Chapter 3
“Let’s go. Since it’s raining, she’ll probably be home.”
“Thank you.”
Easton thanked the herbalist and returned to his room at the inn to get the yellow umbrella.
When he saw the bright yellow color, he remembered Layla’s smiling face when she handed it to him.
But he quickly shook his head.
“…I can’t trust anyone. Not anymore.”
He had to stay alert.
He had been betrayed so many times because he trusted people too easily. Every time a wound started to heal, a new one came.
Now, his heart was so broken that it barely even felt pain.
Easton hardened his expression and left with the yellow umbrella. The rain was still falling heavily.
He opened the black umbrella he bought at the inn and walked toward the house with the orange roof.
Even though the road was new to him, the bright roof stood out in the dark sky, so it was easy to find the way.
“This must be the place.”
He stopped in front of the house and was about to knock when—
Slam!
The door suddenly opened, and Easton stepped back quickly.
Thunk!
But it was too late. His forehead hit the door.
“Ugh…”
He stumbled from the impact.
“Kyaa! A-Are you okay?”
Layla quickly put down the tray she was holding and helped him.
“I-I’m okay…”
He tried to stay calm and stood up straight, but his forehead was already red and swollen.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry! I didn’t expect anyone at this hour…”
“I’m really fine.”
Even while holding his head, Easton tried to smile.
Just then, Layla noticed the yellow umbrella in his hand.
“Oh, you came to return the umbrella.”
“Yes, that too…”
“Thank you. For not forgetting.”
It was normal to return something borrowed, so why was she thanking him?
He didn’t understand her but replied politely.
“Of course. You lent it to me.”
“But your forehead looks really bad…”
“I’ll take care of it at the inn.”
“No, please come inside first.”
Layla opened the door wide and picked up the tray again, heading inside.
Easton tilted his head slightly, watching her.
“Close the door behind you! The rain will come in!”
“…Ah, yes.”
Without realizing it, he answered and stepped into the house.
‘Is it okay to let a stranger into your house this easily?’
He thought so, but his eyes slowly scanned the inside.
The house was small and cute, full of warm decorations. The faint scent of herbs made him feel calm.
“It’s a bit messy, right? Please sit. I’ll get something for your injury!”
“…It’s clean.”
He awkwardly sat on a flower-patterned sofa.
Soon, Layla came back with some herbs, bandages, and a small stone mortar and pestle.
She laughed as she saw how stiffly he sat.
“Haha!”
“…Why are you laughing?”
“You look so stiff in that suit. Like someone pasted a sticker of a person onto the background.”
Layla sat next to him, cheerful as ever.
She didn’t smell like the fancy perfume women wore at the palace—she smelled like fresh earth and the forest.
Easton quietly shifted away, feeling she was too close.
“I’m not a professional, but I taught myself herbology. There’s a lot of free time in the countryside.”
She spoke like a child, chatting easily, even though he hadn’t asked.
Her hands skillfully ground the herbs.
“What kind of herb is that?”
“You sure ask a lot of questions.”
“It’s not suspicion—”
“Haha, I’m kidding. It’s plua and clover. They help with bruising and calming.”
She placed the herbs on the bandage.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Then she gently wrapped the bandage around his swollen forehead.
Her silver hair brushed against his cheek as she moved.
The tickling made Easton swallow hard.
Still, he couldn’t help but wonder—wasn’t she being too kind to a stranger?
“All done.”
Layla handed him a small silver mirror.
“Looks pretty good, right?”
“…Yes. Thank you.”
“Since you’re already here, why not stay for tea? I was about to have a snack while listening to the rain.”
She smiled and placed the tray on the table.
There was one slice of strawberry shortcake, a cup of milk tea, a jar of honey, and a wooden honey dipper.
“There’s only one slice, but let’s share it.”
She gave him a fork and cup.
“Here. Do you like honey in your milk tea?”
Her face was open and innocent, without any suspicion.
Just like when she offered the umbrella yesterday, Easton stared at the fork in silence.
“You must have grown up with a lot of love.”
Finally, he spoke in a sharp voice.
“You’re very kind… maybe too kind.”
“…Huh?”
“I’m a stranger. You don’t have to be this kind to me.”
Layla blinked in confusion.
Easton continued.
“You shouldn’t let strangers into your house so easily.”
Maybe she recognized his face and was planning something.
He watched her reaction carefully.
But Layla just looked surprised and then answered calmly.
“I just gave an umbrella to someone who needed it… and treated someone who got hurt because of me.”
That was all she could say. Because she really had no other reason.
“…That’s it.”
She didn’t know what he was suspicious of, but her heart was clear.
“If I made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry. I just felt bad and had nothing else to give. That’s why I offered you cake.”
She fidgeted with her fork and gave a small, awkward smile.
“Maybe I was too excited. It’s been a long time since I saw someone my age.”
The air grew heavy in the small house.
Easton looked down, then slowly picked up the fork she gave him.
“…Your name is Layla, right?”
“Yes.”
Thankfully, she really didn’t seem to know who he was.
Could he trust her?
“Miss Layla.”
His blue eyes turned toward her.
“I need your help.”
“…Help?”
“Yes. I—”
Could he trust her?
He wasn’t sure. He didn’t trust anyone anymore—not since he lost Prinel.
That had become his rule.
But now, trust didn’t matter. He needed her help.
“I need a herb called ‘Aiola.’”
If she truly had no bad intentions, then he would use that kindness.
But just then, Layla’s cheerful face went completely pale.
