The morning mist still clung to the Dardan valley. The world was soft and hazy. Silver light danced on the distant Scamander River.
Olive groves swayed gently around the estate. Dewdrops glittered like diamonds on the leaves.
A heavy, rhythmic sound broke the morning calm. Ragged, panting breaths followed.
Aeneas came into view. He wore full bronze armor. Carried a shield and long spear. He ran hard toward the estate.
The armor clanked with every step, sharp in the quiet air. Sweat slipped down his black-and-gold curls, catching the dawn light. His bronzed skin burned from the effort.
Before he reached the gate, he saw her. Thaleia stood waiting, a clay pitcher in her hands. Her black hair moved in the breeze, a few strands brushing her wheat-toned cheeks.
Her eyes brightened when she saw him. She hurried forward.
"Young Master, some salted water," she said softly. Her voice was like the morning air itself.
She poured a cup of the warm liquid with elegant grace. Offered it to him smoothly.
Aeneas took it. Drained it in one go. Drank too fast. He choked, coughing violently, his face turning red. "Cough... Damn it..."
He bent over, hacking. His armor clattered awkwardly. Thaleia rushed to pat his back. Her hand tapped gently on his bronze cuirass. A soft thump, thump. Her eyes held unconcealed concern.
When he finally straightened up, gasping, he saw them. The two gate guards were watching. They wore broad, knowing grins. Their looks were a mix of warmth and teasing.
Aeneas sighed inwardly. Since the Red Bean Forest bandits fell, Thaleia had stayed by his side.
She worked as his attendant, quiet and steady.
The whole estate felt different now—like it was waiting for something to happen.
He had barely crossed the gate when whispered words stirred behind him.
Guard A kept his voice low, but just loud enough to carry. "That salted water looks mighty tasty! Is that the scent of love I smell?" His tone was pure mischief.
Guard B chuckled in response. "Give it a few days. We'll be calling Lady Thaleia 'Mistress' before long."
His words made Thaleia's cheeks bloom with color. She immediately looked down, pretending not to hear. But even the tips of her ears turned bright red.
Aeneas's face stiffened. He gritted his teeth. Muttered under his breath, just loud enough for the guards to catch it.
"Those two have too much free time. Their pay is too high. Maybe I should find a reason to dock it." His threat silenced them instantly. But the mirth in their eyes remained.
Does everyone see my feelings? But the Young Master... he... Thaleia's heart fluttered, shy but warm. Her fingers toyed with the edge of her dress. She stole a glance at Aeneas. Morning light caught his damp hair, lit his face with color from the run.
For a moment, even the clay pitcher felt light in her hands. As if she was holding a weight of pure happiness.
Back in his courtyard, the massive olive tree cast dappled shade. It stood fifteen meters tall. Its small fruits nodded in the breeze. Like they were greeting him.
Aeneas had just removed the heavy bronze armor. Thaleia immediately stepped forward. She took a soft linen towel from a waiting slave.
"Young Master, please allow me." Her voice was gentle. But stubborn. It held a determined insistence.
He tried to refuse at first. But her gentle motions wore him down. He relaxed. Let her wipe the sweat from his face and neck.
The towel smelled faintly of herbs. Clearly prepared with care. A sign of her attention. Her fingers sometimes brushed his neck. The light touch was both pleasant and unnerving.
Nearby, the old servant Demos watched. He wore a kindly smile. Nodded to himself.
The young master finally understands such things. The estate will have a celebration soon.
Demos thought with satisfaction. The corners of his eyes crinkled.
The slave boy holding fresh clothes sighed with envy. A slave girl watched with a sullen look. Her fingers twisted tightly in her skirt.
Aeneas finally spoke. His voice was dry with tension. "You seem... different today?"
His question made everyone perk up. Even the birds in the tree stopped chirping.
Thaleia looked down. Her voice was soft as a mosquito's hum. But every word reached him clearly. "I just... wish to serve you. Willingly."
Her frank admission made Demos stroke his grizzled beard. More pleased than ever.
Her quiet words struck a chord in Aeneas. He didn't know how to respond.
This really won't do. I told myself not to be so casual... It's disrespectful to her... He wrestled with himself internally.
Lately, Aeneas had been incredibly busy. Beyond his daily training, he was making improvements for the estate.
One of his most satisfying inventions? Toilet paper! Yes! He had started experimenting with papermaking!
But there were many small tricks involved. It wasn't as simple as knowing the basics. The first batch was a complete failure for writing—coarse, brittle, uneven, not white enough. But it turned out to be perfectly serviceable toilet paper. Soft, easy to tear, highly absorbent.
My backside is finally free of pottery shards and pebbles! One of my greatest achievements since arriving here!
Aeneas felt a surge of pride thinking about his invention.
He had just emerged from the ancient latrine. A look of relief was on his face.
But right outside, Thaleia stood waiting silently. He froze on the spot. Looked like a child caught misbehaving.
Aeneas's face stiffened. His voice shot up an octave from embarrassment. "You... why are you here? You don't need to wait here!"
His tone held clear panic. Rare for his usually calm self.
He instinctively took half a step back. As if facing not the gentle Thaleia, but some terrifying monster.
Thaleia smiled in response. Her expression was completely natural. The awkward location didn't seem to bother her at all. "It's fine. I was nearby in case you needed anything. It's convenient for serving you."
Her straightforwardness flustered Aeneas even more. He stood there, rigid.
A great beauty waiting for me outside the latrine... This isn't a pleasure. It's torture!
If this gets out, my reputation is finished!
He groaned inwardly. He could feel his cheeks heating up rapidly.
Just then, two cheerful figures darted into the courtyard like little sparrows.
Terani led the way, with her little shadow Talia close behind.
"Young Master! Food's ready! Breakfast is served!" Terani's voice was clear as a bell. Her fluffy brown curls bounced in the morning light. She shattered the awkward tension.
Since Lady Puduhepa's health had improved, Talia had become Terani's eager apprentice. She happily learned about medicine and the work of a novice priestess.
I will become an excellent, capable attendant like Terani! Talia had vowed. The lively pair was now a common sight every morning.
The girls' arrival dissolved the awkwardness perfectly. Aeneas breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at them with gratitude. They seemed like little angels sent from the sky.
Breakfast time held a peculiar atmosphere.
The long central table in the spacious hall was spread with a clean linen cloth. Fine ceramic dishes were set upon it.
Tapestries depicting hunting scenes hung on the walls. The air smelled of baked bread, honey, and roasted meat.
His mother, Aresya, wore an expectant smile. She kept casting meaningful glances between Aeneas and Thaleia.
His father, Anchises, pretended to be stern. But a glint of anticipation hid in his eyes. His wine cup remained untouched for a long while.
Achates, Terani, even Sergestus—who had insisted on resuming his guard duties the moment he recovered—all watched Aeneas and Thaleia with the same look. Sergestus's face held a pleased... or perhaps expectant... smile.
Thaleia's cheeks were flushed pink. She kept her head down, focusing entirely on serving Aeneas. Her movements were graceful. Natural.
When his cup emptied, she asked softly, "Will you have more goat's milk? Or perhaps some wine now?" Her voice was tender. Considerate.
She offered a napkin at the right moment. Carefully arranged his utensils. Every gesture radiated care for him.
Aeneas ate his breakfast with forced calm. Inside, a fierce struggle raged.
I'm a decent man. I can't take advantage. I saved Sergestus and helped them when they were vulnerable. I can't use that to claim Thaleia now... But gods, she smells like trouble—and I want all of it.
He stole a glance at her. Her focused profile was especially soft in the morning light.
In that moment, Aeneas had to admit it. This woman, once so formidable on the battlefield, was now disarming him in a different way. She was quietly finding a place in his heart. Something new was taking root. Something unexpected.