Lara and her companions reached the village in less than an hour. With a carriage and a strong horse, the journey had been swift, cutting their travel time by more than half. Dressed in men’s clothing, her hair tied in Kane’s signature topknot, she looked every bit the part of the warrior doctor she had become.
As the carriage entered the village, hushed whispers spread like wildfire among the villagers. A carriage, no matter how modest, was an unusual sight, and speculation buzzed through the crowd. Surely, it was headed to the village chief’s house—but when it stopped in front of the Lenard residence, eyes widened in surprise.
In the backyard, the Lenard brothers were diligently practicing the techniques Kane had taught them. They had long since mastered the moves, but discipline kept them training daily. The sudden commotion at the front of the house made them pause. Dropping their stances, they exchanged glances before rushing forward.
As they reached the gate, their breath still heavy from training, their eyes lit up at the sight before them.
"Sir Kane! You’re back!" Abel, Barett, and Cyrus called out in unison, their excitement evident.
Lara, holding Ivy’s small hand, stepped forward, the two boys trailing behind. Then, a thought struck her—she had almost forgotten about Percival and the food she had packed for the Lenards.
"Brother, can you bring down the things I packed?" she asked.
A low grunt came from inside the carriage. At the same time, Sandoz turned on his heel and darted toward it.
"Sister, don’t worry! I’ll help carry them!"
Not wanting to be left behind, Ivan ran after him. "Me too, Sister! I will help!"
The Lenard brothers stood frozen, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Did they hear that right? The two boys had just called Kane—sister?
Lara pressed her lips together. She had meant to tell the children not to call her that in front of others, but it was too late now. She sighed inwardly. Well, she’d have to make sure the Lenard brothers kept quiet about it.
"Sister?" Abel’s brow furrowed as he eyed her skeptically. "Why did they call you that?"
Before Lara could respond, a sweet, excited voice chimed in.
"I told you she’s a girl like me!" Flora declared triumphantly, emerging from the house with Eva right behind her.
"It is more convenient for me to be Kane Mendel." She did not bother to explain further.
"How is your mother? And Darius?" Lara changed the topic.
"Darius’s wounds have healed. Our parents took him to the town physician for a follow-up. They should be back any moment now," Barett answered, a bright smile on his face.
"Your father has returned?" Lara asked tentatively.
"Yes!" The brothers beamed. "He and Uncle arrived four days ago."
Abel looked like he wanted to say more, but Percival, Sandoz, and Ivan returned carrying the bundles. Behind them, Jethru secured the horse and carriage before stepping through the gate.
Lara took a moment to introduce them. "This is my master, Jethru. My brother, Percival. And these are my master’s grandchildren—Sandoz, and the twins, Ivan and Ivy."
A new voice entered the mix. "What are you all doing, standing around instead of inviting the guests inside?"
Lina appeared from the doorway, coming from the neighboring house through the back. Abel, flustered, quickly apologized.
The group moved inside, settling into the bamboo chairs in the living room. Lina returned to the kitchen shortly with water and a fragrant rice delicacy she had prepared that morning. Lara handed her a basket filled with porcelain and clay jars.
Eva was delighted as she accepted the basket. "I’ll take these to the kitchen!" she said eagerly, hurrying off.
Meanwhile, Jethru and Percival sat back, silently observing the easy familiarity between Lara and the Lenards. Percival’s gaze would often land on Abel. It seemed as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Across the room, Ivy had already warmed up to the lively Flora and Eva, who eagerly pulled her along to see the fish pond.
Lara took in the cheerful atmosphere. It was clear—the house was alive again. Their father’s return had brought a new energy to the place.
"Where is your son, Lina?" Lara’s gaze swept the room.
Lina smiled. "Ah, my husband took him to his parents’ house for a visit. It’s a good thing I stayed home, or I might have missed you." She lifted a bundle and handed it to Lara. "Here, I finished the backpacks and clothes."
Lara checked the contents, nodding in satisfaction. "Perfect. I have a proposal for you..." She trailed off before turning to Jethru.
"Grandpa, why don’t you share some self-defense tips with Abel and his brothers while we talk so you don’t get bored?" she asked sweetly, her eyes pleading.
Jethru rolled his eyes but stood up anyway, heading to the backyard.
With that, Lara and Lina delved into business. The discussion was smooth, and within an hour, they had struck a deal—Lara would supply the materials and equipment, while Lina would handle the labor, hiring extra hands as needed. Lara would pay per output, leaving wages to Lina’s discretion.
Just as they were wrapping up, the living room door swung open. Three figures stepped inside.
Lara turned. Her eyes landed on a familiar face.
"Kane? Doctor Kane?" The man’s voice was tentative.
"It is good that you are back, Sir." Lara greeted respectfully, as Primo Lenard was older than her.
Beside her, Percival, who had been sitting, suddenly stiffened. His pupils shrank as he locked eyes with the older man.
"Uncle... Uncle Primo? Is that you?" His voice came out hoarse.
All heads turned to Percival in unison.
Primo Lenard froze, his face going as pale as paper. His lips parted, but no words came out at first.
"You... How could you be here?"
"It is really you, Uncle. Why did you not come back after a long time?" Percival did not understand what happened back then. He just learned that his uncle left with his wife and sons.
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Primo let out a shaky breath. His eyes softened with something between regret and longing. "Ah... Perci. You’ve grown so tall. I almost didn’t recognize you." He swallowed hard. "You were only eight when I left... You look so much like your grandfather."
Lara’s gaze sharpened. Don’t tell me...
Her eyes flicked between Percival and Primo.
Is Primo Lenard actually our close relative?