Chapter 117

A Hopeless Love?
Parker’s feelings for Amira.
To think it was love… Well, I had a hunch it might be, but I never expected him to actually confess it to us.

… Now then, what should I do?
This kind of thing would probably be better handled by someone like Gary, who’s good with women, but calling him all the way out here just for this feels a bit much.

While I was still mulling it over, Elina, for some reason, was fired up.
She thumped her chest and spoke boldly to Parker.

“Leave it to me! I, Elina Bellows, will help you with this!”

“Whoa! So Miss Elina has a lot of experience with love?”

“…………”

“Miss Elina?”

Parker, worried when Elina suddenly went silent… but he’s still a kid. Naturally, he just poked a very sore spot for adults.

Even though she’s currently assigned to a rural post like me, she’s the daughter of the Vice-Commander of the Knights and was once seen as a rising star.
Like Hank, unless you had the right family background, you wouldn’t even dare speak casually to her—a real highborn beauty.
There’s no way she could be "experienced in love" at her age.

In fact… it’s entirely possible she’s never even had a deep relationship with the opposite sex before.
That’s why I never bring up this kind of topic with Elina.
No matter what, I can’t help but picture Vice-Commander Bellows’ terrifying face looming behind her.
In that sense, Parker’s comment was pretty fearless.

That said, I couldn’t just leave things hanging like this forever. It was about time I stepped in.

“Parker, Amira’s only staying in this village for a short while. That girl is destined to enroll in the Royal Academy and join the Magic Corps. She’s going to become someone far beyond your reach.”

“Then I’ll enroll in the Royal Academy too!”

“… Huh?”

I didn’t expect that reply.
It looks like Parker’s feelings for Amira are completely genuine.

But if someone from this village were to make it into the Royal Academy, it would become a huge source of encouragement—not just for the kids here now, but for those born in the future as well.

And… with his ability, it’s not an impossible dream.
Since I began training him, his growth has been remarkable.
More than anything, he’s earnest and dedicated—an attitude that’s crucially important.

The road ahead will be tough, but it’s not a dream that can’t be achieved.
I told Parker exactly that.

“I… I’m going to do my best!”

“You’ve got yourself a great goal, Parker.”

“Yes, sir!”

If the young ones grow more spirited, the whole village will thrive.
Parker’s bright smile gave me hope of that.

What do you think about this chapter?