My Perfect Omega - Chapter 37
Lucas was deeply curious about why Leila was acting this way and why he found himself in this situation. He couldn’t even fully understand his own feelings but wanted her to come to him willingly.
“If you are worried about that maid, wouldn’t it be better to come out and find her together?”
“…Your Grace, you could never understand my feelings.”
She wished for her maid, more precious than her own life, to safely start a new life. If she missed this chance, she feared she might never get another.
“Of course, I don’t know your feelings. How could I understand someone else’s thoughts?”
Leila turned her head toward the sound of his voice. He was right. She had been expecting too much from someone she had only recently met.
Besides the sponsorship, she was grateful for his help during critical moments.
“I am deeply grateful to you, Your Grace.”
Her flat tone of gratitude made him recall the time she had pretended to be his lover. Remembering her earnest expression, he muttered,
“You seem to have quite an acting talent. If you weren’t a noble, you might have become a famous actress. Oh, do you sing well too?”
Leila thought of the things she could still do despite losing her sight. Music had been her friend and teacher.
“I… I do enjoy singing.”
“Hmm, I look forward to hearing how well you sing.”
“…It is only a passing hobby. Please don’t expect too much.”
“Then, what other instruments can you play? Is it just the piano and violin?”
“…I learned the flute when I was younger. But since losing the instrument, I haven’t played, so I’m not sure if I can still do it well.”
She often said she had lost things, but Lucas now understood.
They had been taken from her.
He found it surreal to be having a conversation with her in such a dirty alley, but also felt a strange comfort in their unguarded interaction. It was a novel feeling.
“The flute… It’s a charming instrument with a clear and refreshing sound. If I were to gift you one, would you play it for me?”
“…If time permits, I would love to play for you, Your Grace. You have been my sponsor.”
Her words, which clearly drew boundaries and only stated facts, oddly irritated Lucas. They had been in a standoff for quite some time, and the sun was beginning to set. Lucas looked up at the sky. He still didn’t know what she was trying to achieve by staying here, but if they lingered any longer, Timo might wake up.
“I don’t know what it is that you wish to do here, but for now, please come back with me.”
Regardless of what their relationship might be, he needed to return her to the Este residence. He gazed at Leila, who was standing against the far wall. It was a dead-end alley, but he felt a sense of urgency, as if she might vanish through the narrow gap.
She looked up at the sky with a contemplative expression. The sunset light gently fell on her, and for a moment, it seemed like she was clearly focused on the red sunset, making him almost believe she could see.
But when she started walking, feeling her way along the wall, he realized it was just his imagination. He watched her approach him with a complicated feeling.
Yes. He now understood why he didn’t feel as repulsed by this ridiculous situation as he might have expected. He quite liked Leila, even her blindness.
“Your Grace, please take my hand.”
As she reached the end, Leila asked. He was reminded of her earnest expression from earlier in the day. However, her face was now expressionless. Feeling a bit of regret, he offered his hand as she requested.
Grasping her small but firm hand, he found himself smiling naturally.
