Lin Yan felt a pang of emotion hearing Joey's father speak so highly of him.
Compared to what the original owner's father had done, it was a stark and damning contrast.
The person tasked with purchasing information had not yet returned, so she still didn't know the exact reasons behind the original owner's father's actions.
"I'm very welcome, but the conditions here aren't ideal. Did you tell him we'd need to prepare more things?" The nobles on this continent were very particular, and Lin Yan felt it was best to clarify things in advance.
"He's well aware of the situation here and knows what to bring. You just need to provide rooms for them. Anita will likely be coming along as well; they have a good relationship."
Thinking of Anita and her husband, Maurice felt a twinge of envy. He looked at Lin Yan, wondering when he might find himself in a similar situation with her.
"Mm, I'll tell Lillian to prepare the rooms. His room can be next to Joey's, but that gentleman will likely bring some servants. The annex building has also been repaired, so they can be housed there."
Lin Yan's estate had seen more construction, and its grounds had expanded significantly compared to her original residence.
"Then it's settled. Do you have any other matters to attend to?"
"What is it? I don't have anything planned for this afternoon. I was going to read for a while."
"I wonder if I would have the honor of inviting you for a stroll outside? The sun is beautiful today, and many flowers have bloomed in the nearby woods. Would you like to see them?"
Maurice gazed into Lin Yan's eyes, his gaze filled with anticipation.
Lin Yan realized he was asking her out and could see his sincerity. Since she had nothing else to do, she nodded in agreement.
Seeing her nod, Maurice happily stood up and extended his hand.
"Let me change my clothes." Lin Yan was currently wearing a dress suitable for being in her room, which could be worn to receive guests, but it was not convenient for going out and would be too impolite.
"It's my honor! I'll wait for you downstairs," he said, then exited the study.
"Good day, Lord!"
"Hello, Lord!"
As Maurice and Lin Yan walked out of the estate, many people greeted Lin Yan, who acknowledged them with a nod.
"You are well-loved by your people," Maurice remarked with admiration.
"These people are easily satisfied. A little kindness is all it takes for them to be profoundly grateful."
Their lives had been too difficult before. Her being slightly more compassionate than other lords was enough to earn their deep appreciation.
"But other lords wouldn't do this." Maurice had met many people but had never encountered anyone like Lin Yan.
"Let's go take a look at the woods," Lin Yan changed the subject.
"All right." Maurice carefully attended to Lin Yan.
Before Joey's father arrived, the Elven Prince came to see her.
"You mean the materials are all gathered?" It had only been half a year, and her list of materials was nearly a meter long.
"Yes, so my father sent me to ask when you might be available." The Elven Prince was remarkably humble.
He was so gentle for an elf known for its arrogance. Perhaps it was his naturally gentle disposition.
After all, he was the male lead in this book, and gentle male leads were generally well-liked.
An elf, typically proud, showing such tenderness to the heroine—how heartwarming it was.
"I'm free anytime," Lin Yan replied. The elves had shown considerable sincerity, and she couldn't afford to be indifferent.
"Then I'll have them come to pick you up." Alexys also felt that healing the Mother Tree as soon as possible was the most important matter.
Lin Yan didn't have many means of transportation, and her only carriage was too slow. Therefore, he planned to contact his father to send someone to pick her up promptly.
This would not only demonstrate the elves' high regard for her but also allow them to reach the Elven Forest faster.
"That would be most appreciated," Lin Yan agreed with a nod.
Upon receiving Lin Yan's confirmation, Alexys immediately prepared to notify his father.
After agreeing to Alexys's request, she went to find Maurice. Joey's father was about to arrive, and her absence would be rather impolite.
Therefore, she needed to explain the situation to Maurice and ask him to host her sister and brother-in-law.
A red dragon soared through the sky, though it flew at a moderate pace. Soon, it retracted its wings and swooped down.
A short while later, it reappeared, and a wild sheep was dropped in front of a procession.
Subsequently, the red dragon transformed into a tall, red-haired beauty.
"Anita, you're back!" a clear male voice called from inside a carriage. The carriage door then opened, and a remarkably handsome man emerged.
He was dressed in exquisite clothing and adorned with numerous accessories, truly elegant.
"Mm. The sheep is for our midday meal today. George, please prepare the sheep." She then walked to the man's side.
"You, you really dislike sitting in the carriage," he said, looking at Anita with gentle eyes. "You've flown around in the sky to clear your head. Can you accompany me in the carriage this afternoon?"
"Olysis, you know I can't stand being confined in a carriage. I'd rather fly in the sky. Why do you insist on riding in the carriage? Wouldn't it be faster if I gave you a ride?"
Anita genuinely didn't want to be in the carriage. Although it was comfortable, it felt too cramped for her.
"My dear, don't you miss Joey? Wouldn't it be better if we arrived sooner?"
"Anita, we can travel directly. But what about these people? Could you bear with it for a few more days for me? It's not much further, just a few days' journey." He took Anita's hand and led her towards the carriage.
The servants began preparing the sheep and setting up for lunch. The knights stood guard, simultaneously scanning for other prey.
Back inside the carriage, Olysis did not release Anita's hand.
"My dear, is Joey's health truly improving?" Olysis still harbored some concern.
"Yes, he's so mischievous now. Morris says the Elven Prince is constantly being pestered by Joey." Although she hadn't been with him constantly, she cared deeply for her child.
Morris was a very trustworthy person, and they felt at ease entrusting Joey to him.
"The Elven Prince? The elves haven't appeared in many years. It's good that Joey can know someone like him." A glint flashed in Olysis's eyes.
While his wife possessed great strength, her nature was rather direct. However, for dragons, brute force often trumped subtlety, and intricate scheming wasn't necessary.