Episode 12
“I feel the same.”
It was Layla’s voice, a little shaky, that broke the awkward silence.
“It’s strange, right? I’m not someone who easily trusts others.”
With a small smile, she thought back to the first time she met him.
It was a rainy day. She had opened the window to hear the sound of rain, and saw a man in a clean suit standing there, looking unsure.
He was tall, good-looking, and clearly not from the countryside. Curious, she had gone over with an umbrella.
Up close, his face looked like a sculpture.
Because it was rare for outsiders to come to the village, his appearance left a strong impression.
But she didn’t think they’d meet again. She just gave him the umbrella and left.
Then strangely, they met again the very next day. Maybe it was because he had asked about “Aiola” that she kept noticing him.
“Easton.”
But that was it.
He was just someone passing through, only here to find “Aiola.”
Looking out the window, Layla said quietly, “The rain stopped.”
That’s when Easton realized it was sunny again.
“It’s time to go look for ‘Aiola.’”
She slowly stood up.
“It’s a shame we only had one drink, but how about we save the rest of the honey wine for when we celebrate?”
“Sounds good. Is there anything we need to bring?”
“Hmm…”
She picked up a hoe and a small straw basket, then tilted her head and answered,
“Desperation?”
“What?”
Her answer sounded like something out of a fairy tale, and Easton’s eyes widened.
“I’m joking. Who wouldn’t be desperate in this situation?”
She laughed softly.
“Everyone carries something in their heart.”
Easton quietly watched her from behind as she got ready. He couldn’t see her face, but her words felt sad. She must be hurting too—she had also recently lost someone dear.
He said nothing and helped her quietly.
“I’m going to change my clothes.”
“Ah, okay.”
“You should change too. The mountain path is rough.”
“I’ll be fine.”
He shook his head, remembering how herb gatherers dressed.
He still cared more about appearances than comfort—especially in front of someone he liked.
“Alright, then please wait a bit.”
She smiled and went into her room.
While walking around the house, Easton spotted a small toy-like piano and walked closer.
‘A piano?’
There were several picture frames on top, probably family photos.
Just as he was about to look closer, the door swung open.
“What are you doing?”
Layla had her hair tied up, wore loose pants and a comfy shirt.
Easton said, “Ah, the piano was just so small and cute.”
“I got that piano when I was a baby.”
Even though she looked good in a simple dress, she looked even better in comfy clothes. Easton quickly looked away, embarrassed he’d been staring.
“I see. Shall we go, then?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
She slung the basket over her shoulder and walked ahead.
Worried it might be heavy, Easton quickly grabbed it from her.
“Oh no, your nice suit will get dirty.”
Layla tried to take it back, worried it would stain his clothes.
“It’s okay. This is nothing.”
He gently pulled her hand away. Their hands briefly touched.
At that moment, both of them blushed.
“I-I’ll carry it.”
Easton coughed and awkwardly moved the basket to his other shoulder.
He felt silly for stuttering, but it was too late now.
“Th-thank you.”
Layla looked down, her face completely red.
“This way.”
She walked ahead quickly to hide her blushing face.
Soon, they reached the entrance of Mount Bensveria—where Sera had come looking for Merryberry before.
“This is the mountain?”
“Yes. ‘Aiola’ doesn’t have a fixed place to grow, but around Elton, this is where it’s most often found. Let’s go.”
She held out her hand to Easton.
“…What’s this?”
Surprised, he blinked slowly.
“The ground’s still wet and slippery. Since this is your first time here, let me help you.”
Without waiting for a reply, Layla grabbed his hand tightly.
“Uh…”
Wasn’t he supposed to be the one helping?
It was a bit funny, but he didn’t hate her holding his hand. So Easton turned his head slightly and followed her.
“Hmmm.”
“Are we trusting your instincts again?”
“Yes. Don’t worry.”
She turned slightly to look at him and said,
“I’ll find it for you.”
“I don’t really believe in instincts, but…”
Seeing her confident face, Easton smiled and added,
“When I look at you, I just feel like it’ll all work out.”
He held her hand more firmly.
When he saw her clear, bright smile, it felt like everything would be okay.
“Like you’ll really find what I’m looking for.”
“Me too.”
Layla looked into his eyes and smiled.
From the first moment they met, she had this strange feeling that they were meant to stay connected.
Blushing, she gently blinked and then pulled his hand, as if she had a feeling.
“This way, Easton!”
But maybe she turned too fast.
Even though she had just warned him to be careful, Layla slipped on the muddy ground.
“Ah…!”
“Layla!”
Easton immediately pulled her toward him.
But he lost his balance and fell backward.
They both tumbled to the ground together.
“Ugh…”
“Are you okay?!”
Layla had landed on top of Easton. She quickly checked to see if he was hurt.
“I’m fine.”
Thankfully, the soft wet dirt had cushioned the fall, and he wasn’t injured.
But then, their eyes met in midair.
Their eyes shimmered like sunlight on a lake.
‘She’s so delicate.’
The waist he grabbed to keep her from falling was very thin.
Her hair tie had snapped, and her silver hair brushed against his cheek.
His heart pounded loudly.
Easton swallowed hard and quickly looked away.
If he kept staring, he felt like he’d lose control.
“…How long are you going to stay on top of me?”
“Ah! I’m so sorry!”
Layla quickly got up and helped him to his feet.
“Your clothes are all ruined!”
“It’s fin—”
“Huh?”
He was about to say it was fine, but Layla suddenly walked forward quickly, as if she saw something.
“There it is!”
“W-wait! You’ll slip again!”
Afraid she’d fall, Easton hurried after her.
“It’s ‘Aiola,’ Easton!”
Layla pointed at a sunny area halfway up the mountain.
Between the dry soil…
“There it is!”
Purple flowers, just like the ones in herbology books, were blooming beautifully.
Now, he could save his sister.
Now, he wouldn’t have to obey Duke La Rose anymore.
“Haa…”
Maybe now, he could finally create a life of his own.
Easton’s eyes turned red with emotion.
Layla handed him a clean handkerchief and smiled like it was her own success.
Then they noticed how messy they both looked, and laughed through their tears.
They didn’t know it yet—
But from the very beginning to the very end…
Someone had been watching them the whole time.
