The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 48
Misfortune always seemed to arrive unexpectedly, and that day was no different. Layla was on her way out of Benedict’s room to help with his chores and collect some money. But there was an unusual commotion. Gunther was bowing repeatedly.
Two men were in front of Gunther, one a typical nobleman, the other a boy who looked a year or two older than Layla. He had curly golden hair and clear blue eyes that sparkled. He was so handsome, he looked like an angel in holy garb.
“He was so handsome that I thought he was an angel inside, and he pointed his finger at me.”
“Uncle, she’s beautiful, can you give her to me?”
Gunther’s eyes flashed at the boy’s words. Layla instinctively knew she had to run. He grabbed her by the hair, yanking her back. It led to screams and a great commotion.
“Despicable creatures.”
Harsh words spilled from Leopold’s lips. Layla smiled softly. It felt good to have someone who shared her pain, even if only in words.
“If it hadn’t been for Benedict that day, I might not be here now. For that, I’m grateful to him.”
She supposed it was the only conscience he had left, because Benedict’s young daughter and she were about the same age. That day, Benedict, with a black eye, silently took her home.
Leopold instinctively knew there was more to Layla’s story, but he didn’t ask. Leopold cautiously reached out and covered Layla’s hand with his. She flinched but didn’t pull it away.
“Why did you even bother to learn fire magic, when you know how to use a flint like that?”
He knew the words were meant as a joke, but the self-control he’d been lacking lately made him speak the truth.
“Because I wanted to be of help to the Count.”
‘Me?’
Layla tilted her head at an angle and looked up at Leopold. Leopold literally froze as she looked like she was about to cry. The gentle smile on her face felt like it could vanish without a trace at any moment.
‘It was a bit naive, but there are many fire mages in the Templars, and I thought it would be useful to you if I became one, too, Count.’
It was at that moment that Leopold’s face moved closer to hers. Before she could register the distance between them, something soft touched her lips. Layla’s eyes widened in shock. Her whole body froze, unable to move. She could only roll her eyes around, staring intently at Leopold’s face, his eyes closed.
She couldn’t read his intentions. It was too cruel to be a joke, yet Leopold was too serious a person to toy with someone like this. The kiss lasted only a brief moment—just as long as a blink—and then his lips slowly pulled away.
“What… was that?”
“I like you, Layla.”
The grip of Leopold’s hand around hers tightened. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Only Leopold’s blue eyes sparkled beautifully. She couldn’t distinguish whether what she heard was real or just an illusion.
“I’ve liked you for a long time. Much longer than you could ever imagine.”
If he had any skill with words, he would have added all sorts of flowery expressions, but he didn’t possess such talents.
“I’m not saying this expecting anything in return. I just wanted you to know.”
Layla’s words about wanting to become a fire mage for his sake had triggered something in him, leading to this impulsive kiss. It was his first kiss, and it wasn’t sweet or romantic like people often say, but it was warm—warm like Layla, who had entered his life like a spring sunbeam. Now, in the aftermath of his actions, he couldn’t bring himself to look up, too afraid of what expression Layla might be wearing.
“This is just how I feel,”
He waited in vain for a response that didn’t come. The small hand in his remained still, and a heavy silence settled in the cabin.
