The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 53
“I have enough money saved up thanks to you, so I won’t make things hard for you. I’ll even let you study magic like you’ve always wanted to.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s leave together, you and I. I know it will be a bit tough, but I promise to take care of you.”
He knew that Layla would have a harder time than he would. It might just be his own selfish desire. However, in the future he envisioned, Layla was there. Living a happy life in a brick house entwined with ivy—that was what he wanted.
“I’ve heard that working as a mercenary pays well. With the money I’ve saved and what I earn from that, we can buy a small house by the seaside, the one you wanted.”
The hope in his eyes made it impossible for her to voice the truth: it was nothing more than a dream. It was too close to the life she desired, the life she wished to share with him. Layla cautiously opened her mouth.
“It will be hard.”
“I know.”
Leopold’s calloused hand gently brushed under Layla’s eyes. Though she hadn’t shed a single tear, Layla was always crying. She had simply endured so much that her tears had hardened.
“So, will you come with me?”
Leopold extended his hand to Layla. He wanted her to take it, he would give anything for her to take it.
“I know it will be tough. But I’ll make it easier for you.”
Layla stared blankly at Leopold’s hand.
“Will you really stay with me?”
“Yes. If you want, I’ll bring your mother along, too.”
Layla’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. She couldn’t help but hesitate, wondering if it was okay to be selfish. Slowly, Layla looked up at Leopold.
“Will you… not regret this?”
She had experienced this life countless times before, so she had no reason to regret or feel troubled. But Leopold was different. He… didn’t know this life. She worried that he might abandon her after regretting his decision. He shook his head.
“I won’t, Layla.”
Leopold reached out his hand to Layla again. The small hand that had been clutching the hem of her dress slowly grasped his hand. He pulled her close, and before she knew it, Layla was nestled in his strong embrace.
“It will be alright, Layla. I will protect you, no matter what.”
The voice whispering in her ear was like a dream. The stars cascaded down in brilliance. Layla closed her eyes. She loved the feel of his warmth against her skin. She fervently wished that the time to come would be a continuous series of moments like this one.
* * *
The plan to escape Rhineland was proceeding more discreetly than ever. Not even Count Bard was informed. The first priority was to avoid the Queen’s notice, and the second was to avoid giving Archduke Baden any reason to bring about the downfall of the House of Bard. The thought of leaving Rhineland, which had become so familiar to her, made her feel a bit melancholic.
It was a little colder and rougher than La Ellosa, but it was a place filled with warmth. She felt she would not easily forget the people she had met and the experiences she had shared here. It was truly regrettable to leave without saying goodbye, but there was no choice. As she organized the books in the study, lost in thought, a strong arm wrapped around her waist from behind.
“Layla.”
The deep, resonant voice echoed in her ear. Startled, she dropped the books, and Leopold’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her into a hug. He leaned down, resting his chin on her shoulder. Layla’s stiffened.
