"Thank you for your concern, but I am ok. Honestly, I was more upset by seeing Zed kill those bandits. There was so much blood, but he is experienced in killing. He trained as a warrior in Shibatsu and was then hired as a mercenary bodyguard to protect caravans bound for the Ruby Islands. He made his way up the continent and collected bounties in Ganla and Lancri. I was just lucky that he noticed the bandits follow me into an alley." I summarized Zed's experience without revealing too much of his personal details.
Leyla was surprised to hear the backstory of their new Second Lieutenant, who had been training her younger son, Tobin. She felt more assured knowing that he had experience and was an honorable warrior and protector. She knew how her younger son felt about Alisa, but against Zed, he was no match.
She still hoped to have Alisa as a daughter-in-law, but she understood how a lady would feel indebted to a man who saved her life. She didn't want to put Alisa in an awkward position if she was already set on marrying her lifesaver. She also didn't want her son to get his heart broken by a betrothed woman the same way her older son had.
She felt that it was better to nip the feelings in the bud and move on sooner rather than later. She gave Tobin a sympathetic glance and asked Alisa, " I remember when Captain Blaise saved Abby on her journey from Shibatsu. Later, they ended up married. Is it a similar situation with you and him? Are you and Second Lieutenant Zed betrothed?"
I was momentarily stunned that she asked me about Zed, but I guess it was common for women in this time to pay back their lifesaver by marrying him. I laughed and replied, "No, Abby and Blaise are different. Zed did save me in Lancri, but I saved him on the trip over here. We are even now, and just friends. He's not really my type." I glanced towards Kirin as I told her the last sentence.
Leyla noticed the direction of my gaze was towards her older son. She raised her eyebrows in understanding, but chose not to mention it. I may still be able to get her as a daughter-in-law, and hopefully Kirin will finally heal his broken heart. Then, she looked towards Tobin again. Sigh! Poor kid, but hopefully, Alisa would let him down gently.
Tobin was more outgoing and charismatic than Kirin, who had always been more introverted. It's why he took the rejection so hard. His emotions ran deep. Tobin was more extroverted and had always made friends more easily. Hopefully, he would be able to move on with another girl. Only time would tell.
For now, she felt like she wanted to learn more about Alisa. This girl was fascinating! She inquired, "How did you save him? If it's not overstepping to ask."
I laughed, remembering how Zed looked when he was electrocuted. "When we were over the ocean, Zed steered us into a lightning storm. He was zapped by lightning, and I had to take over and steer us away from the storm. Once we were far enough from the storm and over calm waters, I helped him recover from the shock of the lightning strike. Luckily, he recovered quickly, or I would have had to turn around and wait on land. That balloon is not easy for one person to steer, while adding coal to fuel the fire at the same time. It takes two people."
Riktor was interested and wanted to hear more about our journey and learn more about the hot air balloon. He was interested in the fueling system since he would be the one to replicate it for another hot air balloon. The rest of the dinner was mostly questions about the balloon and my travel adventures.
Tobin seemed quieter than usual, and he only spoke up with questions about the balloon. That was the part that he would be working on with Arno and Yuno. Leyla was excited to learn more about the top of the balloon. She wanted to know the pattern and measurements to start collecting the supplies.
"Is it ok if I ask a few of my friends to help with the sewing? They are all very good, and it will give us something to work on during the winter." Leyla asked hesitantly.
"Of course! The more, the merrier. Many hands make light work. Also, the more people who help on this project, the faster it will be completed." I responded and assured Leyla. I remembered the quilting clubs from home. It was a great idea, and most of the women would be happy to contribute to this project. It was for the safety and advancement of Kanta.
Dinner was delicious! The pot roast was just as good as I remembered from home. Leyla had made an apple tart for dessert, and packed some to take back for Katie and Al. She knew how much they loved desserts.
I was getting ready to leave and thanked them for the lovely dinner and wonderful conversation. Leyla hugged me in another bear hug and suggested, "It's dark outside, why not let Kirin escort you home?" She looked suggestively towards Kirin. If Alisa liked her older son, she would help create more opportunities for them to be alone.
Kirin agreed, "Ok." He put on his coat and hat and held the door open for me. I said goodbye to everyone and headed out into the chilly night air. I shivered and wrapped my scarf tighter.
Kirin walked ahead of me, but slowed his steps when he noticed that I was slower than him. I was grateful and decided to attempt a conversation again. "Your mom is very nice. I wish that I had a mother like her." I sighed whistfully as I remembered my mother from my home world. I would never see her again. The thought saddened me momentarily.
Kirin noticed my sad eyes and asked, "What happened to your mother?" Then, he looked regretful for asking such a personal question. "I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I remember you said that your father died while testing the hot air balloon.
"It's ok, she died. It was a long time ago. I just wish that I had grown up with a mother like yours. You are lucky to have a family like that." I explained my feelings.
Kirin nodded and started walking again. We reached the front of the De Kanta house, and I hesitated. If it were a first date in my world, a good night kiss would be expected, but this world was more conservative. I just didn't want to go inside yet despite the cold night air. Kirin was finally talking to me! I wanted to talk to him a little bit longer.