I racked my brain and finally remembered the woman's name.
"A Anis?"
"You remembered my name? It's an honor, Lord Cardis."Vissit novelbin(.)c.om for updates
"Hahaha."
Anis of the Erul Tribe smiled brightly, seemingly pleased. I awkwardly smiled back and looked at the people on either side of her. The Erul Tribe man and the fox demi-human who had accompanied her last time were also present.
When our eyes met, they bowed their heads deeply in a display of respect, a stark contrast to their attitude when we had met before.
"Milord, who are these people?"
Lagos cautiously inquired about the three guests. Reville and Locus, who had not been on the farm at the time, also seemed curious about the visitors' identities.
"You haven't met them before. They are relatives of Speranza who have come from afar."
"Ah! Speranza's?"
"Everyone, lower your guard. They are important guests of the lord!"
Lagos was taken aback, widening his eyes, while Reville quickly ordered the guards to relax their vigilance. In an instant, the guards backed away, creating a spacious area around them.
The elder Erul Tribe man, Daur, seemed embarrassed by their reaction.
"Ahem, it seems we've caused unnecessary trouble for you."
"It's fine. The guards must be a bit on edge due to today's event in the territory."
Since the Erul Tribe has a closed-off culture, it would have been difficult for them to announce their visit in advance.
While showing up unannounced may not be considered polite, I didn't want to establish an uncomfortable relationship with them over such a detail, especially since they were Speranza's relatives.
"Shall we go inside and discuss matters further?"
"We'd be grateful if you invited us in."
"Please follow me. It seems we've found the first guests for our newly built mansion."
"Oh my! It's an honor to be the first guests of such a magnificent mansion."
Leaving the murmurs of the nearby people behind, I led the Erul Tribe guests toward the mansion.
It felt quite strange to be guiding guests into a mansion I was still getting accustomed to myself.
Additionally, the Erul Tribe party expressed admiration for the statue in front of the mansion, which made me feel even more embarrassed.
For a while, my mind was filled with thoughts of how to get rid of that statue.
The Erul Tribe group was immediately guided to the second-floor reception room.
It was quite surprising to have guests visit so soon after preparing this place, but Adella and Lia calmly prepared to welcome them.
-Knock, knock.
"What? Miru?"
"Uncle, are those people Speranza's family?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Wow That older sister looks a bit like Speranza."
Miru whispered as she secretly pointed at Anis. It wasn't strange for her to look similar, as she was Speranza's aunt. In fact, they had many similar features.
Miru, who had been interested in the Erul Tribe, was led away by Adella, who brought tea and snacks.
"We'll wait outside. Please feel free to talk."
"I think I need to take a closer look at the first-floor office."
Lagos and Locus tactfully left the reception room.
With the table in the middle, the Erul Tribe group sat on one side, and Speranza and I sat on the opposite side. Behind us, Alfred and Andras stood as if guarding both sides.
There was a slightly awkward atmosphere in the room.
In particular, Speranza clung to my side and showed a passive attitude. However, it didn't seem like she was anxious or scared.
Andras and Alfred, who had been wearing serious expressions, couldn't help but exclaim in admiration after tasting the treat.
The snack was so scrumptious that everyone's gaze naturally turned toward the box holding the treats. Inside the box, there were only two left after taking out four.
Speranza, who answered energetically, paused for a moment and looked up at me.
"But, is it okay if Papa doesn't eat?"
"I'm fine."
Speranza glanced back at Andras and Alfred, who was behind her. Both of them quickly waved their hands and spoke up.
"Ahem, I ate quite a bit for breakfast, so"
"I, I'm fine as well. Speranza, you have more."
"Since Andras and Elaine are content, Speranza enjoy the rest."
"Hehe."
The remaining two treats were placed in front of Speranza. Andras and Alfred pretended not to care, but their eyes betrayed their regret.
Even Daur, who was seated across from us, couldn't help but lick his lips.
That's how delectable the snacks Namira prepared were.
I also felt somewhat disappointed, but witnessing Speranza happily indulging herself gave me a sense of satisfaction. I suppose this is what they mean when they say observing someone else can be satisfying.
Thanks to Namira's treats, the awkward atmosphere vanished. As I fed Speranza the snacks piece by piece, I posed a question to our guests.
"So, what has brought the three of you to the Cardis Estate? I'm aware it's quite a long journey."
Although I was uncertain of the exact location where the Erul Tribe resided, I knew that finding their way here was no easy feat.
The answer to the question came from Anis's lips.
"We came to see Speranza, but in truth, we have a favor to request from you."
"A favor?"
"Yes."
Anis's eyes became cautious. I patiently awaited her explanation.
"Currently, my mother, who is in the Erul Tribe village, is in poor health. She used to be quite robust, but lately, her condition has deteriorated significantly."
"If it's Anis's mother"
Daur, with his deep voice, interjected.
"She would be Speranza's grandmother."
"Uhm"
Speranza's grandmother.
A sigh escaped my lips. Somehow, I had a sense that their request would not be a simple one.
Anis glanced at Speranza and me for a moment before continuing her tale.
"She desires to see Speranza."
I remained silent. I had a rough understanding of what their request entailed, even without hearing more from Anis.
Since the person with poor health couldn't traverse such a great distance herself, there was only one way for her to meet Speranza.
Following a brief silence, Anis's words confirmed what I had anticipated.
"I came here to escort Speranza to where my mother resides, to the Erul Tribe village."