Episode 9
Easton danced in the rain, drank tea and juice, and talked with people all night. He laughed and enjoyed the evening fully.
Now, his face was red, and he was sitting on a chair, still feeling happy from the fun. Across from him, Layla had fallen asleep on the table after drinking too much apple wine.
Her clothes were wet and probably uncomfortable. Easton gently moved her silver hair behind her ear and looked at her sleeping face.
He had seen many beautiful women in his life. Most of them wore heavy dresses with lots of lace and wore strong perfume. But their beautiful eyes always had a selfish desire inside them.
Some wanted to use him to raise their social status. Others wanted power. Even if they didn’t say it, they only looked at his face, his title, or his money.
No one ever truly saw him for who he was.
Well… maybe one person did once. But she was gone too.
“…Can I trust you?” he asked quietly, knowing she couldn’t hear him.
He rested his chin on his hand and kept looking at her.
Layla reminded him of spring— a season he had never felt in his heart.
Slowly, his eyes moved to the window.
The rain was still pouring heavily outside.
The dark sky and the never-ending rain felt like his future— filled with misfortune.
“…Please,” he whispered, almost like he was talking in his sleep.
“Please, stop now…”
And with that, he fell asleep, laying his head on the table.
Now, both Easton and Layla were sleeping across from each other, not quite touching, with only the sound of soft breathing in the quiet room.
Then, suddenly, Layla mumbled in her sleep.
“…I’m sorry.”
A tear rolled down from the corner of her closed eye.
Easton stretched and rubbed his sleepy eyes.
He felt like he had finally slept well for the first time in a long time.
The smell of old wood from the inn filled his nose—something he still couldn’t get used to, even after staying for over a week.
But maybe the fact that he had slept so well meant that this old, quiet inn felt more peaceful than even the grand Imperial Palace.
Growl.
His stomach made a loud sound. He laughed at himself.
Back in the palace, he never felt hungry. Or more accurately, even if he was hungry, he never enjoyed eating.
He always had to check for poison first. Then, once it was safe, he just ate to survive.
But here, food actually tasted good.
He felt a little guilty that he had relaxed so much in just a few peaceful days.
He threw on a shirt and shook his head.
I should go eat something, he thought. After all, once he returned to the palace, he’d probably lose his appetite again.
He went downstairs. The inn was empty—it was still early.
“Hm…”
He looked around, hoping someone might appear. But no one did.
So he gave up and stepped outside.
“…Huh?”
The weather was strange.
He walked outside and raised his hand to the sky.
Sunlight was shining down brightly, but at the same time, rain was falling.
A sunshower, he thought.
There wasn’t a single dark cloud, yet raindrops were falling—like tears from a fox. That’s why they call it “fox’s rain.”
But right now, he was the one who felt like crying.
These light raindrops were soft like dew, but the herb he needed only grew when the ground was completely dry.
He stood in the rain, frustrated.
Then he heard a voice.
“Easton?”
It was Layla, holding her bright yellow umbrella, walking toward him.
“…Miss Layla.”
“What are you doing outside so early?”
“Oh, uh…”
He hesitated. He didn’t really have a reason, and that made him feel awkward.
She looked at him and smiled.
“Did you eat breakfast?”
Her clear, bright eyes stared into his.
Easton couldn’t look away. Her eyes sparkled like glass beads.
“…Is there something on my face?” Layla asked, touching her cheek, a little embarrassed.
“Oh—no. Sorry. I haven’t eaten yet.”
“Perfect! I just got some fruits from the lady next door.”
Without waiting, she walked straight into the inn like it was her own home.
“Let’s have a light breakfast!”
Easton wasn’t surprised anymore by how comfortable Layla was here.
Even if she entered someone else’s kitchen, no one would be upset. This village loved her that much.
“Hmm… Where’s the fruit knife?”
She looked around the kitchen but came back empty-handed.
“Oh well.”
She washed the fruit under running water and placed it neatly on a big tray, then brought it to the table.
“Let’s just eat them like this.”
“With the skin on?”
Easton looked unsure as he stared at the fuzzy peach.
“I had a feeling…” Layla narrowed her eyes and teased him.
“Easton, are you from a noble family?”
“…No.”
“Oh come on. If you weren’t, eating fruit with the skin wouldn’t bother you.”
“I don’t mind it. I was just waiting because you were looking for a knife.”
Feeling defensive, he picked up a peach.
“I washed it really well. Go ahead and try it.”
Layla smiled warmly and encouraged him.
Easton took a big bite.
“How is it?” she asked, her pink eyes shining with curiosity.
“It’s not sour at all, right? Super sweet?”
Before he could answer, she took a big bite of her own peach. Juice dripped down her pale wrist.
Easton just stared at her, amazed.
The inn was dimly lit, but somehow, she looked as bright as sunshine.
“Try this too,” she said, popping a grape into his mouth.
Her fingers brushed against his lips.
“…It’s sweet,” he whispered, his ears turning red.
“These fruits are full of love. That’s why they’re tasty,” she said playfully.
“…I feel a little bad, always getting free food,” he replied awkwardly.
“I can’t eat it all alone. And I already told you—I’m happy you’re here. It’s fun.”
“Soon…”
He looked serious now.
“I’ll treat you to something too.”
“Oh really? I can’t wait to see what Easton makes for me!”
Layla picked up the basket of leftover fruit and stood up.
“I’m going to deliver some to Mr. Rondel next door. He lives alone.”
“Yes. Go ahead.”
“See you later!”
She waved and left with a smile.
Easton sat there and finally realized something.
Gasp.
He had eaten something—without checking for poison first—for the first time in his life.
