal brought this time?”
Richard set aside his plans to expand the royal coffers for a moment and read the message from Marshal. After a brief pause, he asked the scribe with a puzzled expression, “Building a university? Why the sudden interest?”
“I’m not sure, Your Majesty. The letter suggests there are sensitive details best discussed in person.”
“Hmm… I see.”
If it’s something too delicate to put in writing, perhaps it’s another prophecy. “Very well. Summon Marshal here… No, I’ll go myself. Prepare for the journey.”
“Your Majesty, again?”
It had only been a few months since Richard traveled to the Count’s domain to meet with Philip II. Another visit might stir speculation among the nobility. But Richard was never one to worry about such trivial matters.
“Marshal wouldn’t propose this without reason. I must see for myself. Besides, I could use a prayer or two while I’m there. Ha!”
“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements.”
Richard casually pushed aside the list of nobles to be dealt with next and rose from his seat. “A university… It’s a topic I hadn’t considered before, but it’s timely. I should hear more about it.”
Recently, Richard realized that being king wasn’t quite what he had imagined. Ninety percent of it was tedious, bothersome, and headache-inducing, with only ten percent resembling the life he had dreamed of. Even if he had known this beforehand, he wouldn’t have given up the throne, but he couldn’t deny his growing dissatisfaction.
If things continued like this, even his unmatched swordsmanship might dull. Beating down nobles was a temporary stress relief; he needed a new challenge. With a solemn expression, Richard prepared to leave the palace.
I received detailed reports on the educational status within my domain from Bruno. As expected, the system was far from impressive. Given the era, public schools were nearly nonexistent, and the overall standard was low. Establishing a university here seemed unlikely to yield immediate benefits.
However, to successfully transform my domain, I needed an institution to attract intellectuals. In this era, nothing served that purpose better than a university, so I had to make it work.
Historically, medieval universities didn’t arise from deliberate creation. Existing schools couldn’t keep up with the rapid intellectual awakening spurred by the Crusades. Scholars, hungry for knowledge, formed groups to pursue higher learning, which eventually evolved into universities. Thus, universities naturally emerged in places with a concentration of scholars.
Philosophy and knowledge flourished in Paris, while Roman and Canon law reached their zenith in Bologna. The birth of universities was not by chance but by necessity. Skipping the process and aiming only for the result usually led to failure.
Bruno seemed skeptical about the success of this endeavor. But I believed it was possible—because it was me. I had already crafted a convincing argument; now, it was about delivering a compelling presentation. This wouldn’t be an issue, as Richard was so captivated by my words that he’d believe I could make meat grow from the ground.
Once the university was established, I planned to overhaul the educational system and transform my domain into the intellectual hub of England, France, and perhaps all of Europe.
“Count, His Majesty is expected to arrive soon.”
“Is that so? I’ll head out immediately.”
I mentally reviewed my arguments to persuade Richard and moved to welcome the king. It was time for an exciting negotiation.
“Your Majesty, I would have rushed to you at a moment’s notice, yet you honor me with your presence.”
“Haha! I know you’re busy with your domain, so I couldn’t just summon you. Besides, a little fresh air now and then keeps me from rusting. Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, I have some important matters to discuss with the Count. Everyone else, please leave us.”
At the king’s command, the soldiers quietly exited the room. Richard, as if in his own home, picked up a glass from the shelf, poured wine, and handed it to me.
“Your residence seems different from the last time I visited.”
“Does it? I haven’t made any changes.”
“It’s not the facilities… It’s more like there’s no longer any gaps, a certain chill in the air. I sound mad, don’t I? Forget it.”
Could he have sensed Fatima, disguised as a maid, watching him? Even as king, his beast-like instincts remained sharp. I marveled inwardly and smoothly changed the subject.
“Perhaps the presence of two kings visiting left a lingering tension. But I’ve heard you’re feeling a bit restless lately, Your Majesty.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.”
Otherwise, no matter how fond you are of me, would a king rush over like a puppy eager for a treat?
Richard furrowed his brow. “I was preparing for the Crusades, but now that things are in limbo, I feel… unmoored. It’s hard to describe.”
“I understand. You must have been on edge, anticipating the battlefield.”
“But as the King of England, I can’t remain in this state. As I mentioned before, I plan to strengthen the kingdom’s foundations. Your proposal to build a university seemed like fate.”
“There’s no such thing as coincidence. It’s all part of God’s plan.”
Richard nodded eagerly. “I agree.”
Since Frederick I’s untimely death, no one dared question my words. With both the King of England and the King of France acknowledging my prophetic authority, who could dispute it? Richard himself believed my every word without question.
“We need a university to retain intellectuals.”
“But aren’t there universities in England?”
“Your Majesty, forgive me, but when scholars on the continent consider attending a university, would they choose Paris, accessible by land, or an island requiring a sea voyage?”
”…That’s true.”
“Moreover, culturally, we’re closer to France. Most of our nobles and intellectuals, including yourself, are more familiar with French than English. Naturally, scholars would gravitate towards Paris over England.”
I exaggerated the issue’s severity, prompting Richard to ask curiously, “Is it really that significant?”
“It might not seem so now, but imagine this trend continuing for ten, twenty, or even a hundred years. It’s essentially a brain drain, handing our brightest minds to France.”
”…I see your point.”
“We must prevent our talents from leaving for other countries.”
Richard nodded. “That makes sense. But I’ve been thinking, and I have one question.”
“Of course.”
“Can a university be established just because we decide to?”
A natural question, and one I was prepared for.
“It would be challenging. That’s why I sought advice from Sir Alberic in France.”
“Oh, really? What did Alberic say?”
Thanks to my groundwork, most of my ingenious plans were attributed to Alberic. I would receive divine prophecies, and Alberic would devise plausible strategies. By now, Richard likely regarded Alberic as Europe’s greatest strategist.
“It might seem nearly impossible at first, but with a few strategic pieces of knowledge as bait, it should work out,” he suggested.
“Knowledge? The kind that could entice the world’s top scholars? Surely, that’s not something you can just toss around… Ah, but if it’s you, perhaps it’s possible.”
“Yes, I must admit, I’ve been entrusted with some wisdom. However, my understanding is quite limited, so I’m not entirely sure if it’s feasible or how to implement it.”
“Indeed. Even if I were told by God to build an ark, I doubt I could manage it like Noah did. I understand how you feel. So, you’re planning to gather the world’s leading scholars to verify it.”
If an ordinary person made such an outrageous claim, they’d be dismissed as a lunatic. But what if it were me?
If an ordinary person submitted a toilet to an exhibition, they’d be thrown out immediately. Yet, if a famous person did it, people would eagerly study their intentions.
The same applies to academia.
Though I’m not an engineer and can’t create things myself, I can propose more advanced concepts in fields like agriculture and medicine.
How could they resist?
When a proven divine messenger claims to have methods to double agricultural productivity and significantly reduce disease incidence, who wouldn’t take the bait?
Soon, scholars from all over Europe will flock to fill the seats of the university I’m establishing.
Once settled, they won’t easily leave.
In the distant future, not only Europeans but even scholars from the Islamic world will gather at this temple of knowledge I’ve created to discuss their studies.
The renowned English philosopher Francis Bacon once said, “Knowledge is power.”
If that’s true, then this domain I’m leading will soon possess the greatest power in the world.