Chapter 4 - Elara

As Willow turned to face the source of the voice, she was met with the sight of her family's loyal maid, Elara, whose eyes were filled with concern and relief upon finding her.

Elara had been one of Willow's caretakers since she was born— for as long as Willow could remember Elara had been by her side, and the bond between them were as strong as steel.

Elara worried more like a parent for Willow rather than a maid— as she had watched her grow up and take care of her from a baby.

Willow saw Elara more like a sister, even though she wasn't very old—only in her early thirties.

Elara had no last name as she was an Orphan that was picked up by the Butler of the family and trained to serve Willow— as a personal maid. She didn't have any outstanding features, simple long black hair, light skin, a face that you wouldn't see standing out, and a figure that was neither great nor bad.

She was average— and that was what made her a great maid.

"Elara."

Willow greeted the maid as she saw her, a warm smile painting her face despite the slight regret she felt for worrying the girl and causing her problems.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean for you to worry. I just needed some fresh air."

Elara's expression softened at Willow's words, her features betraying a mixture of relief and understanding— but there was also a little bit of suprise in there.

For what, Willow couldn't quite tell.

Elara had always been steadfast in protecting Willow even from a young age— but she knew better than anyone else here how difficult it had been on Willow growing up so she understood the girl's need for freedom.

"I understand, Young Miss."

Elara replied, her voice gentle and reassuring as she smiled and approached the young girl.

"But please do not wander too far on your own; you know how your grandfather can be about your safety."

Willow nodded in acknowledgment as she heard the lady's words—her grandfather and father had always taken her safety very seriously, maybe even too seriously.

They rarely allowed her out of the house, and she barely interacted with anyone her age at all. She hadn't even gone to noble gatherings like others her age would.

She had always attributed this to her grandfather's stubbornness to control her life— but with the memories she had now, she could understand that his past trauma most likely played a part in it.

"Also, Young Miss, your grandfather has returned and is expecting you for dinner soon."

Upon hearing these words, Willow was instantly surprised. 

Her grandfather had rarely interacted with her throughout her life— something she understood given his position and responsibility; he was a busy person, after all.

Whenever they interacted, he was strict with her, but deep down, she could tell he cared for her because he always gave her what she wanted.

But now he was here once more, and this time, he wanted to have dinner with her? That was truly surprising for Willow.

Her father was currently out of the city— he had gone to Noxus for some sort of business deal, and he would only be back tomorrow evening at the earliest. He often had to travel because of his work.

As such, Willow was alone in this large mansion— her mother having been killed at a young age.

"Is it just him?"

She asked in order to clarify if it was just him or if others had come along with him— maybe he was having dinner with some people he knew and wanted her there for some reason.

"Yes, Young Miss, it is just him."

Willow nodded her head when she heard the response and motioned for Elara to lead the way. She closely followed behind the maid towards the heart of the Bolbok estate, but she couldn't help but shake the feeling that something was a bit odd.

Maybe it was just the memories of her past life messing with her mind—after all, the series portrayed Councilor Bolbok as a selfish and somewhat cruel person, which was different from what she knew in this world.

But she couldn't judge someone based on just the surface information she had— she would need to experience it herself before she could come to any conclusion.

As such, she looked forward to the meeting; maybe she could even gain something from it.