Sara's house came into view. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and the house looked welcoming in the morning light. Bertha was sweeping the yard with quick, efficient strokes. When she spotted Sara and Lys approaching, she dropped the broom right where she stood and hurried over, her apron flapping.
"Miss Sara! There you are!" Bertha called, a bit out of breath as she reached them. She wiped her hands on her skirt, her round face flushed. "Why are you so late? Lord Valtor's already here! He showed up earlier than we thought. He's inside right now, waiting for you."
Sara's eyes went wide, and she shot a quick look at Lys. He met her gaze, surprise flickering across his face too. "Already?" Sara said, her voice jumping up. "But I thought he wouldn't arrive until noon!"
Bertha nodded, glancing back at the house like she expected someone to come out any second. "He came with his carriage at dawn. Just as he came, he asked to meet Lady Elowen straight away."
Sara put a hand to her forehead, looking stressed. "Did you welcome him properly? Offer him tea or something? Did he seem upset that I wasn't there to greet him?"
Bertha shrugged, her shoulders lifting in a helpless way. She scratched her head. "Couldn't really tell from his face, he's got that stern look, you know? But as soon as he got here, he just wanted to see his daughter. We guided him right to her room. Madam Olga's in there with them now, keeping things smooth, I think. But I don't think he's too displeased. He's more focused on Lady Elowen, I reckon."
Sara let out a breath, nodding fast. "Okay, good. Thanks, Bertha. I'll be right in." She turned to Lys, grabbing his arm lightly. "Wait here for a minute, okay? I'll get changed quickly, and we can go to the sitting room together. Lord Valtor might want to talk to you and thank you himself for saving Elowen."
Lys nodded, though he felt a little awkward standing there. "Sure. Take your time."
Sara dashed inside; her footsteps were quick on the wooden floor. Bertha picked up her broom again but lingered, giving Lys a curious once-over. She started sweeping the front yard as if he wasn't even there. She was still very shy in front of Lys.
***
A few minutes later, Sara came back out, now in a clean dress with her hair tied back neatly. She looked more put-together, but her cheeks were still a bit pink from rushing. "Ready? Let's not keep him waiting longer."
Lys fell into step beside her as they headed inside. "You okay? You look nervous."
Sara gave a small laugh, smoothing her dress. "A little. Lord Valtor's nice enough, but he's important. Just follow my lead, yeah?"
They walked through the door into the cozy sitting room, where voices murmured from down the hall.
As Sara led the way into the cozy sitting room, her steps were quick but composed. Lys followed just behind her, running a hand through his hair to smooth it down. He let her go first; she was the lady of the house, after all. The room was warm, with sunlight streaming through open windows and a faint smell of fresh bread. Voices murmured softly, but they stopped as Sara and Lys entered.
Lord Valtor rose from his chair right away. He was a healthy middle-aged man, tall and broad-shouldered, with short hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He was the first man Lys saw till now after coming to this world, who wasn't sickly or poor-looking.
The clothes he wore were also fine but practical, a dark coat with subtle gold embroidery that spoke of wealth without shouting it.
But what hit Lys most was the aura around him. It wasn't just his build or the way he stood straight; there was a quiet power in his eyes, a steady confidence that made the air feel thicker. Lys knew instantly that this man was strong. Very strong. Probably a fighter, or someone who'd seen real battles.
Sara's mother, Olga, stood up too, smoothing her dress. She gave a quick bow to Lord Valtor. "Excuse me, my lord. I'll leave you to talk." She slipped toward the door, her footsteps light.
Sara waved her hand. "Mom, you can stay if…"
But Olga was already gone, the door clicking shut behind her.
Lord Valtor smiled warmly at Sara, his voice deep and smooth. "Miss Sara, I presume, good morning. It's good to see you finally. I heard a lot about you from Elowen."
Sara dipped into a polite curtsy. "Good morning, Lord Valtor. I'm so sorry I'm late. I didn't expect you this early."
He waved it off with a chuckle. "No need for apologies. My travel went smoother than planned, that's it."
Sara straightened up. "Please, no need to stand for me, my lord."
Lord Valtor raised an eyebrow, still smiling. "What are you saying? Why would I stay sitting when my only daughter's savior walks in?"
Sara blinked, then shook her head quickly. "Oh, no, I'm not the one who saved her ladyship. This is the person who did." She stepped aside a little, letting Lord Valtor see Lys clearly behind her.
Lord Valtor's gaze shifted to Lys. For a moment, he just looked him over, like he was evaluating Lys. His eyes were sharp, taking in Lys's build, his stance, everything.
Then, suddenly surprising all of the people present in the room, his face broke into a bright, genuine smile. He stepped forward, extending a hand. "Ah, so you're the young man Elowen was talking about. Hmm.. "
Lys met his grip with a firm handshake. Lord Valtor's hand was calloused and strong, the kind that came from real work, not just sitting in a fancy chair. It confirmed what Lys felt: that aura of strength wasn't fake. This guy could probably handle himself in a fight better than most.
"Pleasure to meet you, my lord," Lys said, keeping his voice steady. "I'm Lysander Veyne."
"Hmm, Lysander Veyne. Not a bad name, young man."
Lys politely said, " Just Lys is fine, my Lord."
Lord Valtor shook his hand warmly, then clapped him on the shoulder. "Lys, then. I've heard the story from Elowen. You faced those wolves alone? Brave work you did, young lad. When she spoke so highly of you, I thought you were some knight or soldier. So, forgive me for not recognizing you earlier. Come, sit down, both of you. We have much to discuss."
Sara nodded, looking relieved. "It's okay, my lord. And thank you for your kind words."