The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 19
The summer sun shone down on the lush greenery. Leopold’s sword sliced through the air. His lean body was strong for his age, the result of generations of knightly blood. Sweat trickled down his naked back.
“Count.”
Leopold jumped at the sound of her clear voice. Lila shrugged and handed him a dry towel.
“I didn’t see anything. Here, wipe yourself.”
“…What did I say?”
Seeing the flush creeping up to the tips of his ears, Layla smirked and nodded nonchalantly. He avoided her gaze, wiping the sweat that had soaked his body with the towel while glancing at himself.
He looked somewhat thin and pale. While he might have appeared unimpressive compared to the robust muscles of seasoned knights, for his age, his body was sufficiently toned.
…Enough to make girls blush.
Leopold stole glances at Layla’s face. There was nothing resembling a blush on her cheeks. She merely appeared bored, tending to his clothes. He deliberately avoided her gaze while slipping his arms into his shirt.
“Why are you here? Aren’t you busy?”
His tone was sharp and curt.
“Lady Wegener was looking for you, Your Excellency. She said she needs to ask you something regarding your upcoming birthday.”
The warm winds of summer were beginning to blow, signaling the approach of a season that brought with it the birthday he often forgot. Time passed naturally, whether or not he consciously acknowledged it.
“My birthday is coming up soon. I had forgotten.”
“Your grandparents and step-grandparents sent word that they’ll be visiting.”
It was one of the few opportunities for them to see their grandson. With Baden keeping a close watch, there was no other way to ensure his safety than to watch from afar.
“What will you be doing during that time?”
“Me?”
Startled, Layla pointed to herself with wide eyes. When Leopold nodded, she started counting her tasks on her fingers.
“Well, since I’m a maid, I’ll be attending to the guests… and there’s cleaning to do.”
“But you’re my personal maid. Do you still have to do so much?”
“I can’t just idle around while everyone else is busy.”
She could almost hear the head maid yelling in her ear, reminding her to not slack off. Leopold’s gaze fell on Layla’s silver hair shining in the sunlight.
“The queen’s people will also be coming. Is your hair going to be alright?”
“I actually saw that when I was helping Lady Wegener check the invitations. I plan to dye it. Plain and dull is better than hair that draws attention.”
“Did Lady Wegener ask for your help?”
Layla hurriedly followed behind Leopold, who walked with longer strides than her due to his taller stature. As she struggled to keep up, Leopold noticed and began to walk more slowly.
“Yes. I’m the only maid here who can read, and she said my handwriting is pretty, so I helped Lady Wegener.”
“That’s a relief; I thought Lady Wegener would dislike you.”
“Me? Why?”
Layla tilted her head in confusion. There was an inexplicable nuance to it. Lady Wegener was the daughter of a knight under the Count of Bard and had stayed by Leopold’s side to repay his mother’s kindness. Therefore, she reacted sharply and sensitively to everything.
“Since she cares about me, I thought she’d be wary of you.”
“That’s understandable. But she doesn’t seem to dislike me.”
“Then that’s a relief.”
Lady Wegener came into view, having come out to greet them. Layla quickly bowed her head in surprise. Lady Wegener gave a slight nod in response.
“Count, may I have a word?”
“Yes, just a moment…”
Leopold handed Layla his clothes, excluding his sword.
“Take care of these for me, Layla.”
“Yes, Count.”
Layla bowed and retreated. Lady Wegener’s sharp gaze turned toward Leopold as he followed Layla.
“I hope that child is all right.”
Leopold shook his head reflexively at the casual remark.
“She’s a good worker and a bright, well-spoken maid, so I’m comfortable with her.”
“Layla is indeed a good girl.”
Lady Wegener commented softly. Layla was flawless, her work efficient and capable. Yet, there were things that bothered her. The sudden change of her hair from midnight black to moonlight silver, and her uncanny skill with bookkeeping—both unsettled Lady Wegener. But there was something even bigger than that.
“Yes, isn’t she, Lady Wegener? Layla is as pretty as a doll and quite smart.”
Lady Wegener noticed the subtle blush on Leopold’s face when he mentioned Layla. His gaze toward her was suspiciously tender, too tender to simply be that of a friend. The fact that he had gone looking for her when she didn’t return and the strange occurrences he kept secret all seemed too much for just a maid. It was all a bit excessive for a kind master.
“I’m glad you feel comfortable with her.”
“Is there anything I need to do? It’s just a birthday, half a joke anyway. I’d rather not care.”
