My Perfect Omega - Chapter 97
As she stepped outside the mansion, the cool breeze felt even more refreshing, easing the suffocation she had been feeling.
“Last time, you only saw the rose garden, right? While I do love the scent of roses, our ducal house has another special place.”
Emma guided her along well-paved paths to ensure her safety. Though it was a bit of a detour, Emma hoped the walk would give Leila some exercise as well.
As they walked, the heavy burdens on Leila’s shoulders seemed to lighten a bit. She took a deep breath and exhaled, walking silently. Emma also refrained from speaking much.
“We’re here,” Emma said, leading Leila to a bench and seating her. She began to describe their surroundings.
“This is the rear garden. It’s where we grow fruit trees exclusively for the ducal house.”
“Fruit trees?”
“Yes, peaches, plums, apricots, blueberries, figs, apples…”
Leila listened quietly, surprised by the variety of fruits. Emma continued to explain as she looked around.
“Did you know, my lady?”
“Know what?”
“While flowers like roses and tulips are beautiful, the blossoms on fruit trees are also incredibly lovely and fragrant. Plus, these trees provide us with daily sustenance. Aren’t they truly generous trees?”
Leila smiled softly at Emma’s lively description.
“And the most notable tree in our ducal house is the apple tree.”
“It must be a superior variety of apples.”
“Yes, it is. It’s a tree with over ten different superior varieties grafted onto it. Isn’t that fascinating?”
Though Emma explained, Leila couldn’t quite grasp it. If she could see it herself, she might understand, but she couldn’t.
“We brought in apple varieties from all over the Camorr Empire and other apple-renowned countries, grafting them onto an old apple tree here. Do you know who did this?”
“…The Duke?”
Leila thought it was an obvious question with an obvious answer. But she was wrong.
“It was a Duke, yes, but not the current one. It was the Duke from several generations ago, who did it for his Duchess. She loved apples very much.”
“She must have been delighted.”
“She was, indeed. This is just what I’ve heard, though.”
“I see.”
Just engaging in this simple conversation with Emma made her breathe easier, and her vision filled with beautiful light patterns. As she gradually regained her composure, Leila took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air.
“I may have rambled on, but I hope you’ll see our master in a good light,” Emma said.
“Why would you say that? Who am I to…”
Emma tightly grasped Leila’s hand, stopping her self-deprecating words. She wanted to tell Leila how much more at ease Lucas had been recently, smiling comfortably.
But knowing a person’s expression didn’t mean knowing everything about them. Believing there were many ways to connect, Emma spoke with a kind smile.
“The men of the Bavenberg Ducal House are known for being very talented, so they often realize their feelings late. That’s what the former Duchess said. But once they do, they love and devote themselves to their wives for a lifetime. She said it’s a hereditary trait passed down through the generations.”
Leila pondered Emma’s words quietly. Perhaps that could be true.
If she looked at it simply, from the way he treated her like everyone else despite her flaws, to how he personally washed her face just that morning, Lucas was indeed a kind person in many ways.
Yet, his fundamental nature was far from gentle. He didn’t treat her kindly out of consideration… but because he didn’t expect more from her.
She was not a doll. Due to her blindness, she had lived a life worse than that of a doll for many years. And she hated it. Even if her life had improved, a life where she couldn’t live autonomously would eventually fester and burst.
“I heard they made a pie with the first harvest of apples today. I was going to bring it to your room later, but it might be nicer to eat it here.”
At Emma’s suggestion, Leila nodded and replied,
“Yes, please.”
“Alright, then. Please wait a moment!”
