CIJRMD l CH 38

Chapter 38

And just by looking around, you could tell.

As soon as Estelle said the test was easy, sharp gazes poured in from all directions.

They came not only from the children leaving the exam hall with her, but also from their parents.

“The good thing is that I at least recognized all the questions, so it was fine. But I’m worried I might have made some mistakes. If I fail just because of one wrong answer, I’ll be so frustrated I won’t be able to sleep.”

But there was almost no chance Estelle had made mistakes.

I knew, and the whole world knew, how meticulous she was.

And even if, by the slimmest chance, she had slipped up, it wouldn’t matter. She’d surely done far better than the others.

“Anyway, I’m glad the test felt easy to you. I’m sure you did well.”

But this wasn’t the time to just stand around.

“You worked so hard, so today we’re going to eat something delicious! I’ll buy you whatever you want!”

“I told you, I didn’t do that well!”

I ignored Estelle’s protests, shaking her head, and lightly brushed them aside.

Then I took her hand firmly and strode quickly toward the plaza.

To spread the word everywhere that Estelle had done well on her test.

Honestly, my child is a genius!

* * *

Estelle couldn’t understand Reina.

“Why do you keep insisting I did well on the test? And why do you brag about me so much?”

The test was just easy, that’s all. It didn’t necessarily mean she had scored high enough to pass.

Reina was getting ahead of herself too much.

Though… it’s not like I hate the bragging.

It made her chest feel tingly and warm.

Ah, this person must really love me. That’s why she wants to show me off to everyone.

Feeling that sincerity… how could she dislike it?

And for some reason, Estelle felt that even if she didn’t pass, Reina wouldn’t mind at all.

“Still, I really hope I pass.”

After all, Reina had run around telling everyone that she thought Estelle did well.

What if she didn’t pass?

Estelle worried people would point fingers at Reina for spreading baseless rumors.

“And if possible, I’d really like to study different things at the academy.”

Everyone knew that the level of education at Pantora Academy was among the highest.

Surely, if she attended there, she could learn so much.

And the more she learned, the more ways she could find to help Reina.

If she studied academics, she could help Reina teach the children.
If she studied magic, she could grant the things Reina dreamed of.
If she learned martial arts, she could protect Reina by her side.

Whatever it was, as long as I could learn it at the academy… if it meant helping Reina, then anything would be worth it.

Estelle wanted to make Reina smile.

That’s how desperately she wished to pass the Pantora Academy exam.

But the test was over now, and there was nothing more she could do.

The rest was out of her hands.

All she could do was wait for the results.

And rather than waste time worrying about something she couldn’t control, it was better to do something else—like find new ways to make Reina happy.

Steeling her resolve, Estelle quickened her steps toward the farm.

A short while later, she arrived and looked around, as if searching for someone.

Soon, she spotted who she was looking for and headed straight there.

“Huh? Estelle?”

“Hello, Peter.”

The person Estelle sought was Peter.

He had just finished his fieldwork and was tidying up.

Drenched in sweat, he was loading farm tools onto a cart when he noticed Estelle. Their eyes met, and he immediately stopped what he was doing.

Though puzzled, Peter greeted her warmly.

“What brings you to the farm? Isn’t today your day off? Did something happen?”

“There’s something I want to discuss with you, Peter.”

“With me?”

“Yes.”

Peter pointed at himself, tilting his head in confusion.

He had no idea what matter she could possibly want to consult him about.

“Well, alright then. How about we sit over there and talk?”

Glancing around, Peter pointed to the nearest bench.

It was set up under a parasol for the workers to rest on hot days.

Once Estelle nodded, he led her there, and they sat down together.

“So, what’s so important you needed to consult me? I’m curious.”

Settling in, Peter pulled a water bottle from a basket under the parasol and handed it to her—an unspoken gesture for her to take her time and feel comfortable.

After giving her the bottle, he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees, and tilted his head to look at Estelle with a sideways glance.

Estelle thought Peter was truly a good person.

Even with her sudden visit, he showed no annoyance, only a sincere willingness to listen, with small but thoughtful gestures.

But—she didn’t like him that way. Nor did she dislike him.

Meeting his gaze lightly, Estelle opened her mouth.

“The autumn festival is coming up.”

“That’s right.”

“I want to enter one of the competitions then. I was hoping you could help me.”

“A competition?”

Peter’s expression grew uncertain.

She wanted his help for a competition? But he had no idea which kind.

“Well, I’d be honored, but… what could I possibly help you with?”

“Of course you can help. The competition I want to enter is the Beautiful Crops Contest.”

“The Beautiful Crops Contest?”

Peter was startled.

He hadn’t expected her to say that.

Usually, children Estelle’s age longed to enter one of the more glamorous contests: martial arts, hunting, or perhaps the arts.

But a contest about crops? That was something children flatly refused, all ten out of ten.

It wasn’t flashy, and it looked plain compared to the others.

Which was why Peter was all the more surprised to hear Estelle’s answer.

“Well, if that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right person! That’s my specialty!”

Suddenly realizing why Estelle had sought him out, Peter’s face lit up. He thumped his chest confidently, smiling so wide his eyes curved like crescent moons.

“Now, what crop would be best? Since it’s autumn, something harvested in the fall would be ideal…”

He rubbed his chin, muttering to himself, rolling his eyes as though mentally listing possible candidates.

“There are so many crops to harvest, it’s hard to choose. Things like wheat or beans are popular, but that makes them harder to judge fairly. They’re also small, so it’s tricky to assess their quality.”

Peter pondered the question as though it were his own competition.

After mumbling through several possibilities, his face brightened as though struck by inspiration.

“What about a vegetable like carrots? Bright colors are great for catching the eye. Of course, it depends on the exact type…”

“No, I don’t want vegetables.”

“Then what about fruits—apples, pears, or pomegranates? They’re a good size, easy to judge quality, and they attract attention more than most crops.”

As expected of someone with years of farming experience, Peter immediately offered alternative suggestions when she declined.

But Estelle shook her head again.

“I already know what crop I want.”

“Oh? What is it? Tell me.”

Peter asked kindly, watching her closely.

Estelle met his gaze firmly.

Then, with determined eyes, she spoke.

“Pumpkins. I’m going to grow pumpkins.”