After finishing that conversation, I turned to look at Xerta to see his reaction.'Was that a smile?'
I looked again and shook my head, but Xerta seemed deep in thought. Maybe it was just my imagination. Or maybe I was just overthinking things right now.
"Lady Leyla, I heard everything you said… but if you ask me, your knight seems to be quite fond of you."
"What?"
"I mean no offense or anything of the sort, but the way he stood so boldly, knowing full well he isn't a noble… to me, that's either bravery or foolishness. But men do become fools when they fall in love."
"…"
"Of course, that's just my opinion. Still, it's a shame you didn't notice how obvious his feelings are."
I drifted into thought. Could that be true? Maybe he was just being protective in a brotherly way. That didn't necessarily mean Keith was in love with me. But… what about me? Do I like him? I always thought of him as a brother. I bit my nail, unsure.
"Lady Leyla?"
"Lady Leyla!" Before I realized it, Lord Xerta was holding my wrist, stopping me from biting my nails further.
"Ah… forgive me, I was daydreaming a little."
"Please don't hurt yourself, my lady. You're not obligated to return his feelings," Xerta said sincerely. Why was I being comforted by someone I'd only just met today?
How pathetic, Leyla. Why couldn't I just live a normal life, together with Father, with Uncle, and with Keith? Why did everything always have to lead to marriage?
"We've been walking for a while, yet there's still no sign of your knight. Could he be at the theatre?"
"You're right. It's possible."
"Then let's head there now."
I nodded at Lord Xerta, and when we arrived at the theatre, we immediately spotted Keith.
"There he is—my knight!" I exclaimed happily.
"So that's your knight? No wonder people think that about your relationship. You both look stunning together."
I gave an awkward laugh. I'd never really thought about it before, but Keith truly was handsome—a gentle face that could easily charm anyone.
I waved at him, and it seemed he noticed me. His face lit up with relief and joy as he ran toward me.
"Leyla, where have you been?"
"Sorry, Keith… I must've zoned out. We ended up getting separated. Luckily, someone helped me."It was only then that I realized—Xerta had disappeared.
He's gone… and I didn't even get to thank him.
"Eh… looks like he already left," I added. Lord Xerta was truly mysterious. I could tell Keith was confuse about who I was talking.
"Well, I'm just glad you're safe, Leyla. Sorry—I failed you as your guard."Keith lowered his head, looking guilty.
"There's no need to feel bad, Keith. What matters is that we're back together now," I reassured him.
We began walking together. Somehow, things felt a little awkward now. Even though I didn't blame him for anything.
Then suddenly, Keith spoke up. "Leyla… what do you think of me?"
"What kind of question is that, out of nowhere?"
"Just answer it." he said.
Honestly, I'd been thinking about a lot since earlier. Keith was a good person—kind, reliable. I truly was grateful that he was the one by my side.Father brought him to me when he was just ten. Back then, he found it hard to open up to me. But eventually, we became close, and I cared for him deeply.
Slowly, I answered, "You're kind. Very thoughtful. And extremely responsible, Keith. I'm really thankful you've always stayed by my side. You're like an older brother to me."
I said it sincerely. I truly hoped Keith would stay by my side forever. That was my wish.
"I see… and what about my face?"
He looked so embarrassed asking that question, but I wanted to respond properly—to boost his confidence. "Err… You're handsome. Probably one of the most handsome men in the kingdom."
"In that case… would you, even just a little… start to see me as a man?"
I was stunned. I hadn't expected him to say that.Was it true? Keith, do you like me?Just like Xerta said earlier—is that how you see me? Like all the others, are you captivated by my face too?
'Calm down, Leyla. Stop spiraling, you're overthinking again.'
"What are you saying? Of course I see you that way," I replied, my mind in chaos.Hopefully, my face didn't give anything away.
Keith gently held my hand."I just wanted to say that I—"He suddenly hesitated, unable to finish.
"I lo—"
'Lo—? What are you trying to say now?!'
"I love… candied apples. Let's go grab some. Hehehe…"
'…What?'
"You're right... let's get some, I've wanted them too." I replied with a forced laugh.
Keith led the way to the candied apple stand.And for some reason… my heart felt strangely relieved. Though I didn't know why.