"Come in, Max."
Max turned to the butler who stood beside him with the latter giving him the go-ahead signal.
Taking a deep breath, Max reached for the doorknob and twisted it. Pushing it open, he walked in after which the butler closed the door behind him.
The study was illuminated by blue light emitted from several enchanted stones placed at certain locations.
Max wondered why Lloyd would want to see him. Due to his earlier conversation with his mother, he thought for a moment. "Don't tell me it's because of the date… outing that I and Laura went on. Ah, if I knew things would turn out like this, I wouldn't have agreed to go.
"Things are going to get troublesome."
As he turned a corner, he looked over to see Lloyd seated at a desk with a calm expression on his face.
Looking at him now, Max admired how Lloyd carried himself. He was definitely not as good-looking as Lord Frederick, but indeed his character was way better, at least on the surface.
Lloyd seemed engrossed in a book when he suddenly put his head up and glanced at Max. He gestured for him to approach with the latter obliging as he came forward.
Once Max closed the distance, he said. "I must admit that Sir Lloyd has a grand collection of books in his study."
Lloyd chuckled slightly as he closed the book he was reading and placed it on the table. "Well, I am a man that believes that if you are not reading, then you are dying. The knowledge that dwells in all these books is what keeps me going. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Max nodded in agreement as his eyes sighted the book he dropped on the table. 'A short history on the races of Midgard: Elven edition'
Noticing his gaze, Lloyd asked. "I hope I did not offend you with my sudden request."
Max shook his head as he shifted his attention. "Not at all."
Lloyd heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good. Come with me."
He got to his feet and led Max to another part of the library which looked a lot like a reading lounge.
Max was left impressed by the aesthetics that reminded him of a certain planet.
The lounge was built circularly with three cushions placed side by side and a center table which currently had two tea cups and a jug.
Lloyd sat at one end and Max sat at the other end.
Picking up the jug, Lloyd asked. "Would you care for some tea?"
Max nodded. "That's fine."
Pouring tea for himself, Lloyd rested back on the cushion as he sized up Max.
The latter feeling a bit uncomfortable with the scrutiny, spoke up. "Is there a reason you called for me?"
Lloyd sipped his tea. "What do you think about my daughter, Laura?"
Max sighed internally. "I knew it. Hah, this is going to be troublesome."
Piecing together his words carefully to not offend Lloyd since he was a benefactor of his mother, Max replied. "I think she is a nice girl."
Lloyd put up a brow. "Just that?"
Max gulped as he added. "She is a beautiful girl and I am appreciative of that." He was finding it quite difficult to find the right words.
Seeing him struggle, Lloyd could not help but chuckle as he took another sip of tea. "Calm down, I'm not trying to marry her off to you."
Max was confused. "You aren't?"
Lloyd shook his head. "Not at all. What father would marry off his daughter at such a young age?... I'd rather keep her with me and spend quality time with her."
Max heaved a sigh of relief as he did not have to think up an excuse to reject what he presumed would be Lloyd's request for a marriage.
His good feelings though did not last for long as a new question popped up in his mind. "Then why did you call me here and also ask me what I thought of her?"
Lloyd's smile turned solemn as he lowered the teacup in his hand. "Because she needs a companion, not for marriage, but for what is to come. I'm afraid that if I don't find a suitable partner… she would end up suffering a terrible fate."
Max's expression turned grim. "What are you talking about, sir?... Is someone threatening Laura's life?"
Lloyd looked at him. "Nothing like that, but I know it… I just know that there is danger looming on the horizon and before that danger reaches its destination, I would like to find a suitable companion to protect my precious daughter."
Max studied Lloyd's expression and found that he indeed was not lying. With a frown on his face, he wondered what exactly the danger was.
He also recalled hearing something similar from Regard and the frogs.
…
"There is danger looming over us, Max my boy. Only the strong will be able to resist when it comes." Frog grandpa said.
"We have to prepare, Max. I will go on ahead, you can join me once you are strong enough." Regard remarked.
…
Lloyd noticed the expression on Max's face. "He believes what I am saying… that's good."
Suddenly, he spoke up, jolting Max from his reminiscing. "You don't have to think too much about what I have said. It might as well be the ramblings of a crazy guy that has stayed too long reading books."
Max calmed his nerves as he shook his head. "No, I believe that there is some truth to what you are saying but then why are you telling me?... I am not strong enough to do anything if you are unable to do anything to this so-called danger."
Lloyd leaned forward. "But you are a Sage."
"Sure but your level in magic is higher than mine. If you can't protect her, then how am I supposed to do so?" Max questioned.
"I am aware of my fate, Max. I hope I would be able to stay till then to protect her but if not… I hope you can ensure my daughter's safety. This is a request from a father that loves his daughter more than himself."
Max pursed his lips. "…I understand. I cannot make any promises but if I can… then I will protect Laura but in turn, you will have to support my mother in everything she plans to do."
Lloyd regained his cheerful expression as he leaned back on his couch. "Naturally. I would have done so even if you didn't ask. After all, Lara is a good woman."