The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 21
The Rheinlande Castle was bustling for the first time in a long while. The maids scurried about busily. Layla gripped her broom and swept the hallway. The sun shining through the courtyard was hot enough to make her sweat. She rested her chin on the broom handle.
“It feels a bit empty now that he’s not around.”
When passing through the hallways or cleaning the railings, Layla would catch glimpses of Leopold swinging his sword in the courtyard. It had become a familiar part of the scenery. Now that the things she had casually glanced at had disappeared, she missed them a little.
“The courtyard of Rheinlande Castle is so peaceful and truly beautiful.”
Layla straightened her back at the sound of a familiar voice. In the distance, a familiar middle-aged woman walked slowly towards her. The speed with which she moved her fan matched her impatient nature.
‘This girl seems quite suitable for the tasks Her Majesty the Queen has assigned.’
Layla hastily lowered her head to hide her face. As aristocrats often did, Viscountess Bertel walked past the maid as if she were invisible. Once the Viscountess was out of sight, Layla cast a cautious glance over her shoulder.
“Can’t believe people still fall for that.”
The sunlight reflected off Viscountess Bertel’s necklace, creating a dazzling glare. Layla had learned the truth about the woman unintentionally, thanks to some drunk merchants who boasted about their own exploits. It was a trivial piece of information, something Layla occasionally laughed at when witnessing the vanity of certain nobles that caused them to be deceived.
“Well, that’s why they probably made a lot of money and spent it lavishly in La Ellosa.”
Layla pushed the dust collected by her broom out into the courtyard. With Viscountess Bertel now in Rhineland, it was imperative for Layla to remain unnoticed. She fidgeted with the loose strands of her hair.
“It’s like mocking a bird in a cage.”
Although they had gathered for a joyous occasion, there were few who genuinely wished to celebrate. When she lived in La Ellosa, even in poverty and hardship, her birthdays were modest yet happy. Even if Benedict was obsessed with money, he was not stingy, and on her birthday, she received nothing but well wishes.
“Seeing this, it’s clear that nobles have it tough too. They can’t even celebrate their birthdays comfortably and have to keep their heads down.”
Layla cast her gaze toward Leopold’s room in the distance. She fidgeted with the pocket of her apron.
“Layla!”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
Layla hurriedly bent at the waist. The head maid, with a good presence, was as kind-hearted as she appeared. After glancing around cautiously, the head maid whispered to Layla.
“The Count is looking for you. Quickly go upstairs without Lady Wegener noticing.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you slow-witted girl. Hurry up and go.”
The head maid gave Layla’s back a light tap with her thick hand. Bewildered, Layla blinked at her sudden gesture, but the head maid just muttered knowingly.
“Ah, to be young and fresh… Don’t worry about all the fuss outside. I’m rooting for you, Layla. Now, go on, up you go.”
Layla couldn’t make sense of what the head maid was implying. She was dying to ask more questions, but knowing the answers wouldn’t satisfy her curiosity, she kept her mouth shut. The head maid added a few more nosy comments, then snatched the broom from Layla’s hands, offering to take over her task. She bustled off to work with a busy stride.
“What in the world?”
Still perplexed, Layla replayed the scene in her mind as she climbed the stairs and knocked on Leopold’s door.
“My lord, it’s Layla.”
“Come in, Layla.”
Whatever the guests’ intentions in visiting Rhineland might have been, Leopold, as the host, couldn’t afford to appear disheveled. Under Lady Wegener’s guidance, he had been made to look rather dashing. His wavy black hair was neatly smoothed back, giving him a refined look. His deep navy vest and jacket contrasted sharply with his pristine white shirt, while elaborate silver embroidery added a touch of grandeur to the otherwise simple outfit. At the center of his cravat, matching the vest’s hue, was an elegant pendant of dark obsidian.
“Is something wrong with my clothes? You’re staring an awful lot.”
