The midday sun hung high, casting warm light over the sprawling Valverde Hacienda. The estate stretched as far as the eye could see, its lush greenery shimmering under the golden rays. Leigh led Arden along a shaded path lined with fruit-bearing trees, their leaves rustling softly in the warm breeze. The heady scent of ripe mangoes and guavas mingled with the earthy aroma of freshly tilled soil. Birds chirped overhead, and the distant sound of workers laughing and chatting added a lively hum to the serene surroundings. Her casual strides contrasted with his steady, curious gaze, which lingered on every detail of the picturesque estate.

“This is where it all happens,” Leigh said, gesturing toward the fields, where workers were busy tending to crops. Rows of sugarcane and corn stood tall under the sun, their golden stalks swaying gently. Nearby, a group of women sorted freshly picked vegetables into baskets, their laughter echoing through the air. Children ran between the rows, chasing each other and shouting with joy. “Grandpa’s not just some rich guy in the city. He built all of this from the ground up after retiring from the military. Every tree, every cottage—it’s all part of his legacy.”

Arden nodded, taking in the sight of the loyal farmers and workers scattered across the land. He could feel the pride and unity in the air, as if the estate wasn’t just a workplace but a thriving community. The cottages where the workers lived, painted in cheerful pastel colors, added a sense of warmth to the scene. Children played nearby, their giggles blending with the rustling of leaves. “It’s impressive,” Arden said earnestly. “These people... they respect him.”

Leigh smiled. “He’s strict, but fair. Grandpa always says the strength of a leader is measured by the loyalty of their people.” She glanced at Arden, her expression softening. “He’d like you. You’re honest, grounded… kind.”

As they continued, a small group of workers waved at Leigh. She waved back warmly, introducing Arden to a few of them. Among them was Mang Tano, an older farmer with a broad smile, his face weathered by years of labor under the sun. His calloused hands and sturdy build spoke of a life dedicated to the land.

“Miss Leigh! Who’s this fine young man?” Mang Tano asked, squinting up at Arden with a playful glint in his eye.

“This is Arden,” Leigh replied, her tone light. “He’s staying with us for a while.”

Mang Tano gave Arden a hearty handshake, his grip firm yet welcoming. “Welcome, son. Any friend of the Valverdes is family to us.”

Arden smiled, the sincerity in the man’s voice striking a chord with him. “Thank you,” he said, meeting Mang Tano’s gaze with equal warmth. “It’s an honor to be here.”

As they moved further along the estate, a commotion drew their attention. A group of workers had gathered outside one of the cottages, their voices filled with concern and urgency. One woman held a child close, whispering to him to stay back as the others clustered around the doorway.

“What’s going on?” Leigh asked as they approached, her tone laced with worry.

“It’s my wife,” Mang Tano said, his cheerful demeanor replaced with visible anxiety. “She’s been unwell for days. We’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to help.”

Arden stepped forward, his expression calm and composed. “Can I see her?”

Mang Tano hesitated, his eyes scanning Arden as if searching for reassurance. Leigh placed a hand on the older man’s arm. “He knows what he’s doing,” she said softly.

Inside the cottage, the air was heavy with worry. Arden found Mang Tano’s wife lying on a makeshift bed, her face pale and her breathing labored. The dimly lit room smelled faintly of medicinal herbs, a sign that attempts had been made to help her. A worn rosary hung from the headboard, and a soft light filtered through the thin curtains. Arden knelt beside her, gently checking her pulse and examining her pale complexion. His training with Lolo Lando kicked in instinctively, guiding his actions.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“She’s weak,” Arden said, his voice steady but thoughtful. “Her body needs warmth and nourishment.” He glanced around the small kitchen, spotting some vegetables, herbs, and dried roots. “May I use your kitchen?”

Mang Tano nodded, his trust in Arden growing despite his uncertainty. Arden set to work, moving with precision and focus. He combined herbs with vegetables and roots he had brought with him from the mountains, creating a simple yet aromatic broth. Leigh stood silently in the corner, her eyes widening in quiet amazement as she watched Arden’s methodical movements.

“You’ve done this before,” Leigh said softly, breaking the silence.

Arden glanced at her and smiled faintly. “Many times. Nature provides everything we need, if we know where to look.”

When the broth was ready, Arden knelt by Mang Tano’s wife, gently helping her sip the warm liquid. Slowly, a flush of color returned to her cheeks, and her breathing steadied. By the time she finished, she was sitting upright, her eyes brighter and a faint smile gracing her lips. She murmured a soft prayer of thanks, her voice trembling with emotion.

The workers outside erupted into cheers as the news spread, their admiration for Arden growing with each passing moment. Mang Tano’s eyes glistened with gratitude as he clasped Arden’s hands. “Thank you, son. I don’t know how you did it, but thank you. You’ve given us hope.”

Arden smiled humbly; his demeanor unchanged despite the praise. “Sometimes, nature knows better than we do.”

After the commotion settled, Leigh invited Arden to visit the gardens near the edge of the estate. There, an old stone fountain trickled softly, surrounded by blooming flowers of every color. Leigh plucked a small white blossom and tucked it behind her ear, her usual confident demeanor giving way to a quieter, more reflective side.

“When I was little,” she began, tracing the edge of the fountain with her fingers, “I used to come here with Grandpa. He’d sit on that bench over there and tell me stories about his time in the military. He always said that the lessons he learned on the battlefield helped him build this estate.”

Arden listened intently, imagining a younger version of Leigh running through these gardens, her grandfather’s deep voice echoing through the flowers. “He must be proud of what he’s accomplished,” Arden said, his tone thoughtful. “And proud of you too.”

Leigh smiled softly, looking out over the fields. “I hope so.” She turned to Arden, her expression curious. “What about you? Do you miss your home in the mountains?”

Arden paused, considering her question. “I do,” he admitted, “but being here… it’s different. It’s alive in a way the mountains never were. The people, the energy, the stories… it’s like I’m seeing the world for the first time.”

Leigh’s gaze softened, and for a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the trickle of the fountain and the distant hum of the estate filling the air. As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the gardens, Leigh broke the silence with a quiet laugh. “Come on,” she said, her usual confidence returning. “Let’s head back before Grandpa starts wondering if you’ve run off.”

Arden chuckled, falling into step beside her as they made their way back to the main house. The events of the day swirled in his mind, each moment reinforcing his belief in the interconnectedness of people and the land. Sitting cross-legged on the floor of his guest room later that evening, he closed his eyes and began to meditate, the soft hum of the evening breeze grounding him in the moment.

The Valverdes had shown him nothing but kindness, and the loyalty of their workers spoke volumes about the family’s integrity. It was a stark contrast to the solitude of his life in the mountains, yet he found himself feeling... at home.

The image of Mang Tano’s relieved face lingered in his mind, a reminder of the purpose behind his journey. Arden’s lips curved into a faint smile as he whispered to himself, “This isn’t so bad.”

As he exhaled deeply, his thoughts shifted to the Tarot card tucked safely in his satchel and the mysteries of the Arcana. For now, those questions could wait. He had taken his first steps into a world far different from his own, and for the first time since leaving the mountains, he felt the warmth of belonging.

Arden opened his eyes, gazing out at the moonlit estate. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the cottages, and the distant sounds of laughter and music filled the night air. “Let tomorrow’s problem solve itself,” he murmured, a quiet resolve settling within him.