The Escape of Layla

Then an hour later, I was twisted by a blanket and hugged by Mr. Leanhardt from above. After I fall, Mr. Leanhardt won't even try to leave me for a moment.

"Look, Layla, open your mouth. We have to nourish them."

Mr. Leanhardt carries the soup on a silver spoon to my mouth. I'm not ashamed, but I just said no, and Mr. Leanhardt gave me a look of despair like the end of the world, so I'm just being looked after with embarrassment to the point of excess. She said she could eat herself even if she was a child.

The soup given to Mr. Leanhardt by hand is delicious and the warmth stains his body. Most of all, I can't help but feel hot in this situation where Mr. Leanhardt is holding me over a blanket.

"That's great, Leila. You think you could eat some bread, too?

Mr. Leanhardt takes a bite of soft bread to his mouth. Once again patiently and honestly accepting the shame, Mr. Leenhardt stroked my head with joy. I had a thin idea that he was worried, but I didn't think it was that far.

Or has something happened in the past, not a matter of character? For example, by involving that princess.

"... he has a face that doesn't float. Is something wrong? Does it hurt, Leila?

Mr. Leanhardt stopped his hand carrying the meal and looked into my face worried. I think he's a big guy because he really doesn't miss the trivial changes in my expression either. I immediately had an ambiguous grin so as not to worry about him.

"... thanks to you, I feel pretty much better. You can let me go now."

"No, get your hands off me. What if I fall again?"

"... but Mr. Leanhardt has a job, doesn't he? I'm sorry you took the time because of me..."

I don't have a magic division meeting today, but I'm supposed to be making magic gear. You can't drive his plans crazy.

"Even though Leila is in this state, I can't make magic equipment for swallowing. Please, let me stay by your side..."

Try to bury your face in mine again. Mr. Leanhardt draws me in. Mr. Leanhardt's scent and warmth were felt close by, and I thought it was because of this act if the fever were to rise. I can't even resist because I'm wrapped around my arms with a blanket.

I explained that it was the lack of sleep that caused me to fall, and I was sobbed by the momentum that seemed to take up embroidery tools. The truth is, embroidery was just an excuse, but I don't want to bring up the rocket story here and give him an extra upset. Whatever Mr. Leanhardt sees in me, I'm pretty sure he's working my body right now. Let's accept that worry honestly.

Nevertheless, it is unexpected that Mr Leanhardt will be disturbed so far. Even though I'm unfamiliar with people worrying about me, I don't know how to react.

But maybe this is what the kindness I sought as a child was. At a young age I wanted to worry about me everywhere and spoil me much more gently than usual. In the end that didn't come true at the Duke's house, but for that matter, Mr. Leanhardt is worrying about me until I'm excessive. One more thing, I felt my heart fill.

That's when the living room door opens and Mr. Charlotte shows up in a slight hurry. I'm guessing Mr. Leanhardt was also in touch. Mr. Charlotte looked suspicious when he saw Mr. Leanhardt hugging me on his lap.

"... brother, let Leila go. It's pathetic to watch."

"No, if you let go, Leila will fall again"

"It would be better if you were in custody like that! I need to put you to bed."

Mr. Charlotte walks in front of us and tries to get Mr. Leanhardt's hand away from me. But it ended up failing to rival the power of a man's arms.

"Mr. Charlotte...... I'm sorry. It's in the form of coming all the way here..."

"It's okay.... I'm sorry about our brother more than that. It will be painful...... I should have brought Ralph."

Sure, Mr. Ralph might be able to pull Mr. Leanhardt's arm apart, but imagining Mr. Leanhardt's expression at that time was too pathetic and I shook my neck sideways.

"It's okay. It's my fault that I fell... if this reassures Mr. Leanhardt."

"Leila is too kind. Your brother will cling to that tenderness everywhere, won't he? Don't you have to stop eating with your own hands?

"... that's a little troublesome"

"Isn't that right? Look, brother. You can keep Leila in your arms and take Leila to her bedroom. I'll make a more nutritious soup."

Mr. Charlotte told me to stand up, and Mr. Leanhardt stood up reluctantly. They say they keep me in their arms, but they don't even show how they flutter. They have the strength, not according to their skinny appearance.

"Brother, I'm telling you, can't we just lay down together in bed? Just hold your hand."

"... Layla could fall out of bed"

"Such a big bed, how do you fall! Leila is an unmarried lady. I don't know if you hate me."

"... better than Layla getting hurt"

Something's wrong with Mr. Leanhardt since I fell. I felt a glimpse of the darkness gained within centuries of raw, always calm and gentleman Mr. Lenhardt, and I was slightly shaken. Even Mr Charlotte was sick enough to think about self-death, so it is not strange that Mr Lenhardt had a similar time.

And I guess that darkness, simply because it was overcome, has not yet completely disappeared from Mr Charlotte or Mr Lienhardt. I'm usually just hiding and invisible.

"... Leila"

"Yes."

"Leila......"

"Yes."

I smiled small and showed myself, even as I replied to every word Mr. Leenhardt kept calling my name. Look at that look on your face, Mr. Leanhardt. Just a little light returns to his eyes.

"Layla, please don't be gone..."

"I'm here, Mr. Leanhardt."

Even though it was me who fell, at some point I was in a position to encourage Mr. Leanhardt. But maybe it's because of the power of love that's not strange and uncomfortable. When Mr. Leanhardt showed a slight relief to my reply, he slowly began to walk up the stairs and lead me to my room.