Breaking the Ice

When she first arrived in Carnford with the main group, she was somewhat afraid that Thorsten would abandon her, but Thorsten was not so heartless.

After Thorsten was granted a military rank for his military achievements, Lord Karl allocated him a sturdy stone hut.

After settling in, Thorsten even went to ask his superiors if Liss could stay with him.

After receiving an affirmative answer, he took Liss inside.

At that moment, Liss's heart finally settled down, filled with indescribable gratitude and relief.

From then on, Liss served Thorsten even more devotedly, managing the cottage meticulously.

Thorsten did indeed treat her well, not only freeing her from hardship and toil in the fields, but also shocking and touching Liss. This month, after his pay and rations were distributed, he simply handed the money and food to her for safekeeping, saying only, "These trivial matters are better handled by you women."

At that moment, holding the money and food that symbolized stability and trust, Liss almost burst into tears. For the first time, she truly felt what it meant to belong to a "home".

Although at first, some of Carnford's original inhabitants would point fingers behind her back and even whisper that she was "the woman of a barbarian" with disdain in their eyes.

But as Thorsten distinguished himself in battle and his position gradually became secure, he became one of the most renowned cavalry captains under Lord Karl, and the gossip gradually disappeared.

Now, when her neighbors see her, they even nod and greet her politely.

"You're back!" Liss walked quickly to Thorsten's side, naturally brushing the dust off his armor, and looked up with concern, asking, "Are you tired from training? Are you hungry? The food will be ready soon; today we have stewed meat and freshly baked rye bread."

Her movements were practiced, her tone gentle, and her voice filled with the warmth of an ordinary home.

The despair and struggle I experienced at Remnant Slope seem like a distant nightmare.

At this moment, the flickering flames in the stove, the bubbling stew in the pot, and the silent yet reassuring man before her constituted the happiness she had never dared to hope for before.

Suddenly, she noticed Lyon behind Thorsten, and a look of surprise and shyness appeared on her face. She quickly bowed slightly in greeting.

Thorsten smiled and introduced, "Liss, this is the man I've been telling you about, Lord Lyon of the cavalry platoon, my superior."

Liss quickly and respectfully greeted him, "Lord Lyon, hello! I often hear Thor talk about you, saying you are a very capable and brave commander!"

Lyon was somewhat uncomfortable with this sudden enthusiasm. He waved his hand, his tone stiff but trying to be polite. "No need for formalities, madam. Just call me Lyon. I'm just... a comrade-in-arms of Thorsten."

"Please come in, Your Lord Lyon." Thorsten warmly ushered Lyon into the house.

The cabin was simply furnished, but kept very clean and tidy.

Several dishes were already laid out on a wooden table.

A steaming pot of meat soup, with large chunks of radish and meat bones visible in it; a plate of boiled turnips; a small dish of cured meat; and the main course consisted of several loaves of bread mixed with a certain proportion of wheat, which were lighter in color and looked softer than pure rye bread.

In such a siege-like situation, this was quite a sumptuous dinner.

The three sat around the table. At first, Liss refused to sit with them, but Thorsten insisted.

The atmosphere was subtly awkward when we started eating.

Lyon spoke very little, simply eating in silence.

Thorsten tried to find topics to talk about, starting with today's training, discussing the importance of flank cover during cavalry charges, and naturally leading to the differences in tactical thinking between the Sauron Cavalry and the Goldfinch Cavalry.

When the conversation turned to the familiar military field, Lyon became more talkative, and the two had a heated discussion about several specific tactical details.

Liss listened quietly, occasionally adding soup to their bowls, a satisfied smile on her face.

She loved seeing Thorsten get along so well with his colleagues; it made him more like a Goldspur.

As the conversation deepened, the atmosphere at the table gradually became relaxed and natural.

Although Lyon still didn't show much expression, the aloofness in his eyes had noticeably decreased.

He had to admit that Thorsten did indeed have unique insights into cavalry tactics, especially his understanding of the Sauron's fighting style, which was very enlightening for him.

After the meal, the cabin was filled with the warm, lingering aroma of the food.

Liss stood up briskly and began clearing the table of dishes. The clinking of the porcelain against the wooden table created a crisp sound, carrying a reassuring, everyday rhythm.

Lyon also stood up, his tall figure appearing particularly imposing under the low eaves.

He turned to Thorsten and Liss, bowed in farewell, and said in a voice less harsh than usual, "Thank you for your hospitality. Lady Liss's cooking was excellent; the food was delicious."

Lyon's words startled Liss slightly, then a blush of surprise spread across her face, especially the way he addressed her as "Madam," which warmed her heart and made her unsure of what to do with her hands and feet.

She hurriedly put down the dishes she was clearing away, wiped her hands on her apron, and curtsied slightly in return, a little reserved but unable to hide her happiness. "You're too kind, Lord Lyon. It's just some simple home-cooked food. I'm glad you don't mind. You're welcome to come anytime."

Her voice was soft, filled with genuine joy, and her eyes sparkled, as if Lyon's simple approval made her happier than any reward.

Thorsten chuckled and patted Lyon's arm guard before seeing him to the door. "You're too kind, sir. We're delighted you could come. Please come visit us anytime; there's no need for formalities."

Lyon paused at the doorway, then nodded. In the darkness, the contours of his profile seemed to soften slightly.

"Okay." He didn't say anything more, turned around and stepped into the cool night air of Carnford.

Thorsten stood on the stone steps of the porch, not immediately returning.

He crossed his arms and watched Lyon's tall figure gradually disappear into the night.

Unlike his usual aloofness, as if bearing the weight of the entire Northern Territory's ice, tonight Lyon's figure, under the hazy starlight, seemed to have quietly absorbed some of the warmth of human life. A tiny crack appeared in his previously icy exterior, which kept everyone at arm's length.

The evening breeze brushed against Thorsten's cheek, and a heartfelt, gratified smile appeared on his face.

He knew that for a comrade like Lyon, whose temperament was as firm as a rock, such an ordinary family dinner, a sincere compliment, and a relaxed conversation could perhaps dissolve the barriers more quietly than any grand ceremony.

The solid iceberg has finally begun to melt.

He turned and went back into the warm house, gently closing the wooden door behind him.