CJRD CH 10

Chapter 10

“He really knows a lot and is smart. He answers everything I ask. Studying on my own is fine, but sometimes I need help with the harder parts.”

Yeah… he’d definitely be helpful.

After all, Basago knows everything—and can find out anything.

He could probably answer any question Estelle asks.

But that’s what made him dangerous.

He was the kind of person who could dig into people’s dreams or deepest secrets, and use that information however he wanted.

And yet, he never revealed anything about himself.

His interests, desires, secrets… all hidden.

‘If they spend time together, Estelle could get hurt!’

At first, he’d share helpful knowledge to get closer to her.

Then he’d start messing with her feelings. And once he got bored, he’d throw her away.

Not just hurting her stats—but her heart, too.

I couldn’t let that happen.

“I can help you with your studies!”

“You, Miss Morris?”

“Of course! I’ve studied quite a bit myself. I can teach you.”

I meant it.

Believe it or not, I was once accepted into the academy a few years ago.

I just chose not to go.

Maybe because in my previous life, I lived in a country obsessed with academics. I had grown to hate studying.

‘Besides, back then, Mr. Morris and his wife were very sick too…’

Anyway, when it came to studying, I was confident.

I crossed my arms and looked proudly at Estelle.

“But Miss Morris, you’re always busy with work. You won’t have time.”

Ugh. She had a point.

Estelle usually went to the library while I looked after the village kids.

She went during that time to study alone—and also to avoid the kids who weren’t very friendly toward her.

If I were to teach her, either I’d have to give up work, or Estelle would have to deal with cold stares again.

One of us would have to sacrifice something.

“Basago isn’t a bad teacher. Last time, he helped me by chance, and it was really helpful. He recommended good books too. When I mentioned I wanted to enter the academy, he explained things even more clearly.”

“But… isn’t it kind of weird? I mean, he’s a stranger…”

“I’m not planning to get close to him. It’s strange that he won’t even take off his hood indoors, or show his face. That’s suspicious, right?”

Wait—she hasn’t seen his face?

I blinked, confused.

In the game, Basago always showed his face to Estelle first, then stopped wearing his hood around her.

So I just assumed he already had this time too… since he showed it to me.

I gave Estelle a strange look. She shrugged and spoke calmly.

“I don’t even know what he looks like, so I don’t plan to get close. I’ll only ask questions when I really need to.”

I couldn’t stop her anymore.

I had no good reason left—and it was clear she had already made up her mind.

‘Alright. Maybe I should try to look at the bright side. At least her intelligence stat will go up faster now.’

If we’re lucky, maybe her magic or resistance stats will increase too.

Sure, her morality and faith might drop, but there are ways to fix that.

Besides, spending time with Basago doesn’t always lead to a bad ending…

It might be okay.

‘Still, I’ll make sure she always carries the charm.’

The less time they spend together, the better. That way I can prevent the worst.

I touched the charm pouch inside my apron pocket as I thought.

“And there’s one more thing I wanted to tell you.”

“W-What is it?”

I tensed again.

The news about studying with Basago was already shocking—what if this was something even worse?

I waited nervously for her to speak.

“I want to get a part-time job.”

“A part-time job?”

Instead of something scary, she said something completely unexpected.

I blinked at her in surprise.

****

Early the next morning, in the chilly air…

I was walking with Estelle toward the farmland on the other side of the village.

The reason?

“I want to get a part-time job.”

Estelle had handed me a flyer about it.

Right after her surprise announcement about studying with Basago.

I stared at the flyer she gave me and blinked.

“A farm job?”

“Yes.”

The flyer said “HELP WANTED!” in big letters and had the name of the village’s largest farm—Marker’s Farm.

I scanned it quickly and turned to Estelle, puzzled.

“Why a job all of a sudden?”

“Today, I read a book called Basics of Swordsmanship at the library. I tried swinging a wooden sword like it said. But I got out of breath after just a few swings.”

Estelle bit her lip, frustrated, and continued.

“If I’m like this now, I’ll fall behind at the academy. So I thought—I need to build up my stamina.”

And so, because of her strong passion for the academy, she decided to get a part-time job.

****

Stamina: 40

****

Technically speaking, Estelle’s stamina wasn’t bad.

Actually, it was above average for her age.

I hadn’t tested it, but she could probably outrun other kids if they raced.

‘It must be thanks to all the running around with the elves in the forest.’

But for sword training, her stamina was clearly lacking.

Even a wooden sword is pretty heavy.

Just holding it is tough—swinging it even more so.

‘Still… It feels strange. She wants to work on her own now.’

To be honest, I was planning to suggest she get a part-time job eventually.

Not for money—but for her stats.

In this life-simulation game, part-time jobs are another way to boost stats.

From farming to hunting, delivery work to gravekeeping…

There are all sorts of jobs, and each boosts different stats. Some even increase stats more than academy classes.

‘Farming is one of those top-tier jobs.’

To become emperor, Estelle needs to have over 450 stamina before she turns 18.

But at the academy, the only class that raises stamina is martial arts.

And even then, it increases very slowly—not enough to hit the goal.

Farming, on the other hand, involves constant physical labor and gives much more stat growth.

Even more than martial arts or other jobs.

‘Of course, jobs aren’t perfect. They have downsides…’

But I could think about those later.

I shrugged and kept walking.

****

After walking for a while…

We finally reached the edge of the farmland.

That’s when we heard—

“Reina!”

A freckled young man was waving at us from the entrance.

It was Peter, the farm owner’s son—and my childhood friend.

“Hey, Reina!”

“Long time no see, Peter.”

Peter ran over with a bright smile.

He was the same age as me—we met when I was around Estelle’s age.

Back then, I worked on the farm to buy a gift for the Morris couple, and that’s how I became friends with the farm owner’s son.

‘Peter’s really grown up.’

From far away, he looked the same. But up close, I could see he was taller and stronger than before.

Though his face, full of freckles, still looked as gentle as ever.

“Let me introduce you. Peter, this is Estelle. Estelle, this is Peter.”

“Hi, Estelle! Nice to meet you. I’m Peter, co-owner of this farm.”

“Hello, Peter. I’m Estelle.”

“Just call me Peter!”

He bent down to meet Estelle at eye level.

Then he gave her a big, warm smile and held out his hand like a friendly puppy.

Estelle looked down at Peter’s hand.

Despite his kind face, his hands were rough and calloused from farm work.

After hesitating a little, she gently took his hand.

Then she gave a small nod and said softly,

“Okay, Peter.”

Standing beside her, I was stunned.

‘What?! I’ve never even been allowed to call her by name!’