Chapter 29
Seeing the wrapping shaped as if it held a long loaf of bread, Leila covered her mouth in surprise as if she guessed the contents.
“Goodness, you didn’t have to buy a new one.”
“No. It was ruined because of me, so I thought it was only right to buy you another.”
With a moved expression she carefully unwrapped it and silently held the parasol made of light-colored silk.
Bjorn had inwardly expected a bright smile and words of thanks to return naturally, but seeing Leila only stare at it with an ambiguous expression for a while made him suddenly uneasy.
He had visited a shop favored by noble ladies himself in an effort to be considerate. He had even commissioned it instead of buying a ready-made one, yet to the count’s daughter Leila it clearly seemed lacking somehow.
“Miss Leila, if you don’t like it, I can get the same one as before…”
“Hm? Ah, no! Look at me. I forgot even to thank you and just blanked out. Thank you, sir. It’s a really beautiful parasol. I love it. Only…”
Only? What was she trying to say after that to pause like this. His anxiety grew stronger.
“I never dared expect to receive a gift like this from you… I don’t know how to express how I feel right now. But truly, you’ve made me so happy. I say this sincerely.”
Strictly speaking it was closer to compensation than a gift, but seeing her purely delighted regardless, Bjorn’s worry finally eased a little.
“It’s too precious, how could I even use this? I think I’ll just keep it at home. A gift from Sir Bjorn, I’m truly so touched…”
Seeing her cheeks flush with delight stirred the urge to show off again. The urge to boast he could buy several parasols like this if he wished.
If she were truly his lover, Bjorn might have behaved like such a foolish man. But they were not that kind of relationship and never would be.
“If it’s Madame Bauer’s shop, it must have cost quite a bit… Are you really alright?”
Her joy lasted only briefly, and after examining the parasol her face soon filled with concern. Only then did Bjorn recall how he had pitifully asked her to pay for the meal last time. Her cautious question likely meant whether his finances were alright.
“I can afford at least that much. You have no reason to worry.”
Embarrassment and frustration heated his face and a sharp reply slipped out unconsciously. His harsher than expected tone froze the soft atmosphere instantly.
“Ah, if that is so… I’ll use it well. This time I definitely won’t ruin it.”
Whatever she took from Bjorn’s stiff reply, Leila quietly placed the parasol back into the wrapping and soon changed the subject.
He wanted to make an excuse but did not know what to say and only opened his mouth before giving up. It was not as if he had to show only a good side to Leila, so he could only remain a narrow minded and ill-tempered man.
As if considerate of him, Leila spoke about the warm spring breeze and a lake full of blooming daffodils while the staff began bringing tea and tea foods.
“I know you like Darjeeling, so I ordered it in advance. But if you don’t like it you may change to another tea. You don’t add sugar or milk, right?”
Though sudden, Leila’s voice seemed to carry a power that put the other person at ease. Moreover, her thoughtfulness toward the awkward Bjorn was clearly felt.
Before, her knowing even his tea preference might have felt burdensome, but now her attention was welcome.
“Ah, and today I intend to pay all the costs again, so please don’t worry.”
However, hearing her next words, Bjorn was once again brought back to reality. Seeing Leila firmly believing his lie that the date expenses burdened him, guilt that he did not deserve such kindness once again made his chest tighten.
“I usually drink Darjeeling, but I don’t actually have a strong preference, really. I will try whatever you recommend, Miss Leila.”
Even so, accepting at least one cup of tea should be fine. Just until this teacup empties, only for this brief moment…
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