Ellin truly didn't feel that Arkz had any romantic feelings for her.
In front of Arkz, Ellin felt like a pampered child, completely free from the vulgar glances and strange looks she usually received from peers.
Ellin didn't know that in Arkz's previous world, someone her age of sixteen would still be in junior high, and making a move on a minor was punishable by death.
Moreover, compared to lolis, Arkz preferred mature older sisters like Lisa and Jean, who had fuller figures.
As for Ellin's figure, although her mother saw great potential for the future, it was only potential. At least for now, the unremarkable Ellin held no attraction for Arkz.
Facing his beloved daughter's rebuttal, Herman explained:
"Ellin, you have to believe me. I know exactly what men her age are thinking; I came from that age group myself."
"Do you think I would have ended up with your mother back then? I used the opportunity of guiding her in swordsmanship to confess my feelings."
Ellin's mother pouted coquettishly, "Oh my, how can you say such things to our child? Really."
"However, I actually think that young man named Arkz and my Ellin are quite well-matched."
Herman exclaimed, "Wife, what are you saying!"
Ellin cried out, "Mom, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Ellin's mother replied, "Aren't they? The Arkz you mentioned is only twenty, he has a Vision, and he already owns a farm in Springvale at such a young age. How can we let such a high-quality son-in-law slip away?"
"Besides, this young man named Arkz must be very handsome, right?"
Ellin asked suspiciously, "Mom, how do you know? Have you met him before?"
Ellin's mother rolled her eyes at her, "You are my daughter; I know you well enough."
"Don't think I don't know you're a face-con. You've always liked playing with good-looking people since you were little—you take after me. I only agreed to let your dad guide my swordsmanship because he was handsome; otherwise, it wouldn't have been his turn."
Ellin said shyly and angrily, "Mom!"
Teased by her own mother, Ellin's face flushed slightly, and she ran into her room, locking the door.
Outside Ellin's room, her mother tried to placate them, "You know our daughter's personality. She's been opinionated and stubborn since childhood. If she sets her mind to something, even nine oxen couldn't pull her back."
Herman sighed, indicating his compromise.
Ellin's mother continued, "Instead of letting Ellin sneak off alone, why don't we all go with her to meet that Arkz? If you meet him personally, you'll be more at ease."
Herman pondered for a long time and then nodded.
Springvale, Patrol Team.
Amu was already waiting at the assembly point. Knowing he was early, Amu rested while awaiting his teammates.
In Amu's opinion, these noisy teammates were much more interesting than his wooden brethren who showed no reaction at all.
Since Amu was a wooden puppet, he emitted the scent of wood, so none of the hunting dogs kept in all of Springvale reacted to his arrival. Although canine senses of smell are sharp, on the continent of Teyvat where Elemental Power reigns supreme, the Elemental Sight is much more useful.
Because being late would earn a scolding from Captain Gray, Patrol Team members living farther from the assembly point would arrive early and wait for a while.
Seeing a figure moving near the assembly point at that time, this Patrol Team member assumed it was one of his teammates and immediately rushed happily to meet up with him.
When he got closer, he was horrified to discover a strangely shaped humanoid creature in front of him. He immediately went weak in the knees and collapsed to the ground, struggling to crawl away from the terrifying monster.
Amu, seeing his teammate arrive, happily went forward to greet him.
It wasn't until Amu stepped into the light that the Patrol Team member realized that the monster he had just seen was actually Amu, the new member who had joined the Patrol Team yesterday. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Amu looked a bit strange, based on their interactions yesterday, the guy had the personality of a mischievous child and harbored no ill intentions.
Furthermore, the members Gray selected for the Patrol Team were all carefully chosen. Regardless of their actual abilities, their character was guaranteed to be flawless.
Therefore, even though Amu joined them in a non-human form, he did not face discrimination or ostracism from his teammates. This was also why Amu liked the Patrol Team so much and was so eager for the job.
As time passed, the Patrol Team members gradually assembled. Gray nodded in satisfaction upon seeing everyone present and praised Amu for not being late.
Watching Amu become overjoyed just from a single compliment, Gray and the Patrol Team members all thought, "He really is just a child."
As a monster, Amu naturally possessed the ability to control Elemental Power. Therefore, Arkz positioned the wooden puppet to protect the farm, strengthening the wooden puppet's reconnaissance abilities so it could detect and stop monsters before they damaged the farm.
After joining the Patrol Team, Amu displayed astonishing perceptive abilities regarding monsters. Coupled with Amu's considerable combat strength, the Patrol Team's work efficiency increased significantly.
Seeing the outstanding performance of the newcomer Amu, the veterans of the Patrol Team naturally did not want to be outshone. Thus, these members became even more diligent when driving away monsters, which made Gray very happy.
Gray looked at the highly motivated members and couldn't help but muse, "If they had this much drive earlier, they would have passed the Knights of Favonius assessment and joined the organization long ago, instead of now when even a newcomer can outdo them."
Due to the team's competitive spirit—chasing and vying with each other—the Patrol Team arrived at Arkz's farm much earlier than the previous day.
"I wonder if we can drink that delicious tea from yesterday again today?"
"Stop dreaming, how could that be possible?"
"I wonder if Mr. Arkz finished building the sentry post he promised the Captain? If it's done, we can go in and rest for a while."
"It's only been one day, how could it be built so fast?"
"Wait!!!"
"Look over there!!!"
"Wow! What a beautiful pavilion!"
"It wasn't here yesterday; how is it here after just one day?"
"Could it be..."
"Could it be that Mr. Arkz built this for us!!!"
"That's amazing!!!"
Gray also wore a look of astonishment as he stared at the pavilion, which resembled a work of art before him. This speed, this craftsmanship, was truly unexpected.
At this moment, Arkz quietly appeared at the main gate of the farm.
Looking at the Patrol Team and Amu, who was happily waving at him, Arkz said lazily, "Good evening, members of the Patrol Team.