Selena nodded.
All the elves fell into a collective silence, not speaking for a long time.
Lane originally found himself in a situation where he was both amused and exasperated by being labeled as a "good person." However, listening to the elves discuss the mysterious legend piqued his interest, making him curious.
"Remember to finish what you're saying. Don't stop here, creating these riddles."
Lane complained inwardly.
But the elves undoubtedly lost their interest in discussing, with no one speaking up. Seeing this, Lane could only sigh inwardly and continue leading the elves towards the location of Berk Manor.
He couldn't just go up and ask those elves what legend they were talking about, could he? Wouldn't that expose the fact that he was eavesdropping?
Forget it. It probably wasn't a big deal anyway. Being able to take in a group of elves was an unexpected bonus. At the very least, Freya's knight mentor would be taken care of, saving Lane from having to play nanny at home every day.
Thinking this way, the few people with their own thoughts returned to Berk Manor.
...
"Lord Lane, this is our new child."
Although she was already a mother, Kailia still hadn't changed how she addressed Lane. She remained obedient, keeping everything in her heart.
Lane gently embraced Kailia and slowly said, "You've worked hard during this time. From now on, just rest well. Leave the rest of the matters to the servants."
Kailia lay in Lane's arms, feeling the warmth of his body. Then she slowly spoke: "Lord Lane, you haven't named the child yet. This time it's a boy, as handsome and dashing as you."
Listening to Kailia's words, Lane smiled.
This wasn't a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Although Lane was already middle-aged and carried injuries, the heroic aura around him had never changed. His deep, almond-shaped eyes, coupled with his ruggedly handsome face, added a captivating and profound charm to him.
Just his face alone was enough to captivate countless young girls.
Not to mention he was a Transcendent, with an impeccably upright posture. Just standing there gave people a sense of reassurance. Otherwise, even if it were her father's wish, Kailia wouldn't adore Lane so much.
Moreover, Lane himself had an excellent character. He never was harsh on his subordinates, let alone his own wife. Such a man, who was handsome and strong, was undoubtedly Kailia's best lifelong reliance.
"Let's call him Aaron. Our child will surely grow up to be an exceptionally excellent and outstanding warrior."
"Aaron·Berk?"
Kailia savored this name, lying obediently in Lane's arms. Then she said: "Freya is almost one year old. I heard that the big shots in the city start cultivating their children from a young age. Freya is so intelligent. Should we...?"
Her tone was questioning.
A grade 6 aptitude wasn't just about reaching stage 6 in the future. Freya, nurtured by magic since childhood, surpassed her peers in both physique and intelligence. Kailia having this idea didn't surprise Lane at all.
He smiled: "Don't worry. I've already prepared many excellent teachers for Freya. They have already arrived at Berk Manor."
"Teachers?"
Kailia was momentarily puzzled. She had just given birth and was still recuperating at home, so she wasn't aware that Lane had brought back a group of Nightblade Clan elves.
Lane nodded, signaling a servant to bring Selena in.
Seeing Selena's beautiful face and her distinctive, distinctly non-human elf ears, Kailia exclaimed: "You are a noble elf? Lord Lane, is this the teacher you found for Freya?"
Lane didn't reply. Instead, Selena shook her head: "Ms. Kailia, I am an elf, but not noble."
She gave a bitter laugh. Elves who had lost the Ancient Tree of Life were like wanderers who had lost their homeland. How could they be considered noble?
"Moreover, I am not your child's teacher. However, the elves of the Nightblade Clan will diligently teach your child. This can also be considered as a way to repay Lord Lane for saving our lives."
Hearing this, Kailia's small mouth opened wide in surprise.
"Lord Lane, you... have gained the allegiance of a group of elves?"
Her face was full of admiration.
These were elves, the legendary, incredibly noble elves, a race naturally attuned to magic. If Freya could receive instruction from elves, she would definitely become an immensely powerful knight.
Moreover, it wasn't just the allegiance of the elves.
As a woman, Kailia could clearly sense a familiar emotion from Selena. That emotion contained admiration and a bit of reverence, just like the look she gave Lane.
So, Lane not only gained the allegiance of a group of elves but also had one elf who harbored affection for him.
She hooked her arm around Lane's body and whispered in his ear: "Congratulations, Lord Lane, on gaining another elf wife."
Kailia thought she spoke very softly, but she didn't know that the two present were stage 3 Transcendents. Selena was even a thief. For Selena, having sharp hearing wasn't difficult at all.
So, what seemed like a private conversation between the two was still heard by Selena.
Selena's face turned slightly red. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Lane also awkwardly touched his nose and didn't say anything more.
After the two spent some time together, Kailia's energy was exhausted, and she fell into a deep sleep. Lane then left the room with Selena, stepping out into Berk Manor.
The intimate atmosphere in the room had not yet dissipated, still lingering around the two. Lane looked at Selena and for a moment felt hesitant to speak.
Instead, it was Selena who initiated the conversation: "Regarding the promise I made to you, I am willing to fulfill it. But what Kailia mentioned might be difficult to achieve."
Lane, upon hearing this, fell into a slight silence.
He certainly knew what matter Selena was referring to—it was about marrying her as his wife. The empire's laws did not restrict humans from marrying other races, but very few people actually did so.
Even bachelors who couldn't find wives wouldn't marry someone of a different race; it seemed too absurd in others' eyes.
Although nobles admired the elves' bodies and beauty, they only viewed them as tools for pleasure. If someone married an elf, the news would likely make everyone laugh their heads off. Lane didn't have any particular thoughts about this, but since Selena was unwilling...
"Please don't misunderstand. Although I cannot marry you as your wife, I am willing to fulfill the duties of a wife—assisting my husband and educating our children, managing household affairs. Once the Ancient Tree of Life grows, the other elves of the Nightblade Clan will leave."
At this point, Selena paused, as if making an extremely significant decision: "And I will stay behind."
Though she didn't say it outright, the sentiment was clear. Selena wasn't unwilling to become Lane's wife; on the contrary, she was very willing, even without any formal title, gladly paying the price silently behind the scenes.
Lane was somewhat puzzled. If she disliked him, treating it as just a transaction would be understandable. But Selena's actions clearly went beyond fulfilling a deal; she genuinely wanted to dedicate herself to Lane.
"Why?"
Hearing Lane's question, Selena sighed deeply: "Lord Lane, the idea of humans marrying someone of a different race is considered absurd and ridiculous, whether by nobles or commoners. I can see that you have great ambitions and are not content to waste your life in this small Deepwinter City."
"In the future, if you interact with the upper nobility, marrying me would ultimately be a stain on your reputation. I don't want to cause you so much trouble for my own selfish reasons."
"You saved me and the Nightblade Tribe. Paying you back in this way, I do so willingly."
Upon hearing this, Lane fell silent. From Selena's calm words, he could sense a passionate love.
After a moment, he made a decision from the depths of his heart.
"The wedding must happen. As for other people's gossip?"
"If I were afraid of that, I might as well spend my whole life as a wealthy man in this Deepwinter City!"