The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 22
Leopold spread his arms out. Layla quickly shook her head.
“No, it’s just… you look unusually handsome today, so I was curious.”
“Me? Is that a compliment?”
“I have eyes too. If it’s handsome, it’s handsome, and if it’s not, it’s not.”
She avoided his gaze while clearing her throat awkwardly. Her eyes wandered, landing on a piece of paper with names written in a row. At first, she thought it was just a guest list, but reading through it, she realized these were all women’s names. Sensing her interest, Leopold hastily crumpled the paper, his previous smugness evaporating.
“Are you going to get engaged?”
It was a bit early for an engagement, but considering Leopold’s current situation, it wasn’t a bad choice. No matter who he chose, Baden’s surveillance wouldn’t change, but at least it would provide some breathing room.
“What engagement?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know. They’re all names of ruling families, aren’t they?”
They were the collateral branches of the great seven families, excluding Bard, and several princesses from duchies around Argen. They were bloodlines that could preserve Leopold’s claim to succession.
“That’s not something you need to worry about.”
“Of course not. It’s none of my concern. I’m just looking forward to making some money here and then leaving without drawing the queen’s attention.”
“Leave?”
Leopold gripped Layla’s shoulder roughly. Startled by the unexpected strength in his grip, Layla stumbled back. He quickly let go, and Layla rolled her eyes.
“What, do you expect me to stay here? You seem to have forgotten that I came in as the queen’s spy. If I stay here too long, I’ll be suspected, and I don’t want to get too deeply involved with the queen and risk my life.”
Perhaps this was all just a fleeting illusion, a trick played by fate. It was strange enough as it was—wasn’t it? The fact that a girl from La Ellosa and an illegitimate prince like him were even in the same place felt surreal. Even if this was just a brief illusion, she hoped for some peace in this moment.
“…That’s right. Yes… you’re right.”
His voice was weak. His hand slipped from her shoulder. He glanced at her face, then quickly turned away, his expression obscured. Layla could sense his unease as he wiped his face with his hand, masking whatever emotion he was feeling.
“By the way, why did you summon me? The head maid said you were in urgent need.”
“Oh. That… I suppose that’s… meaningless now.”
The illegitimate prince, still lost in his emotions, muttered incomprehensible words as he moved weakly. In his hand was a large box, beautifully wrapped.
“I called you to give you this.”
“What is it?”
She shook the box slightly, but there was no sound.
“Go to your room and open it. I’m not in the mood to explain today.”
For a moment, the sight of the two years older, taller illegitimate prince acting like a seven-year-old was utterly pathetic. Still, given the circumstances, Layla decided to understand. In a world like this, where everything seemed twisted, it was impressive enough that he hadn’t become more bitter.
“Thank you. I have something for you too.”
Leopold raised one eyebrow. His crossed arms looked genuinely unappealing, and she thought about taking it back, but there was a bond formed over time… Above all, he was truly a good person.
Though she had mocked him as the illegitimate prince and a clueless young master, perhaps it was a manifestation of her ugly inferiority complex. In a harsh world where she could hardly feel affection, she envied and appreciated how upright and righteous he was, so different from her tangled self.
“Here, take it. I made it from the best fabric I could find.”
She had chosen the finest fabric at the textile shop. It felt embarrassing to offer something so trivial to someone who had been born with so much, and her hand extended cautiously.
“A handkerchief?”
Layla nodded, a bit embarrassed to explain herself. She fidgeted nervously, unable to keep her hands still, and scratched the back of her head.
