The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 40
“Yes? Yes.”
Layla gathered her skirt tightly. Leopold watched her for a moment, then extended his hand to her. Layla looked from his hand to his face and back again.
“Take my hand. It’s dangerous to board the boat alone.”
“Thank you.”
Though it wasn’t the first time she had held his hand, something felt different this time. Leopold’s calloused hand gripped hers firmly and pulled her up into the boat. As her body wobbled, Layla instinctively wrapped her arms around Leopold. Leopold’s body went rigid.
“I’m sorry, I… Ahh!”
As she hurriedly tried to move away again, the boat rocked. Layla hugged Leopold’s body once more. Leopold, still stiff, carefully wrapped his arms around her waist.
“You’re not going to fall over anyway, just sit down.”
He tried to sound casual, but his voice was anything but calm. With stiff movements, he helped Layla settle into her seat. Despite boldly seeking out the boat, Layla looked scared, curling up her body.
“Why did you find the boat if you’re going to be so scared, Layla?”
“How was I supposed to know it would rock like this? I’ve never on one before…”
Her flushed cheeks looked adorable. He leaned in slightly. A smile involuntarily crept onto his lips as he watched Layla shyly glancing around.
“I’ll help you, don’t worry.”
He pushed off the lakebed with the oar. The boat slowly drifted away from the shore. Layla’s eyes widened. The boat moved forward, rocking gently.
“Let me do it. You don’t have to row so hard.”
With a playful smile, Leopold stopped the boat’s movement and leaned back against the side.
“I’ll wait. Go ahead and give it a try.”
“You won’t have to wait long, it’ll be over in a flash.”
Feeling ignored, Layla shot him a sharp look. Amused by her attitude, Leopold let out a hearty laugh, which only made Layla pout as she clasped her hands together.
“You underestimate my skills, but I’m not that incompetent.”
Layla closed her eyes and brought her hands together. Though Leopold was no expert in magic, he watched her intently. Before long, the water beneath the boat began to stir gently, and soon the boat glided smoothly across the lake.
Leopold straightened up. This was not the talent he had vaguely suspected. Even without proper training, if anyone at Cologne Tower were to discover Layla’s abilities, they would certainly have her by the scruff of her neck.
“Layla, don’t close your eyes. If you came for a boat ride, you should enjoy the view.”
“Don’t talk to me. If I lose focus, the boat will stop moving.”
“Couldn’t you just keep one eye open?”
“Maybe… not?”
Layla cautiously opened one eye, and the boat, which had been gliding smoothly, slowed down to a stop. Her shoulders slumped in defeat, and Leopold burst out laughing. Still pouting, Layla shot him a sulky look.
“What did you come out on a boat ride for, Layla?”
Leopold asked, wiping the moisture from the corners of his eyes. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest.
“I wanted to move around and sightsee using magic like this, then move again… That’s how I planned to do it…”
Her voice gradually trailed off. Even she thought it was a slightly embarrassing method. Leopold chuckled. He grabbed the boat’s oars.
“That’s not how a boat ride is supposed to be.”
As he slowly began rowing, the boat once again sliced through the water smoothly. Flustered, Layla grabbed Leopold’s hand.
“It’s okay, Count. It’s hard work, I can do it.”
“It’s fine, Layla. This is how a real boat ride is done. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery. The lake is pretty.”
His playful smile made her blush. Not wanting him to see her flushed face, Layla turned her head to the side. The shimmering lake under the hot summer sun was indeed beautiful.
“The lake is so pretty.”
“You’re prettier…”
Leopold muttered softly to himself as he watched Layla’s eyes focus on the lake. But even more beautiful than the lake was Layla in front of him, his dazzlingly beautiful maid. Layla squinted against the scorching sunlight, shielding her eyes with her hand. She had the most beautiful frown.
