Official Approval
That day, I visited the Tryon family estate with Elina and Amira in tow.
Lady Alyssa happened to be there as well, and we got to hear an update on Lillian and Wesley.
“They’re on their honeymoon right now.”
“I see. That explains why Gary suddenly got so busy. He never said why.”
Wesley must have taken a few days off, and Gary filled in for him.
He’s the kind of guy who’s always looking out for others, especially his juniors.
Next, I brought up the topic of Heather—the emissary from the Royal Academy.
Lord Doyle’s response to the matter was—
“You can do as you like.”
Just like that.
“But personally… I’d like you to stay here. That’s my honest opinion. I think most of the villagers would say the same. —But your life is yours. In the end, I’ll respect whatever decision you make.”
“Lord Doyle…”
For him to say that about me…
As a knight, I could ask for no higher honor. His words are worth more than any medal.
That said, I’d already made my decision.
“I have no intention of leaving Curtis Village. —However.”
“However?”
“I do want to help the talented children living here get into the Royal Academy… So I plan to visit and speak with them for that purpose.”
“I see. That would certainly be something to celebrate for the villagers.”
“I support your plan as well.”
“Thank you.”
Both Lord Doyle and Lady Alyssa were fully on board.
Up until now, only a select few could ever hope to attend the Academy.
Back in the day, even my sword master once told me, “With your skill, you’d do just fine at the Academy.”
But the barrier to entry was even higher then, and I had no realistic chance of getting in.
Now though, with the shift toward recruiting capable individuals from a wider pool, even kids living in remote provinces finally have a shot at real education.
I have to make use of this opportunity.
There are a lot of promising children in that village—Parker included. Their futures are bright.
Of course, that doesn’t mean just anyone can get in. But simply having the possibility makes a world of difference.
For now, once the carriage from the Academy arrives, I’ll head out and see for myself.
Now that I’ve got the official blessing from Lord Doyle, I can go with my head held high.
… That said, Elina will be staying behind again this time.
She seems to think she’s coming with me for some reason, but the one who’ll likely be accompanying me is Amira, since she might one day attend the Academy herself.
The air around the topic made it hard to bring that up directly…
What do you think about this chapter?
