After the goblin massacre in the forest, Noah sought respite at Arthur's palace.

  He arrived to find a scene of industrious activity. "Well, well, well," he muttered to himself, "looks like things are already underway." A new structure was rising, hammered and shaped by a contingent of goblins.

  "And not a moment too soon," he thought, observing the impressive scale of the construction. This wasn't just any building; it was the foundation of a new era for the Goblin Kingdom – a school. "A school fit for kings... or at least, a king's ambitions," Noah mused.

  He'd stipulated that the school's construction, which he estimated would take at least three days, should rival the grandeur of Arthur's own palace.

  "Gotta make a statement, after all. Show them we're serious about this education thing."

  Just the day before, Noah, with his characteristic blend of benevolence and coercion, had convinced Arthur of the necessity of educating his goblin populace.

  "Education is the key," he'd explained to Arthur (and himself, really), "an educated goblin is a productive goblin, and a productive goblin means a prosperous kingdom. Simple economics, really." Arthur, ever mindful of Noah’s… persuasive methods, readily agreed. "Smart man, Arthur," Noah chuckled to himself.

  "Understands the value of… incentives."

  The school was designed to impart knowledge in various fields, from the practical, like construction and basic medicine, to more academic pursuits. "Gotta cover all the bases," Noah murmured, surveying the bustling construction site.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  "Can't have them all becoming philosophers. Though, a goblin philosopher… now that would be interesting."

  He understood that while goblins might not be the most intellectually gifted creatures compared to humans, their remarkable memories were a key asset.

  "Their short lifespans are a trade-off, I suppose," he reflected.

  "But they learn quickly and retain what they learn. That's crucial for accelerated development. We can work with that."

  Noah envisioned a future where goblin ingenuity, fueled by education, would propel the Goblin Kingdom to unprecedented heights.

  "Limitless potential," he whispered, a glint in his eye.

  "Just needs a little… nudge." He believed that with a little guidance, their potential was limitless, and this school, built to impressive standards, was the first step on that path.

  The rhythmic clang of hammers and the excited chattering of the goblin builders were a testament to the dawn of a new age for Arthur’s kingdom.

  "Or at least," Noah thought wryly, "the dawn of a new age for my plans."

  Noah wrestled with a problem: who could possibly lead and teach his goblin students? "Arthur's a shoo-in for principal," he mumbled.

  "Loyal as the day is long. But teachers…" He scanned the area.

  "No human options, unfortunately."

  His gaze fell upon the training goblins, their fierce dedication evident. "Hmm," he mused, watching them drill a group of goblins.

  He looked at six goblins, Arthur's royal bodyguard cum fighting instructors, and saw how well they taught combat.

  "If they can teach fighting," he reasoned aloud, "they can teach other subjects. It's all about pedagogy, really." So, even before the school was built, Noah's job was twofold: teach these six goblins the subjects they would then teach the other goblins, and, crucially, how to be effective teachers.

  "A teacher training program," he said to himself with a smile. "Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant."