Chapter 5 – The First Pillars

One day, two women came. One from Korea, one from Japan.

“We are not fighters,” said the Korean. “I was a teacher back home. Please, let me teach here.”
“I as well,” said the Japanese woman. “Your nation… has hope.”

Mark welcomed them warmly. “Knowledge is our foundation. Teach the children well.”

Schools opened, a small clinic too. Mark trained ex-bandits as police.

“From now on, your strength protects the people,” he said firmly.

Meanwhile, exports of food, soap, perfume, and baths amazed neighbors. But kings scoffed.
“Elections? Foolish. Peasants cannot rule.”

Yet many nobles whispered in envy.