A middle-aged woman accompanied by a man suddenly appeared in front of Ray and Davin, blocking their path as they passed through the village's center.
Davin's gaze fell upon the chubby lady, whose presence commanded attention despite her unassuming stature.
She was dressed in a luxurious gown made of deep emerald velvet, its rich fabric embroidered with golden threads in intricate floral patterns.
The high collar of her dress framed her round face, and a delicate silver brooch shaped like a rose pinned a fur-lined cloak to her shoulders.
Her fingers, adorned with rings of gold, clutched a small, ornate fan that she fluttered lazily as if the mere act of standing required her to cool herself.
Her blonde hair was pulled into an elaborate braided bun, secured with jeweled pins that sparkled in the sunlight.
Beside her stood a man, her steward, whose sharp features and upright posture contrasted with her opulent softness.
He wore a tailored tunic of deep blue, its sleeves trimmed with silver embroidery that matched the belt fastened around his waist.
A satchel hung at his side, filled with scrolls and ledgers, and his polished boots clicked softly against the cobblestones as he adjusted his stance.
His expression was one of practiced neutrality, though his keen eyes darted between Ray and Davin, assessing them with a calculating gaze.
The lady's lips curled into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Ah, Sir Ray," she said, her voice smooth but laced with authority.
"It's been far too long. And who is this charming young lad?" Her gaze shifted to Davin, her fan pausing mid-flutter as her eyes widened in surprise.
Ray's lips curved into a polite smile, though his eyes held a hint of wariness.
"Lady Eleanor," he said, inclining his head slightly.
"Welcome back to the village. This is my son, Davin."
"Your… son?" The lady's fan resumed its fluttering, though her smile tightened.
"I wasn't aware you had a child."
"He's been keeping me busy," Ray replied, his tone light.
"Davin, this is Lady Eleanor, the lady of the manor. And her steward, Alaric."
Davin gave a small nod, his curiosity piqued by the lady's reaction.
"Nice to meet you," he said, his voice polite but guarded.
'So this is a noble, huh? Too chubby for my taste. And where is her carriage? Because there's no way she can walk ten steps without panting,' the boy thought mockingly as he gave Eleanor an innocent smile.
[…]
Lady Eleanor's smile returned, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"What a delightful boy. You must be proud, Ray."
"I am," Ray said, his hand resting reassuringly on Davin's shoulder.
"We were just on our way to the local blacksmith. Davin's taken an interest in swordsmanship."
'Liar…'
[So you're not interested in swords, host?]
'I prefer magic.'
[I see.]
"How admirable," the lady said, her fan fluttering faster.
"Speaking of knights, I've recently returned with grand plans for our village. My brother, the Baron, has agreed to elevate it to a fully fledged town. And I've been searching for a capable man to serve as the head knight. Someone strong, dependable, and… well-respected." Her gaze lingered on Ray, her smile turning coy.
Ray's expression remained neutral, though a flicker of amusement crossed his eyes.
"That's quite an honor, my lady. I'm sure you'll find the right person for the role."
"Oh, I believe I already have," she said, her voice dropping to a purr.
"I was hoping you might join me at the manor for a private audience to discuss the matter further. I'd value your… expertise."
Ray's smile didn't waver, though his tone grew more guarded.
"I'm flattered, Lady Eleanor, but my duties keep me rather occupied. And as you can see, Davin here requires my attention as well."
The lady's fan paused, her smile tightening once more.
"Of course, family comes first. But do consider my offer, Ray. It would be a shame for someone so talented as you to let this opportunity slip by."
"I'll keep it in mind," Ray said, his tone polite but noncommittal.
"Good day, Lady Eleanor. Alaric."
With that, he gently guided Davin past the pair, his hand resting reassuringly on the boy's shoulder. As they walked away, Davin glanced back, catching the steward's calculating gaze and the lady's sharp, lingering stare.
'Huh? Am I too handsome that she can't take her eyes off me?'
[Maybe…]
[…]
The System was left at a loss for words.
~ ~
"Okay, little champ, welcome to my secret domain!" Ray said as he uncovered Davin's eyes after taking him to a small hill far from the village.
"But there's nothing here but trees and grass," Davin commented with a frown.
"What's the secret about it?"
"Haha! True, very true, my boy!" Ray chuckled as he patted the boy's shoulder.
"You're really smart to figure it out so quickly, just like me," he added as he walked away.
Davin quickly followed him to close the increasing gap between them. When Ray finally stopped, he turned to Davin and pointed to the far side of the hill, where a group of people could be seen training.
"It's really not a secret, since all of those students of mine know about this place."
'Students?' Davin was surprised as he stared at the group of young men who were tirelessly pulling boulders up the small hill.
"Now, as my son, you'll join them," Ray added with a smile that sent shivers down Davin's spine.
'Oh no, I fell into his trap!'
[This is wonderful news, host!]
'That's easy for you to say. You won't be the one pulling boulders up this shitty hill!' Davin retorted.
Seeing his complicated expression, a bitter smile appeared on Ray's lips.
'So that you won't end up like me, when fate changes the course of your life,' he thought as he looked at the clear blue sky.
'And what you hold sacred is lost.'