The carriage came to a steady halt on the gravel path of Baron Kaman's mansion.
Xiaolan clutched the corner of her clothes, her palms slick with sweat.
Through the carriage window, she could see the beautiful building and the young noble lady standing at the entrance to welcome them.
Xiaolan knew her younger sister was here.
Velin was the first to disembark. He walked up to the young noblewoman and, with a very natural gesture, reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair that the wind had mussed behind her ear.
"Lilia, thank you for waiting," he said, his tone gentle.
Lilia shook her head, her clear eyes looking past Velin to the anxious figure inside the carriage.
"Brother, you should come back and visit more often," she said softly, then cast an encouraging smile at Xiaolan. "She's waiting for you inside. Go on."
Those simple words gave Xiaolan endless courage.
She gathered her skirt and practically ran from the carriage.
