Cry, Or Better Yet Beg
chapter 64. Glance

As soon as the snow starts to fall, it snows heavily. The streets had already thickened due to the white frost, making it difficult for the carriages to move faster than they should. Leyla could only look out the window, worry clearly visible on her face.

“You need not worry too much, my dear.” a soft voice interrupts him. Leyla looked in front of her and saw Madam Norma Catharina von Herhardt smiling for her, her eyes wrinkled kindly as she looked at the young teacher sitting opposite her.

“Oh, no, it's not that, um,” Leyla started stuttering, but Norma gracefully cut it while laughing softly.

“I know this may be a little uncomfortable for you, but please, no need to be too nervous.” she comforts the young lady, “I don't want you to be too uptight on this trip. Especially because I myself delivered the invitation.”

Leyla realized that she could not regret the honorable woman. He exuded so much warmth, inevitably he felt a little comfortable with his presence. Norma sighed as she finally glanced out a little.

“New first day it snowed, and the streets were already filled with heavy snow. I expect this winter to be colder, don't you think so, Matthias?” Norma asks her granddaughter, then turns to her to ask for an answer.

Leyla also followed his gaze to distract the Duke. They glanced at each other at a glance, but he could already feel his heart racing in his chest.

“I think so too, grandma.” she immediately agreed. It was clear to Leyla that Norma was a man of speech. He took charge of small talk, inquired about his school life, and even praised the latest charity event. This of course led him to the conversation Leyla wanted to avoid.

Drama class.

“You seem very confused up there, but I want you to know that you did it amazingly.” Norma said, her eyes twinkled with amusement as she recalled how much she enjoyed the game. Leyla felt her cheeks blush at the compliment. Somehow, it sounded much more soothing than the other compliments he had received earlier.

“I thank you very much, Mistress!” he said a big thank you. Her cheeks felt hotter, the tips of her ears flushed with praise, making her pale skin brightly colored like ripe fruit.

Matthias tried to hold back the laughter of seeing his expression. It reminded her of her face as she went up on stage. He sat upright in front of her, his hands politely grasping his knees as he moved his fingers agitatedly.

He's not good at being indifferent. He couldn't hold his emotions well. Not to mention how bad he was at lying, which might be the reason why his acting became so funny during the show.

He leaned back in his chair, stretched his legs a little further, gently touching the tip of his shoe to his heel silently lest his grandmother notice. Leyla felt him graze her leg, and kept her leg away from him, but she did not give up easily.

His carriage trembled as it began to sway due to the unevenness of the previously well-polished road. Leyla inevitably felt as if she was about to cry. He tried hard not to let the man touch her, but he could only move so far with the small carriage.

And now his feet are firmly attached to his feet. Her contact wasn't much, but it was enough to make her feel as if she had just stripped him naked.

“For such a young woman, you seem to handle children well.” Norma praises again, making Leyla raise her head back to see the matriarch of Herhardt. Although she wanted to avoid the little contact Matthias had forced on her, she did not want her matriarch to be suspicious, and thus reluctantly ignored it.

“Tell me, do you like children, Miss Lewellin?”

“Of course Madam.” Leyla answered in earnest. He would not choose to work as a teacher if he did not like children.

“Then, I think you will be a great teacher in the long run,” Norma smiled, leaning back, “You are both intelligent and love children, two qualities that are important to be a teacher. Isn't that right, Matthias?” he turned his head towards his grandson again, prompting him to join in on the conversation.

“I fully agree, granny.” Matthias answered, quickly glancing at Leyla before paying his full attention to her grandmother.

Leyla on the other hand, felt very confused about the man tonight. He knew it was a common answer, courtesy on his part, but his behavior so far has been very polite compared to before.

If it was someone else, he would just nod and give a one-word response before stopping there. That's how he knows her, that's how he thinks he's going to be. At that moment, Matthias' eyes looked back at him.

“Semester's holiday is coming soon, isn't it, Miss Lewellin?” he asked her directly this time, making her flinch in shock before hurriedly taking her eyes off him.

“Ya, right, Duke.” He tried not to be too confused towards her, mentally scolding himself to keep calm and just pretending as if he was just like the rest of Uncle Bill's family.

“How do you plan to spend your holidays outside of school?”

"Uh, sorry, that's, uh," she had trouble finding the words. Matthias asked him nonchalantly, but Leyla could see a slight arch in her mouth. He's having fun with her.

“Eh, I mean maybe help Uncle Bill with his workload.” the foot that stuck to his leg slipped a little, almost making him gasp for that sudden movement but still managed to continue, he said, “and also get ready for the next semester!” he finished it, raising his voice slightly at the end in embarrassment.

Norma couldn't help but laugh at Leyla's strange behavior. He watched attentively, and took notes as if he was trying to make a tacit statement about what he wanted to do.

It was a refreshing sight to be seen by her matriarch.

“It was a very nice activity during the holidays, Miss Lewellin,” she told Leyla, “Bill Remmer did raise you very well.” she smiled brightly, ' he said, makes Leyla blush for appreciating the way Uncle Bill is praised.

“I'm flattered you think so, Madam.” she replied gently, her voice now a whisper because she now wants to crawl into the hole. Matthias then shifted, crossing his legs while looking at Leyla rather arrogantly, from beside his grandmother.

“Yes, someday you will be a good teacher, Miss Lewellin.” Matthias added and Leyla looked back at him, “And I can't wait to meet more of you.” he's done.

Leyla inevitably wanted to step on Leyla's nearest foot with her heel, but refused to do so. For now, he had to give her the same respect he had given Madam Norma.

“I thank you for your words, Duke.” he replied politely. Satisfied that the conversation had finished, he looked back outside, deciding not to look towards the Duke again tonight. After all, it was a tedious task because the carriage was small.

When their eyes met again, Leyla could not help but shudder. His eyes were now dull and showing no emotion, as if offsetting the various expressions he had shown earlier.

Those eyes…

Those eyes reminded him of the summer day when the river drowned him.

The return journey took twice as long, thanks to the increasingly heavy snow before they finally turned towards the road that led straight to Arvis.

The rest of the journey also turned quiet not long ago, when the matriarch Herhardt fell asleep along the way. The only sound that was heard was the pounding of the horse's legs outside, along with the sound of the carriage's crackling.

Matthias had long since looked out the window, before finally turning his gaze towards Leyla, wondering what she was doing to pass the time, when he saw her sound asleep as well. He noted that not long ago he had woken up, trying to be vigilant before him. Although it seemed like at some point he remained asleep.

His eyes were now shamelessly following the figure of the woman, his gaze pausing right near the woman's closed eyes. Even in the dim light inside the carriage, he could see her necklace sparkling beautifully, reflecting the moonlight that had managed to seep inward.

His eyes stared further down, observing the way his lips opened, his slow and gentle breath, down to his heeled feet. They looked very small compared to hers, now they were lying side by side. His feet almost reminded him of a doll.

He found himself amazed at how such a small leg could carry such a majestic woman as if it was nothing.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped, making Matthias move away from his thoughts.

"Billing! Why are you here?” Mr. Pat, exclaimed the coachman, as he saw his friend waiting in the cold. Suddenly stopping, Leyla gasped awake, looking around in a daze as she wiped the drowsiness from her eyes.

“Leyla is fine, she is in here with the Herhardt family, thanks to Madam Norma. I'm sure he's well taken care of.”

"Oh? She's coming with you?”

The muffled sound of outside conversation was heard towards the passengers of the carriage, so it was enough to wake Norma Catharina von Herhardt up. Seeing her awake, Leyla immediately corrected her appearance, before gently attracting the mistress' attention.

“Eh, Mrs Norma?” he called out gently, while smiling gently. Norma did not need to hear his words, as she fully understood what Leyla wanted and nodded, smiling back at her.

“Then, this is goodbye for now. Go, Leyla. Bill's waiting for you.”

Leyla said goodbye to the two of them before saying goodbye, leaving both Herhardt in the car.

“He was lucky to be raised by Bill Remmer,” Norma said as soon as the train started moving.

“I agree, granny.” Matthias responded, having trained his response easily over the years, his eyes staring outwards, noticing the way Leyla ran towards his uncle with a tight hug.

For now, he could only stare at his back in vain as he continued to grow smaller as time went on. She disliked this feeling in her chest; this feeling told her that she left something important for her.

“Hmm, I'm surprised Bill has such a soft side in him,” it doesn't seem like he's the only one looking back, “I can't even behave like that near my own son. I doubt God also foresaw such a side from him.” Norma continues while looking sadly at the old gardener and his adopted son.

Matthias remained silent, unsure of what answer his grandmother should give to show that he was listening.

“I wish he would stay forever by Bill's side. But I did not expect him to want to leave Arvis.” grumbling his grandmother made Matthias' mind stalled on the new information he had just heard.

"Transfer? Leyla Lewellin wants to be moved from Arvis?” he asked, a frown appearing on his brows and his grandmother nodding in confirmation, unaware of his granddaughter's bad thoughts.

“Oh yes, I received word that he asked to move to another city, something about expanding his experience.” Norma can only mock, “Teen girls today are never satisfied to be near them. Don't they know that home is the best place for them?”

He spoke softly beside Matthias, before continuing his scolding. Matthias simply chose to remain silent, listening attentively now.

“I just heard about the move some time ago, when the Headmaster told me. He tried to hinder the girl, but he insisted to go.” Norma recounts, “Even the Headmaster was surprised because he wanted to get out. After all, all his students loved him, including their parents!”

The wrinkle on Matthias' face deepened as she listened to her grandmother's next news.

“Although perhaps her departure had something to do after she broke off her engagement to Kyle Etman, which I can understand; though that doesn't explain why she wanted to stay away so far from Bill.” she sighed finally finished. Matthias' jaw clenched as he slowly clenched his hand furiously.

"So so." he finally said, his eyes staring intently at the snowfall outside.

“Of course the Headmaster told Leyla that she still has the rest of the year to finish, and if she changes her mind, feel free to tell her.” she added after thinking, and if she changes her mind, “Although personally, I want him to stay here.” Norma sighed sadly once more, looking grimly at the thought of Leyla leaving Arvis.

And then a thought suddenly appeared in Norma's mind.

“In hindsight, didn't the Headmaster have a distant relative nearby who owns a large grocery store in the city center?” Matthias nodded wordlessly, “Yes, I remember him mentioning the hope for Leyla to meet and fit in with him. It will work perfectly!” he cheered to himself.

“Think about it, she may not be from a good background, but with her pretty face and brain, she will attract anyone's attention. After all, the break-up of the current engagement was commonplace. Although I wonder if marrying someone would be enough to change her mind.” Norma wonders in her heart. “The Head of School seems to want to match them.”

"I totally agree." Matthias took a deep breath, trying to keep his irritation out of sight.

“Ah well, even though Bill did not approve of the merchant, I could always ask Hessen to look for a nice, unmarried young man who lived nearby and gave it to Bill.” Norma said, satisfied with her plans so far, “After all, it is best for a person like her to be married young and have a family while she teaches. Not to mention still being able to live near Bill. Do you disagree, Matthias?”

Just in time, the train stopped, signaling they had arrived at their home. Without wasting any time, Matthias immediately opened the door of the carriage, and got off, trying to calm himself down, before setting his expression.

He turned around, put his collar under his coat and gave his hand to his grandmother, who happily accepted it. “How about, grandma?” he asked, courteous and graceful as always.

“Thank you, Nak.” she smiled at him as she helped him get off the train. With their official conversation ending that night, the only sound left was the clinking and clanking of their shoes on the polished floor as they walked inside the mansion hall.

When Bill and Leyla pulled away from each other after hugging, they held hands as they continued their way home after seeing Duke's carriage finally leave the entrance of Arvis.

Bill immediately asked Leyla about the charity event, which after being sworn by Leyla not to laugh, listened eagerly. Leyla tells the story of those people, how the game went, before one of her students cried because she had to replace them. The rest of the night then went bad for Leyla because she was humiliated.

Bill couldn't help but laugh at hearing his story!

“You promise not to laugh!” whining Leyla, her face reddened with embarrassment, which made her laugh even more. Leyla snorted with defeat, before accepting the fact that there was at least one more person laughing because of her.

Bill's laughter soon subsided as he wiped the tears from his eyes, before patting Leyla on the back comfortably.

“Nah, now Leyla, I'm sure you look really adorable next to the kids. There is no doubt at all.” she grins at her adopted daughter. Leyla pouted before hugging him from the side, as the two of them curled up to feel the warmth that was brought to each other.

“I doubt the other audience also think the same.” grunts while leaning his head on his uncle's shoulder while continuing to walk. Although her leg was getting sicker, Leyla felt things were getting better now that her uncle was here.

They reach the outskirts of the egg garden before Bill coughes and stops to look at Leyla's feet. “Do you want to ride my back, Leyla? It will make you feel better if you stand alone.”

"What?! There is absolutely no need to do that!” he chuckled, balking at the offer, “Again, I'm not a child anymore, uncle. I'm fine, really.”

"Are you sure?" he asked her skeptically, “Because I've been watching you for a long time now you're limping. His heels must have been uncomfortable by now.” he pointed, making Leyla squirm. He sighed, knowing how stubborn he was, but he was also just as stubborn.

She crouched down in front of Leyla, not waiting for any further answers and wordlessly she pushed Leyla to climb onto her back.

“Uncle...” muttered Leyla, touched by the caring attitude the man gave her.

“Well, whether it's a ride, or I'm holding you like a sack of potatoes, your choice.” Bill asked further when Leyla did not move. Leyla could only frown upon hearing that suggestion.

“But you will be tired.” he protested, making Bill laugh.

“How old do you think I am? I'm not that old, Nak.” he reminded, “I'm still a middle-aged man, I can carry twice as much weight as you without any problems.” he boasted. Sighing deeply, Leyla gave up and climbed onto her back.

Bill lifts them both up, Leyla grabs her shoulders, as Bill propped her up from under his knees and continues on his way back to their home. Bill walked down the path in the forest with ease, and Leyla could not help but smile as she felt like a child once again.

It didn't take long for his teeth to start grinding, as a gust of white air started to gush out from him. Bill realized this, and could not help but laugh once more at Leyla, who lightly hit her back in anger. Bill just laughed louder, and Leyla pressed her body against his uncle's back while looking at the pair of footprints that turned into one behind them