"So, it was Vera who led you into taking Lenny as your disciple?"
Ezra asked while looking at Rogers with his usual calm expression.
The dining room remained quiet after Rogers had finished talking about his past.
The warm light from the chandelier above reflected softly against the polished table.
The scent of the finished meal still lingered in the air.
"She brought up the idea."
Rogers scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
A small laugh escaped him.
"But I chose Lenny because I saw promise in him."
His expression softened.
For the first time that evening, the old blacksmith's eyes carried pride instead of regret.
"The kid has a lot of talent."
"He really does."
Lucy quietly listened from her seat.
Then she spoke after processing everything he had said.
"But the truth is..."
She rested her chin lightly on her hand.
