Even before they reached the manor, a somewhat gaunt figure could be seen standing before the gate from a distance.
"Father!"
After getting a clear look at the man's face, Dalko cried out in surprise and immediately spurred his horse into a gallop.
As he drew near, he performed a beautiful dismount, his movements clean and sharp.
However, when he saw Baron Fosling's pale face, a lump formed in his throat.
"Father, you... you're awake?"
"Dalko!"
Fosling gazed at his son's sun-darkened face. A flash of warmth flickered in his eyes, but it was gone in an instant.
He lowered his voice and chided him.
"As the eldest son of the Collins family, you are not to cry!"
"Yes, sir!"
Dalko reflexively straightened his back and quickly blinked away the moisture in his eyes, scratching his hair in embarrassment.
"I was just... so excited, Father."
"I know, Dalko..."
Seeing his son's evasive gaze, Fosling sighed softly and reached out to pat his shoulder.
