I stared into my father-in-law's eyes for several seconds before I gave him a helpless smile. He really loved his son and losing him must have halved his reason for living. I insisted my point of view by saying, "I have to rebuild Larkspur, at least your main household and that of your loyal attendants. It will be my gift to somebody extremely important to me. As to who that is, I will let you know in the near future."
My father-in-law's eyes showed genuine surprise as he murmured and looked down, "A gift for someone important..." He then slowly looked up and responded, "Whoever that may be, I should be very thankful to him or her since it will mean that my people will have better living conditions as well."
