Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 158 The Old Fox's Skill
Montiel, an Alpine town usually so quiet that only the sounds of cowbells and the wind can be heard, welcomed its most distinguished guest in history on this day.

The quiet streets were stirred by the wheels and hooves of horses, and the air was filled with tension and excitement.

The procession, consisting of four-wheeled carriages, light two-wheeled vehicles, and mounted attendants, drove in a grand procession into the town square.

At the heart of the procession was a four-wheeled carriage decorated with the ministry's emblem and pulled by two tall Norman horses.

Before the car had even come to a complete stop, Mayor Martino of Larangene rushed forward and personally opened the car door for the important figure inside.

Count Louis-Philippe de Rohan, the Deputy Minister of Public Education and Fine Arts, leaned forward with demure composure.

He was dressed in a well-tailored dark formal suit, the Legion of Honour ribbon on his chest was impeccable, and his face bore the typical expression of a Parisian magnate, a mixture of pity and authority.

His gaze swept over the low houses, the timid villagers, and the barren land around him, and he nodded slightly.

Mayor Martino bent over so low his head almost touched the ground: "Your Excellency, this is Montiel in Larané! You must be tired from your journey!"

Count Rohan gave a faint "hmm," extended his hand for the mayor to help him up, but his gaze had already passed over him, searching for another key figure on this trip.

The mayor of Monttier, François Bertan, and Father Peltier almost jogged to greet him.

Mayor Bertang wiped his hands on the hem of his coat before daring to extend them: "Minister... welcome... I am Mayor Bertang of Montier..."

Count Rohan gently corrected him: “It is the deputy minister, Mr. Mayor.” He then lightly shook hands with his fingertips before releasing them.

Father Peltier then made the sign of the cross on his chest: "May the Lord bless you, Your Excellency."

Mayor Martino hurriedly added, "Your Excellency, although Montiel is located in a remote area, I have always paid close attention to its...educational affairs..."

Count Rohan paid no attention to the mayor's boasting; his gaze finally fell on Lionel Sorel, who was standing a little behind in the crowd.

Unlike the others, Lionel did not rush forward; he simply stood calmly. But when he saw him, Count Rohan's face broke into a more genuine smile.

He took a few steps forward and extended his hand: "Leonard! I never expected that we would meet again in your hometown!"

You've done something amazing here!

Lionel's attitude remained neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Excellency, welcome to the Alps. It's a long journey, you must be tired!"

Count Rohan shook Lionel's hand vigorously: "For the future of France, this journey is nothing."

Your good deeds and foresight are a perfect example of the civic spirit advocated by the Republic! The Minister also expressed his high appreciation for this!

Seeing Lionel chatting and laughing with the unapproachable Count and the Deputy Minister, Mayor Martino felt a mix of emotions.

He did hope that Lionel would bring "Parisian connections," but he never expected it to be done through this top-down, surprise inspection.

This completely disrupted his plans, leaving him only with trepidation.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Count Rohan signaled the start of the ceremony.

He was led to the slightly higher rock in the center of the small square—where Lionel had stood not long ago to announce the scholarship program.

The reporters' pencils flew across the paper, and even a camera was set up.

The residents of Montiel were almost all gathered around the square.

Count Rohan cleared his throat, his voice becoming loud and infectious: "Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Montiel!"

I am here today from Paris not only on behalf of the Ministry of Education, but also on behalf of the Government of the Republic—

A deep concern for the right to education of every citizen in every corner of France!

Mayor Martino led the applause.

Count Rohan paused for a moment before continuing: "In Paris, we discussed grand plans, the future of the nation!"
And here, in Monttier, I see the cornerstone of this blueprint, and I see hope for the future! Mr. Lionel Sorel, your fine son, has taught us all a lesson through his wise and generous actions—

Education requires not only national investment, but also a high degree of responsibility and dedication from every citizen!

……

After spending a long 20 minutes praising Lionel, his "Parisian friend," Minister Ferry, and subtly praising himself, Count Rohan finally revealed the most crucial point:
"...I hereby solemnly announce that the Department of Public Education and Fine Arts, as well as myself, will closely monitor the use of this scholarship!"
The education department of Hauts-Alpes, the school district inspector of Gap, and even the city government of La Rangh must provide full support and cooperation to ensure that Mr. Lionel Sorel's wishes are fully implemented!

This is not only a sign of respect for the donors, but also a defense of the Republic's educational philosophy!
Any dereliction of duty, any attempt to profit from it, or any act of obstruction is a crime against the nation and its future, and will never be tolerated!

His words were resolute and left no room for doubt.

Mayor Martino's face was pale, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead; Mayor Bertang and Father Peltier also instinctively straightened their backs.

The speech ended amidst applause. Lionel then walked over to Count Rohan and posed for a photo.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Next, the main focus of the inspection was on St. Joseph's School.

The group moved again, led by Mayor Beltang, toward the school building converted from a dilapidated chapel.

The scene before them was clearly worse than Count Rohan had anticipated.

Peeling plaster, patched roof, crooked door, dim lighting, and the pervasive smell of mildew...

Fortunately, it was summer vacation, and Count Rohan did not ask to see the students.

Mr. Reynolds was so nervous that he was at a loss for what to do, and his lips were trembling.

Count Rohan carefully examined the classroom, flipped through the tattered textbooks, and even touched the cold stone walls and rough blackboard.

His face gradually darkened, his brows furrowed, and he turned to the accompanying Ministry of Education officials and school district representatives: "Gentlemen, this is part of our French Republic!"

A teacher has dedicated himself to this place for forty years! Forty years! And our children receive their early education in this environment!
Is this the education we promised our people?

The officials looked embarrassed and responded in hushed tones; the reporters, meanwhile, diligently wrote.

Then, Count Rohan walked up to old Renault and took his hand: "Mr. Renault, on behalf of the Ministry of Education and on behalf of France, I extend my highest respect to you!"
Your dedication is a treasure of the Republic!

Old Renault was so excited that he trembled all over and couldn't say a word. He just kept nodding, and tears welled up in his cloudy old eyes.

Count Rohan seized the opportunity to turn to the group of reporters, raising his voice again: "Gentlemen, you have all seen this! This is why Minister Jules Ferry and we are making every effort to promote free, compulsory primary education!"

Only through national legislation and financial guarantees, and only by truly regarding education as a national responsibility—

Only then can thousands upon thousands of St. Joseph's schools escape their predicament!
Only then can millions of Mr. Renault receive the support they deserve!
Only then can every French child enjoy equal and high-quality education!

This is the Republic's investment in the future, and even more so, an inescapable moral obligation!

Lionel could only sigh inwardly, thinking that Count Rohan was indeed a cunning old fox in politics, able to turn every opportunity into his own political capital.

The interview session followed.

Teacher Renault was already so excited that he was incoherent, only repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Your Excellency... Thank you, Lionel... For the children... For the children..."

Lionel had no choice but to help him answer.

At this point, a reporter from the Little Daily News astutely asked: "What do church schools like St. Joseph's mainly depend on for their operation and the salaries of their teachers?"
Is the local support sufficient?

Lionel glanced at the coat worn by Professor Renault, which was even more shabby than "poor Lionel," and then at Father Peltier, who was dressed in a magnificent priest's robe, and gave him a cruel smile.

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(End of this chapter)