Chapter 41
The phrase introducing Basago in “Raise Your Daughter” alone was enough to show how dangerous he was.
He would do anything for new stimulation.
Pushing others to the edge and ultimately throwing them off a cliff—such things were almost laughable to him.
“Of course, if you endure that little game, greater rewards follow.”
However, in the future I envisioned for Estelle, there would be no help or rewards from him.
In fact, it’s more advantageous that there is no help or reward.
“And honestly, this whole situation just feels unsettling.”
He appeared in front of me even though no conditions had been met, and he showed his face to me, of all people, first.
Moreover, even the mages of the Magi Tower, who shouldn’t have any connection with him yet, were looking for him.
His actions so far were far different from what I knew.
“If this continues, something I don’t know about will happen.”
Something that couldn’t be solved with the information I had.
“Hmm. It seems you’re speaking sincerely.”
Basago withdrew his hand from beneath his cloak and lightly brushed his chin.
As always, the metal covering his hands and wrists gleamed with a clear sound.
“Yes. That’s why I hope we can say our goodbyes here today.”
“Your final goodbye, then.”
Displeasure filled his gaze under the cloak.
But that only lasted a moment.
Soon, he lowered his waist in a casual gesture and brought his lips close to my ear.
“However, I’m certain that you will be the one to seek me out first. I look forward to meeting you in the not-so-distant future.”
He whispered softly in my ear.
At the same time, a powerful gust of wind blew.
I closed my eyes against the sudden sharp wind.
“Well then, goodbye.”
When I opened my eyes again at his brief farewell, Basago was gone.
Time passed.
The day of Estelle’s entrance was just a few days away.
“Isn’t Estelle nervous at all?”
In just a few nights, she would be entering the Pantora Academy.
Even today, Estelle went to the farm.
“I know it’s all because of the beautiful crops competition.”
Still, I wanted to spend time with her and help her relax!
It was such a shame.
I had even thought about following Estelle, wanting to spend time with her and also curious about the crops she was growing.
‘I wonder what kind of crops she’s growing.’
But no matter how much I asked her to show them on the day of the competition, she wouldn’t answer.
“Not even if I asked Peter.”
Apparently, Peter had also been tightly silenced by Estelle.
Even when I tried to subtly ask, he just shook his head and didn’t say a word.
Until now, there had been no secrets between us as childhood friends.
That title was now gone.
Stats:
Stamina: 117 (+14)
Sensitivity: 43 (+13)
Seeing the increase in her stamina and sensitivity stats, it didn’t seem like there were any problems on the farm.
I decided to take comfort in that, at least.
Intelligence: 144 (+2)
“Indeed, her intelligence stat is rising much more slowly now.”
After meeting Basago and being told not to approach him anymore, Estelle’s intelligence stat grew much more slowly than before.
It was truly because Basago had not approached her.
‘She seems to be studying diligently on her own… but it must be frustrating.’
There was no one to ask when she encountered something she didn’t understand.
Still, in the long run, it was better that she didn’t meet Basago.
Moreover, at the academy, there would be professors who could provide excellent guidance, so she would probably be fine.
Not as much as Basago, but still.
“Have you been waiting long?”
Lost in thought, I heard a familiar voice.
“Julie!”
I had come to see her after a long time.
I jumped up and gave her a light hug.
“Sorry. The client’s requests were quite demanding.”
Julie tapped my shoulder lightly with a troubled expression.
I smiled faintly at her.
“That’s only because you did such a good job. And I didn’t wait long at all. I was too busy looking at the clothes to notice the time.”
“Really? That’s a relief. Ah, should I go inside first and take a seat? I’ll bring drinks in.”
Julie pointed toward the sitting room inside.
I nodded and went in ahead of her.
“Wow. There’s so much again this time.”
The sitting room was, how should I put it… tidy, yet messy.
It was supposed to be neatly organized, but it looked disordered with catalogs, sample fabrics, and request forms scattered as if just used.
“Chamomile tea okay?”
“Sure.”
Julie entered as I looked around.
I brought my cup to her, seeing that her hands were full.
“Thanks. It was a bit heavy.”
“You’re welcome. I’m the one who should be asking for help today anyway.”
I winked at Julie, and she laughed lightly as if exasperated.
She gathered the scattered request forms and catalogs on the table and stacked them neatly aside.
Then, taking a sip of tea, she spoke.
“You’re here because of the clothes for the festival, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Julie nodded as if she expected that.
About twice a year, Julie’s face would darken from exhaustion.
This was one of those times, about a month before the festival.
Around this time, her atelier would be packed with clients.
It couldn’t be helped.
People wanted special clothes for special days.
At least one consolation for Julie was that her balance increased with the number of customers.
“Are you dressing all the children again this time? What designs do you have in mind?”
And that was my concern as well.
‘Not for me, though.’
The children I cared for participated in the festival every year.
Though this spring I wanted to rest, and the children wanted to spend time with family, so we didn’t participate.
Perhaps because we took a break, their attitude toward this festival was unusually enthusiastic.
‘Every meeting was spent discussing how many paper flowers we’d need, where to get the paper, and which flowers to fold.’
They didn’t even ask for my help, determined to handle it themselves.
So what could I do?
All I could do, as before, was make the clothes for them.
At least that.
“This time, the children will hand out paper flowers at the festival.”
“Paper flowers?”
“Yeah. They want people to think of the autumn festival when they see the flowers later.”
“Oh, what a wonderful idea!”
Hearing the reason, Julie clapped her hands and smiled brightly.
Seeing her reaction to the children’s pure thoughts made me feel praised as well.
“So for this festival, I want the children’s clothes to have a fairy-like feel. Mix white and green appropriately.”
“Fairies…”
Julie muttered softly, thinking aloud, then smiled and spoke.
“So you only have a vague image, no concrete design?”
“Yeah. I’m not an expert. I want to leave the design to you.”
“That’s my specialty. Leave it to me.”
Julie tapped her chest confidently, and I felt complete trust in her.
“Oh, and I’d like to request one more outfit.”
“Huh? One more? What kind of outfit?”
Julie tilted her head, curious.
We usually only ordered the children’s clothes, never an additional outfit.
I scratched my head, embarrassed.
“Estelle is entering the Beautiful Crops Competition.”
“Estelle? I knew she worked at Peter’s farm, but I didn’t know she was entering the competition. She must be serious about farming.”
I laughed awkwardly at her surprised voice.
I remembered burning the farming journal.
“So… what kind of outfit do you want for Estelle?”
“Well…”
I pictured Estelle: pink hair shining like sunlight, sparkling green eyes, skin tanned from working on the farm but still clear and fresh.
‘She’d probably look good in anything.’
A face completes the fashion.
But since it’s the Beautiful Crops Competition, I want her outfit to match the event’s theme.
“A cute little farmer.”
Unlock soon !~