In the deepening night, the castle embraced a tranquil silence.
As I wrote in my journal in my private chamber, the sound of a knock echoed through the room.
Had I been in my office, I would have asked a knight to handle it. But since this was my private space, I stood up and walked to the door myself.
Opening it, I found an unexpected guest.
There stood Leila, dressed elegantly, her neckline modestly revealing just a hint. A faint blush colored her cheeks, adding to her charm.
“I came because you summoned me,” she said softly.
“Please, come in,” I replied.
I let Leila into the room and closed the door behind her. When I turned to face her, she appeared nervous, fidgeting shyly. Watching her like this was endearing, but it wasn’t polite to stare too long. Gently, I took her hand.
“Shall we have some tea over there?”
“…Yes, gladly.”
Leading Leila to a small balcony, I seated her first. Returning to my room, I picked up some cookies I had prepared on my desk earlier and brought them to her. Then, I poured hot water from the kettle near the fireplace to brew tea.
With care, I filled two cups, placing one in front of Leila before sitting across from her with my own. The night breeze was pleasantly cool, and the moonlight bathed us in its glow.
I took a sip of tea to moisten my lips, but the words I intended to say wouldn’t come out.
“This is delicious… such a gentle flavor; it warms the heart,” Leila commented, breaking the silence.
“Th-thank you,” I replied awkwardly.
Her words drew my gaze upward, and our eyes met. Leila placed her cup on the table and spoke earnestly.
“Meeting you, Lord Ein, has been my salvation.”
She rose, resting her hands on the balcony railing as she gazed at the stars.
“At first… looking back, it’s embarrassing, but I was so unsociable, wasn’t I?”
“No, not at all—” I began, but she interrupted.
“It’s okay. Back then, I was trapped in my shell, despairing at the thought of being treated as nothing more than a tool for the rest of my life.”
Leila turned to face me.
“But you changed that.”
She gently took my hand, prompting me to stand as well. Our eyes locked, and she continued.
“Perhaps, at first, it was pity. But you reunited me with Melia and Mimi. Even if it was out of sympathy, I was saved.”
I stood silently, unable to respond, as her unwavering gaze held mine.
“The cookies, the ice cream… they were all delicious. And at the lakeside, I couldn’t contain my excitement over all the new experiences. Your kindness melted away my shell without me even realizing it.”
She paused for a moment.
“I love you.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“No matter the burdens of my clan’s past, I adore you.”
I noticed her hand trembling slightly in mine. Strengthening my grip, I responded.
“I… I love you too, Leila.”
Perhaps my initial feelings were pity. But her warm smile, her adorable mannerisms, her aura that made me want to protect her, and her occasional displays of resolute strength had captivated me.
Finally, I had found the words. Simple, yet laden with countless memories and emotions.
“Prove it to me,” Leila said playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she teased me.
“…Gladly,” I replied.
Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pulled her close and gently pressed my lips to hers.
The moonlight shone down, as if bestowing its blessing upon us.
