[quote=@Pirouette]
Am I also fair to say that most people do not know how to read in the setting? I see a particular niche with a character that can’t fight but can runs books, read, and politic around. 
[/quote]

I imagine your average working class schmoe wouldn't be able to read, but most ships will need at least one person who can read a map, merchants need to be able to read ledgers, etc. It's still an advantage over most common folk, but it's not unheard-of.