Earlier, Laine did not attempt to recruit Estelle without reason. The half-elf has always been proud, stating that he insists on a knight's position.
Laine couldn't casually offer a Ranger Knight position. The half-elf's strength wasn't convincing enough, and without significant achievements, promoting him to a knight would easily stir discontent among other knights. Especially since Estelle was a ranged fighter, while Brittania's knights believed devout followers of the Lady should engage in melee, charging with the cavalry lance and slaying enemies with a sharp sword, as the best tribute to the Lady.
Therefore, when negotiations fell through, Laine's effort to recruit Estelle naturally fell apart.
Yet now, Estelle and his half-elf companions proactively sought refuge, which Laine found very interesting.
Why the initial arrogance followed by subsequent humility?
