The Escape of Layla - Chapter 2

A long time ago, The Kingdom of Altair was founded by the Ruwain Clan, who had the mystical power of magic. They protected humans from demons that roamed in the world and founded the vast kingdom that was loved by the Gods.

My eyes vaguely read the fairytale style book about the history of this kingdom. I was trying to distract myself but no matter what my eyes were droopy.

　

Ruwain Clan was loved by their people, they built an era of peace, but soon their powers were seen as dangerous. In the end, influential aristocrats started a revolution that killed the royal family of Ruwain except for one princess.

Turning the smooth page. My eyes were sleepy but I had already memorized the book so I had no problem understanding.

The remaining princess with her surviving escort knights plotted revenge against the revolutionaries. It was the beginning of war which will go on for 10 long years.

Clink, A teacup was placed on the table in front of me. I am sure Jessica must have brewed the tea properly. Oh, this aroma belongs to tea leaves harvested in the western region of the kingdom.

Finally, the revolutionary army surrendered. The Prince of Altair who was the son of the head of the revolutionary army and the daughter who was born between the former princess and her escort knight reconciled with marriage.

It almost feels like a hostage situation. I laugh unconsciously about it. I no longer have to keep up an appearance, therefore I am at ease.

The kind Princess allowed the child born between her daughter and the Prince to return to the Kingdom. That child is the current Royal family’s ancestor. The Princess and her knights then built a city inside the kingdom that wasn’t visible to those who couldn’t use magic, and that city became known as the Royal capital of magic.

The royal capital of Magic. I know it doesn’t exist in reality but that place is sacred for the people of this kingdom.

The Royals naturally regretted it and gave people of Ruwain the status of god. They prayed for their peace and founded monasteries and churches throughout the kingdom. And that was how worship of Ruwains began.

“Monastery….”

I muttered with a sign in a voice that Jessica couldn’t understand. The priest said that the descendants of Ruwain are still alive somewhere in this kingdom but I wasn’t a devoted believer nor did I believe in it. The descendants of Ruwain have the status that is higher than the royal family, but since no one has seen them in the first place, it is probably just a formality. It is just a legend.

Anyway, I am interested in the monastery. I laugh ironically at my fate. To hide it, I sipped the tea Jessica brew for me.

Then I vaguely remembered the foolish drama that unfolded as soon as I woke up.

“Sister!! You woke up…! Rose was, Rose was…really worried”

The day after I woke up, Rose dressed in a rosy dress, and for some reason, His Highness visited me. Jessica and other maids were more confused than me over their unannounced visit. As a host, I had no time to prepare. Some maids welcomed Rose’s sudden visit with obvious irritation. There were some new maids who were unfamiliar with me, but still, all of them felt pity for me.

“…I am sorry, Rose. I am okay so don’t cry anymore.”

Why am I apologizing? Why do I care about Rose? These suppressed emotions were boiling inside me causing irritation but no matter what I couldn’t get rid of my “ Well behaved Duke’s daughter” behavior which I had ingrained for years.

I saw Rose for the first time in 2 years—although it felt like I saw her just yesterday—No matter how you look she was radiant beauty. Maybe she became more beautiful after becoming the fiancée of His Highness the Crown Prince.

Long platinum hair that stretched till her waist, just like our mother who was called Flower of High society. Even if you don’t set them, the ends of her hair were always loosely wrapped, ornaments of any color would suit her. Her eyes were like clear blue sky framed with long platinum eyelashes, and the always moist eyes could reflect the sunlight and the chandelier beautifully. Her unblemished white porcelain skin couldn’t be matched with any expensive accessory. Were those long and slender limbs inherited from father?

　Because I had the blood of my parents who were famous for their beauty, I wasn’t ugly but rather I got well-proportioned features, but I couldn’t possibly compete with my younger sister. Born with the best features of our parents, Rose was now Altair’s hidden treasure who was celebrated as peerless beauty.

Even the citizens of the Kingdom would prefer Rose who was blessed by God of beauty as Crown Princess. I told myself that I tried to stay calm in front of Rose but her words shattered everything.

“That’s right … If I keep crying, it will harm my baby …”

　

Rose calmly said that with her eyes moist with tears. She couldn’t read the room ever, there was a lack of concern for the feelings of other people, as expected there is nothing to say. Even though she is only a year younger, I wonder why can’t she understand one thing you shouldn’t say.

Even the Crown Prince, who had been silent since he entered the room, thought it was bad, he spoke as if to chide Rose, who was crying.

“Rose … that shouldn’t be said in front of Layla for right now.”

Pleasant, clear, slightly low voice. During those 2 years he had matured a little more, even more attractive. I couldn’t see His Highness’s face properly, so I had no choice but to imagine what His Highness looked like from his voice.

“If I could, I would…!”

Rose looked up as if she had just realized and clung to my thin arms to ask for forgiveness. Her moist eyes may invoke a desire to protect but right now I had no desire to protect her. I know it was the Royal family that pressed for marriage and Rose wasn’t the bad person but I couldn’t help but get angry.

“Sister … please forgive me. I didn’t mean to do this … I believed that my sister would wake up.”

The best thing about Rose was that I couldn’t tell if she was acting or not. It may be a personality suitable for the Royal family where expectations are twisted.

“It is okay, Rose..”

I intended to give my best smile to Rose. However, tears started to collect in Rose’s beautiful eyes.

“As expected, you have a grudge against me … older sister.”

“…What?”

“Usually, you would smile more cheerfully and your eyes are angry. Of course. I deserve to be hated by my sister.”

I sat there dumbfounded as Rose started to cry. Somehow, I feel worse now.

Rose has always been like that. She tries to solve everything by crying like a child. However, beauty should be justice, No one balmes Rose when she cries and trembles, the bad guy is always the other person. I always thought it was unfair. However, since I was the older sister, I swallowed my bitter feelings and endured it.

But I couldn’t laugh it off like always because until yesterday I was sleeping for 2 years. I couldn’t move my face muscles but still I tried my best to smile. There was no reason for me to tell that to Rose. I can’t help it if my smile doesn’t reach my eyes. Did you really think I would be delighted?

“Congratulations, don’t say a single word…There’s no bigger happiness for an aristocrat daughter than carrying royal blood.”

I feel like she declared that “I am happier than my older sister”, in the end I couldn’t say anything. If anything I feel nauseated at Rose’s words that just trampled on my feelings. I didn’t want to vomit and waste the soup I drank painstakingly for an hour. I bite my lips and endure it.

　When I think about it, all my life I just endured. But still, it was I was happy to stand beside His Highness.

Slowly my eyes welled up, it looked like I was going to start crying again. I didn’t want to start a scandal that Duke Ashbury’s daughter cried in front of her sibling and His Highness.

“Rose, Layla woke up just yesterday. It is obvious she can’t laugh well.”

His Highness squeezed Rose’s shoulder and spoke to her as if persuading her. I really hated their closeness and display of intimacy.

Please don’t worry about me anymore. I want you to get out.

I squeezed my trembling hands. Hiding my nausea I gave a crooked smile to Rose

“Cong … Congratulations, Rose … No … The future Crown Princess …”

As I sat there on the bed with my head hanging low, I continued to endure the bitter frustration.

Maybe because she let go of my arm, I felt better but I couldn’t forget her hurtful words.

“Even if you are my old sister…you don’t have to say that in such a dead tone. Right? His Highness?”

“….Let’s go Rose. We shouldn’t overstay..It is bad for you body”

“Well, I am happy that you are concerned about me…To become the bride of such a kind Prince, I am very happy.”

I tried to ignore them and continued to endure it. Really, I am going to vomit.

“… Layla, I’ll come again. I’ll pray for your fast recovery.”

No, Please don’t come again.

From the bottom of my heart I shout even though it won’t reach them.

After they left, I vomited everything I had painstakingly eaten.

Worse acting wasn’t just that, but the mother who came to see her daughter and said “ I understand your feelings but is it not good that Rose was selected” or the Father who poured salt on my wounds by saying “Rose is crying. She is pregnant, please think about her health.” I was so sick in three days that I didn’t see Rose and my parents. It was better to die but I couldn’t complain in front of Jessica and other maids who were sincerely nursing me. In the end I also started rehabilitation.

Because I couldn’t eat a lot, Food was carefully cooked to provide me with necessary nutrition and the rehabilitation was performed under guidance of a doctor within reasonable limits. Because of that I recovered enough to walk around. Still it wasn’t enough to go out so I spent my days reading fairy tales.

I put my book and touched my forehead. I can’t see them but behind my bangs there are scars from the stitching that happened after the horse kicked me. Besides I was malnourished for 2 years, it has been a month since I woke up but even now it isn’t healing. It is considered bad for an aristocrat’s daughter.

Of course, there will be many Noblemen who would aim for the status of Duke of Ashbury who is also connected to the Royal family. When Rose marries His Highness the only choice for succession is either to adopt a son from the branch family or accept my husband as successor. If someone marries me there is a high chance that they will get the title of the Duke of Ashbury.

The lower noblemen would desperately want the position.

　Honestly, it seems that there will be many men wanting to marry me. Among them are offers from incredible families like Marquis and other families with equal ranks but in the end they are only aiming for the title of Ashbury.

The only thing I could do for the Duke’s family was to accept the marriage, but I couldn’t prepare myself. Besides, if I attend nobel banquets, I’ll see Rose and His Highness even if I don’t want to. If things are like this, even if my body is alive, I’ll be dead inside.

Now, I have my eyes on the Monastery.

Ruwain Monastery is famous for its “accepting anyone who comes”. Dangerous criminals are exceptions,others are accepted regardless of status. In fact, a few generations ago, a princess became a nun. In order to repent to Ruwain’s and

wish for their peace, anyone who enters the monastery willingly, they can’t be taken out forcefully, that is the rule. Years ago when the princess entered the monastery, the Royal family desperately tried to force her out but in front of that strict rule even the Royal family’s powers were useless.

That rule was now my hope. Live at Ruwain Monastery praying earnestly with other nuns while engaging in philanthropic work, embroidering lovely kimonos and selling them at bazar. Of course it is not different from living a simple life but it would be easier to live there than stay at Duke’s mansion.

The closest monastery is on the south side of the royal capital at the foot of a small hill. It was a magnificent building that could have been a tourist attraction. Actually I visited it once with His Highness, so I knew the way.

Just thinking about all this made me smile bitterly.

Surprisingly I remember a memory with His Highness. I feel disgusted. As always I don’t know when to give up.

While drinking the black tea Jessica brewed for me, I made a decision.

Run from Duke’s mansion. Enter the monetary, offer my prayer and live a modest life. As a thanks for saving my life, I’ll pray for Ruwain’s descendants and this country.

I am hesitant to leave Jessica and others who served me so well but there is nothing I can do. They will possibly become attendants to Rose. There is no need to worry about their future.

A week later, I recovered enough to walk around the mansion, somehow I successfully convinced them to let me walk in the garden alone.

The weather looked somewhat uncertain but this chance may not come again. Today Mother has been invited to a tea party, hence the security is lenient, on any other day I won’t be alone.

For this day I had hidden a small bag near the fence of the garden and everyday added necessities to it. The leather traveling bag contained lace crochet, embroidery thread, needles as well as volumes of my favorite fairy tail.

It may be good to take some jewelry to the monastery but I don’t want to use Duke’s fortune for my selfish behaviour. Everything I own was bought with money that the hardworking citizens of our fief paid as the tax, since I couldn’t fulfil my duty as Duke’s daughter, I can’t use those resources freely.

Therefore at the monastery I’ll do embroidery and read fairy tales to children. Since I’ll throw this life away, It is okay to take this much.

“… Goodbye, father, mother, Rose”

I looked back to see the mansion one last time, I wore a robe with embroidery on the hem and started running away from the garden.

Although I had recovered considerable stamina, my weight was still far from normal and running was out of option. Surrounded by the crowd of commoners in the middle of the street, I felt breathless. Standing against the wall of a shop to catch my breath, I could smell the aroma of freshly baked bread from inside.

When I think about it, it is my first time going out alone. I wore the plainest clothes I had but their quality can’t be concealed from wandering eyes. I would be in trouble if people from Duke’s mansion found me before I reached Monastery. Certainly I won’t get this chance again.

“Young lady, are you okay …? You are looking extremely pale.”

A plum and kind lady asked me. Judging from her clothes, she was a commoner but it was hard to identify her lineage.

“Yes, I am okay. Don’t worry.”

“Young lady, Are you a noble’s daughter? It would be better for you to return home.”

“N..no. I am in a hurry, Please excuse me.”

I was still feeling a little stuffy, I can’t bear anymore questioning. I forced my skinny body to run towards the Monastery.

Finally I could see the small hill near the Monastery. The rain started to fall. I knew that the weather didn’t look favourable hence I had to surrender.

I crossed the city square where the crowd had decreased due to rain and entered a dim lighted alley. According to the map drilled inside my head, this route should be shortest. I put my hood on and continued to walk behind the alley.

It was running harder. By the time I noticed, my flax colored hair was dripping. My body temperature was dropping and I couldn’t move my body anymore.

Impossible. I can’t collapse here.

According to my calculations, it will take 10 more minutes to reach the monastery but at last I collapsed in the same place. Fortunately or unfortunately, there was no one around there so no one was rushing to help me.

If I stay collapsed here, my body that has not fully recovered yet will probably not last for long. Even though I think that outcome isn’t bad, my body was desperately shivering from fever.

Why am I so miserable! Until 2 years ago, I was supposed to be the future crown princess and live a happy life and yet.

The ever increasing sound of rain seemed to be turning the light of my life off. If this is heaven’s will, then do as they like. Certainly heavens won’t have a place for a person like me who doesn’t have any faith. But still, it would be better than this world.

“It would be better to die, I couldn’t speak the truth.”

I mumbled as my voice disappeared. I missed my life 2 years ago when I thought living was fun.

“Please don’t say that. Even when rain is pouring down your soul is noble, I don’t want you to make such weak sounds.”

​

A man wearing black leather shoes entered my field of vision. When I looked up with all my strength, I saw a young man smiling. He was wearing a shiny black coat which extended till his thighs and I could tell it was made of high quality material.

But what caught my eyes were his glossy black hair and bluish-purple eyes that captured the color of the dusk. I have met many nobles with gorgeous features, with various colors of hair and eyes but I haven’t seen anything like this before. Even his behaviour and gestures were different from ordinary people. Surely he must be the son of a noble house.

“….with this appearance, do I look like a noble?”

Even though he was a stranger, I inquired with a sarcastic smile. The young man knelt on the floor letting his clothes get wet and gently reached out his hand

“It’s more noble and beautiful than any other soul …. it’s too cold here. Lets go.”

What about my soul, this man is speaking strange things. When I look at him closely, with his perfect features he may not even be a human.

“Hmm, I wonder if you’re a grim reaper. I’ll be happy to follow you … Is hell a little better place than this world …?”

​

I gently placed my hand over his. He was wearing black gloves. At the same time, my vision became blurry. Perhaps my body was already at its limit. While I could sense the voice of rain getting stronger somewhere far away, I closed my eyes without resisting.

It is warm. It is fluffy and it feels very good.

I thought that subconsciously.

It smells very good. I wonder if it is the scent of a flower.

While it felt like heaven, gradually I gained consciousness. I opened my heavy eyelids naturally.

“Woke up?”

It was a very pleasant voice. When I slowly turned my gaze toward the voice, I saw the young man I met in the rain. He had removed his coat and was wearing a rough shirt. His collarbone was slightly visible with a hint of sex appeal. It woke me up quickly and I felt flustered.

“That … I …”

When I tried to get up, the young man helped me immediately. I was on top of a white bed with a nice fluffy smell. For a moment, it brought back memories from Duke’s mansion but it seemed to be different.

“You sleep for a whole day. Your body is fragile, you shouldn’t force yourself.”

I was relieved to hear the gentle voice of the young man. He smiled at me with his handsome face and continued to stare at me. The mole under his left eye was also sexy and somewhat cute as well. Ahh, but, I wonder if it is rude to call a man who was likely older than me cute.

“You saved me. Thank you …”

“It was nothing.”

I should properly introduce myself but if he knew I am Duke Ashbury’s daughter, he may take me back. Judging from the interior of the room, high-quality unnecessary furnishings like a Prince’s residence, I could guess that he was Noble. Moreover, as a former crown princess candidate chances of me getting identified was high. In that case, he may already know my true identity.

“Well…excuse me..but where am I?”

I asked the man nervously but he smiled at me sweetly.

“This is the Royal capital, Ruwain…. The city you call the Royal capital of Magic.”

“Royal Capital ….of Magic?

I couldn’t digest the situation I was in, the young man smiled at me again and snapped his fingers once.

A bouquet of white lilies appeared in his hands at once.

“I’m Mage Leonhart Ruwain. Miss Layla, I’ve been looking for you all this time.”

The young man named Leonhart gently placed the bouquet of white lilies in my hands. Before I could think why he knew my name, I became speechless at the fantastic sight that happened in front of me.

However, what Mr. Leonhart said, shocked me to the point of fainting.

“Miss Layla, Can’t you please be my bride.?”

Saying that Mr. Leonhart took my hand in his and smiled so gorgeously to the point of making me sign. This is the Royal capital of Magic, a city that has existed since forever. Apparently, I’m being proposed by a mage who I thought was just a legend.