Episode 16
It had been 12 years since Layla started living with her nanny Maybrin in Elton Village.
For Layla, those years were the happiest time of her life.
“Maybrin!”
“You went to pick Merryberries again, Miss? I told you I’d go instead…”
“It’s okay. Look, I picked a lot!”
Layla happily lifted the basket full of bright red berries.
“Strange… People in the village say they rarely find Merryberries, but you always bring so many.”
“I guess I’m just lucky.”
“Well then! I’ll bake a cake full of Merryberries today!”
“Really?!”
“Wow, you’re really happy!”
“Of course. Maybrin’s cakes are probably the best in the world!”
Layla smiled brightly.
Their home was a small cottage with an orange roof — simple but warm and cozy.
Drinking milk tea with honey and eating freshly baked cake while watching the sunset felt like the best thing in the world.
Maybrin quickly baked a cake and placed it on the cooling rack.
Then she looked at Layla.
“You remember, I’m going to the capital today, right? My family is waiting.”
“Oh, it’s already time? Then… could you…”
“I know. I’ll buy you the advanced herbalism book you wanted.”
“Thank you, Maybrin!”
“You’re amazing for studying alone, Miss.”
Maybrin smiled warmly and gently brushed Layla’s silver hair.
Layla closed her eyes and smiled too, enjoying the soft touch.
She felt truly happy.
In the last 12 years, Layla learned basic education and also how to feel love and kindness.
The villagers also cared deeply for her.
She no longer looked like the sad, dirty girl she once was. She had become a lovely young lady, full of warmth.
“Then I’ll be back soon.”
Maybrin packed her bag and waved slightly.
Layla ran into her arms like a child.
“Be careful and enjoy your time with your family.”
“I will, Miss.”
“I love you, Maybrin.”
She didn’t want to call her real parents “mother” or “father.” To Layla, Maybrin was her only real family.
“I love you too, my sweet Layla.”
Maybrin, who was much taller, smiled down at her and climbed into the carriage.
But as soon as the door closed, her smiling face turned cold and serious.
The carriage passed through a few mana tunnels, and by the time they reached the capital, the sun was setting.
“We’ve arrived,” she said with a scowl.
Waiting for her was Duke La Rose, dressed in a sharp suit.
Maybrin bowed immediately.
“You’re here, Duke. Let’s go inside.”
She led him into her house. Even though she had said she was visiting family, the house was full of dust — no one else lived there.
“Where’s Layla?”
The Duke carefully placed a handkerchief on the dusty couch before barely sitting.
“She’s grown up very well. She doesn’t stutter anymore. I believe she’s ready for the use you planned.”
“You’ve done well.”
“She completely trusts me. She even tells me she loves me every day.”
The truth was, Maybrin didn’t love Layla. She actually didn’t like kids at all. She only became a nanny to earn gold coins.
“Good,” said the Duke, smiling cruelly.
“Very good.”
Now was the perfect time. The 12 years of peace he gave Layla was only to use her when the time was right.
“It’s time for me to meet her.”
“She’s not an adult yet.”
“But from your reports, she was born lucky, right?”
“Yes… She finds rare fruits and herbs easily, like she’s been blessed by a goddess.”
“A goddess’ blessing, huh?”
He laughed quietly and then stood up.
“Let’s go.”
“What?”
“To Elton. Right now.”
Maybrin was shocked by his sudden decision, but he had already climbed into the carriage.
She followed him with a confused look.
“After 12 years?”
“Yes. I’m very excited.”
He just smiled and looked out the window, hiding whatever plan he had in mind.
Whenever Maybrin went to the capital, Layla had to stay alone for at least three days.
After just a few hours, Layla already felt bored, so she started cleaning the cottage.
“Maybrin will love this.”
She changed the tablecloth, replaced the wilting flowers with fresh tulips, and cleaned every corner.
The house began to shine.
“I’m proud of myself!”
She wiped the sweat from her forehead and smiled.
Then she took a nice bath with scented oil and came out feeling fresh.
She wrapped her hair in a towel and sat down at the table.
Maybrin had left a pound cake, which looked delicious.
“Yum!”
She tossed the wet towel into the laundry basket — a perfect throw.
“Yes!”
She was usually a bit sad when Maybrin wasn’t home, but today felt different.
She happily took a bite of the cake. The sweet Merryberries and fluffy texture were amazing.
She sipped her honey milk tea too.
Sure, making noise while drinking wasn’t polite — but she was alone, so who cared?
Just as she was about to take another bite, she heard a carriage coming.
“Huh?”
No carriages ever came to this quiet village.
She peeked outside and saw the same carriage Maybrin had taken that morning.
“Why is she back already?”
She tilted her head in confusion — but was still happy to see her.
Layla smiled and waited.
But the person who stepped out was not Maybrin.
“Y-you…?”
The moment she saw the man, her pink eyes shook with fear.
She wanted to run, but her body froze.
“Oh, my daughter! Layla!”
It was Duke La Rose. His eyes widened when he saw her.
“Maybrin was right. Truly…”
He slowly looked at Layla from head to toe with a creepy smile.
“You grew up exactly like your mother!”
And then he hugged her tightly.
Even after 12 years, Layla’s fear of him hadn’t disappeared.
She couldn’t say anything — her body just trembled in terror.
