My Perfect Omega - Chapter 72

“My nephew, the Duke of Bavenberg, is a very dull person. I feel a bit sorry that Lady Leila has to marry such a dull husband, but if she likes him, then it should be fine, right?”

“…Yes, that is correct.”

Benjamin had already lost his spirit and was responding with soulless answers. The Emperor recalled the suspicious records discovered during the investigation, ensuring these people couldn’t plot any further trouble, and focused his gaze on the Countess.

He knew that Sarah was of common birth. Although he did not despise commoners as an Emperor, he held one unchanging belief—those who rose from the bottom were often ruthless and frequently forgot their place.

The Emperor looked down at the Countess and spoke.

“So, I have decided to repay my debt to Lady Leila.”

At the Emperor’s words, Sarah almost raised her head, but managed to restrain herself. In contrast, Benjamin, bewildered, looked straight at the Emperor—an audacious act.

Before the chief attendant could rebuke him, the Emperor smiled silently and continued.

“I plan to grant Lady Leila anything she desires. Anything at all.”

The Emperor thought it would be nice to meet his future niece-in-law, as it was too bothersome to keep helping her indirectly. The Este family members couldn’t utter a word in response.

They could only recall their past mistreatment of Leila. Sarah, however, had slightly different thoughts.

“Then, let us not bring up this matter again.”

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, he stood up and left. The chief attendant remained, speaking to them with a look of contempt.

“There are documents you need to sign before you leave, so wait here for a moment.”

The Emperor had summoned them all to ensure they could never speak of this matter again, and he intended to formalize it with documents.

Sarah couldn’t hide her distressed expression. She ground her teeth in frustration and rising helplessness.

***

Philip had recently noticed something suspicious about Lucas’s singular focus on work. Whenever Lucas had something on his mind, he tended to bury himself in work. Being closest to him, Philip couldn’t miss this change in behavior.

So, during teatime, when Lucas stayed in his office instead of meeting Leila, Philip subtly suggested,

“Your Grace, would you like to take a walk for a moment?”

“…Why?”

“Though it’s still hot since it’s late summer, the breeze is quite refreshing. Since you’ve been in the office all the time, it might be good to take a short break.”

“That makes sense…”

The mention of a walk made him think of Leila. Come to think of it, since bringing her to the ducal residence, they hadn’t taken a walk together. After a moment of contemplation, Lucas abruptly stood up and said,

“Isn’t it pitiful if I go for a walk with you?”

Philip watched the Duke leave the office brusquely, sighed softly, and shook his head.

‘Since this is his first relationship, it seems I have no choice but to help him.’

Feeling he had given another good piece of advice today, Philip smiled contentedly.

Meanwhile, Lucas berated himself for not thinking of taking a walk with her sooner. Things had been quite awkward with Leila since that day. It was painful to see her not even turning her head towards him, even though she couldn’t see.

As he neared her room, instead of making noise, he approached even more quietly. He felt a sense of self-reproach for his situation but was more determined to make amends with her.

Of course, he still didn’t know why she was so angry with him.

He quietly opened the door and peeked inside. Leila, who was sitting on the sofa, immediately turned her head at the slightest noise. Acknowledging her sharp hearing, he deliberately cleared his throat as he entered.

“Ahem, ahem!”

Leila, having not seen him during teatime in the past few days, mistakenly thought it was later in the evening than it actually was. She had been lost in thought and assumed more time had passed, so she acknowledged him perfunctorily.

“…You’re back?”

Noting that she hadn’t greeted him when he left earlier, Lucas seized the moment when she responded.

“It’s break time, so all the aides have gone to have tea.”

“Ah…”

Upon realizing it was still afternoon, Leila merely nodded. Lucas quickly approached her and, glancing around, asked,

“If it’s alright with you, I’d like to take a walk together.”

Surprised by his unexpected request, Leila instinctively turned her head towards his direction. Lucas, thinking it had been a long time since he had seen her beautiful eyes, added,

“The weather is better than expected. And today, the sunshine is quite bright.”