Lys held the two gold coins in his palm, their gleam mocking him under the fading afternoon sun. He could feel Sara's anger radiating behind him, hot and sharp.
His heart was telling him to let her rampage, but he didn't actually want things to explode, at least not yet. So with a quick step, he positioned himself in front of her, blocking her path to the chief like a shield.
"Uhh, chief," Lys said, his voice steady and polite, forcing a grateful smile onto his face. He bowed his head slightly, playing the part of the humble villager. "I'm very glad you saw my service worthy of these two gold coins. I'm truly grateful for it." The words tasted bitter in his mouth, but he swallowed them down. Better to de-escalate now than let Sara burn bridges she might still need.
The chief blinked, caught off guard by the calm response. He scratched his beard again, letting out a gruff chuckle. "Eh, yeah, well... good on ya, kid." He shrugged it off like he didn't sense Sara's angry face at all, turning away without another glance at Lys.
"Anyway, Sara, we'll talk more at the council meeting later. Don't be late." He waved a meaty hand dismissively and started walking down the path, the women falling in step behind him like they were his obedient shadows.
Father John lingered for a second, his eyes flicking between Sara's furious expression and Lys's composed one. He cleared his throat, adjusting his robes. "Yes, Sara, do come to the council before evening. We have many preparations to discuss." Even though he could see the storm brewing on Sara's face, her defense of Lys was clear as day, but he said nothing about it. No apology, no acknowledgment of Lys's contribution to this achievement for the village.
He just nodded politely and followed the chief, his footsteps soft on the dirt.
The group shuffled away, their voices murmuring low as they disappeared around the bend, leaving the yard empty except for the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Lys pocketed the coins, feeling their insignificant weight in his pocket like a joke. He turned to Sara, ready to explain, but she was already there, her hand landing firmly on his shoulder. Her grip was tight, not painful, but insistent, her eyes still blazing.
"Lys," she said, her voice low and edged with frustration. "Why didn't you let me say anything? I was about to tear him into pieces, two gold coins? For what you did? That's an insult, Lys!"
Lys met her gaze, his expression softening. He placed his hand over hers on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And what would have happened if you did? From my point of view, it looked like the priest John and the chief are on the same side, leaving you all alone in that council. I'm correct, Right?"
Sara didn't answer, "What if you complained too hard and they kicked you out? Then what? You'd lose your spot, and for what, a fight over me?"
Sara's face, still flushed, started to relax a bit. She pulled her hand back, crossing her arms over her chest as she let out a slow breath. The fury in her eyes dimmed a little bit, replaced by a mix of realization and stubbornness.
"What do you think I am, Lys? Some weak little flower they can trample always? I hold the largest lands in this village, Lys. Most of the poor folks here work in my fields; they depend on me for their livelihoods. Just because I'm a pushover sometimes to keep the peace doesn't mean they can always get what they want. I've put up with their attitudes for years, biting my tongue to protect my workers."
She paced in a small circle in the grass, her skirt swishing with each step, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. Lys watched her, admiring how she carried herself, strong but not reckless.
Sara continued, "Before, yeah, I had to tiptoe around them. Even though I have power from my fields, I didn't hold any real authority here. Most of the legal stuff from the capital was all handled by Priest John and the village chief. They controlled the permits, the taxes, the disputes. One wrong word, and they could make life hell for my people, deny a harvest license, hike up fees, you name it. So, I couldn't risk that."
"But now?" Sara stopped pacing, turning to face him fully, her eyes lighting up with a fierce determination. "Things have changed, Lys. I have backing from Lord Valtor himself. Not only that, because of you and me, the guild is being built right here. That's going to bring money, people, and opportunities to this outskirts village. Of course, I can wave my authority around now. They can't treat me, or you, like dirt anymore. I should've let them have it. You should've let me handle it, Lys."
He chuckled softly, smiling as he found her determined face cute. "Still... the guild isn't built yet. If we get on the wrong side of them too soon, they might pull some dirty tricks, won't they? Like delaying approvals, spreading rumors, or making things harder just out of spite. You don't want that, right?"
Sara fell silent at that, her gaze dropping to the ground. She kicked at a clump of dirt with her foot, watching it crumble. Lys could see the wheels turning in her head, weighing his words. She wasn't impulsive; that's one of the things that he liked about her.
After a long pause, she looked up, her expression softer but still tinged with resolve. "Maybe you're right. It's not worth the risk... yet."
Lys stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder this time, his touch light and reassuring. He lowered his voice, speaking softly like they were sharing a secret. "Hey, I'm happy that you're trying to fight for me, to secure my status, my authority. It means a lot, Sara. But I don't actually need it right now, do I? We've got bigger things coming after all."
She nodded slowly, a small smile breaking through her mouth. "Yeah... you're right."
"Don't strain your relationship with the council over this," he added, giving her shoulder a gentle pat before letting go. "When the time comes, they'll bow their heads to me on their own."
As he said it, a dark smile crept across his face, not cruel, but calculating, like he was already picturing the scene. The guild arriving, the village thriving, and those pompous locals realizing who really pulled the strings. His eyes glinted with a mix of anticipation and something sharper.
Sara caught the look in his eyes, tilting her head as she studied him. Despite how evil it seemed, the way his lips curved with that shadowy edge, she found it charming somehow. There was a confidence there, a quiet power that drew her in.
She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "You know, that smile of yours... it's a little scary, but in a good way. Like you're already ten steps ahead."
Lys grinned wider, the darkness fading into his usual easy charm. "What can I say? I've got plans. And with you on my side, Sara, we can't lose."
They stood there for a moment, the yard peaceful now that the group was gone. Sara felt a warmth in her chest, not just from the lingering anger, but from this connection with Lys. He wasn't like the other villagers; he thought deeper, planned smarter. And he cared about her position, her safety, even when she was ready to charge in without thinking.
"Come on," she said finally, linking her arm with his as they turned toward the house. "Let's get inside before that council meeting. I need to cool off, and you... Well, you deserve more than two gold for putting up with that nonsense."