A/N: This would make much more sense if you've watched ep 9 and 10 of the Lady Layton anime
"After all, we are talking about his dear daddy. No matter how long they are apart, there is no way to forget."
Ernest perked up, a frown coming upon his features at Katrielle's glistening eyes. That was…
The sour smile would never leave his head. It had plagued Ernest's mind since long after they solved that case, and now that Katrielle's received a lead from Rosa, the somber expression became more prominent than ever.
Katrielle hadn't been sleeping well. No matter how happy she acts, Ernest could tell, from all the little actions to her daily expressions, that his beloved employer wasn't as well as she claimed.
In the past week, Katrielle didn't tease Sherl as much as she had done before.
Yesterday, Katrielle forgot to turn off her office's lights.
This morning, she left her tea untouched and only drank it when it ran cold.
Ernest felt he had to do something. It pained him to see Katrielle so focused and apathetic. He just wanted her to be happy.
"Ernest, what's the occasion? You're never this eager to go to Lipski's shop," Katrielle commented, brushing her hair onto her back, "And it's about to rain. Ernest, you really pick the worst times to go out!"
Ernest smiled, poking Katrielle. "The fact that it's about to rain is exactly why it's better to go out now. We can peacefully enjoy the goods inside, while chaos is happening outside." The assistant pushed into the shop, holding the door for Katrielle like a true gentleman would.
Katrielle sucked in a huge breath, closing her eyes to enjoy the scent of baked goods. She glanced towards Ernest, who had made his way to the counter already. Was he always this gentlemanly?
Ernest waited until Katrielle caught up with his, putting her hands on the glass display. He silently hoped he wouldn't screw this up. Impersonating Hershel Layton is not something that Ernest is familiar with.
"Lady Layton, which cake do you think we should get?" Ernest asked, dark irises peering at Katrielle out of the corner of his eye.
"Hmm… I don't know, Ernest. Everything just seems so good!" Katrielle put her hands together and straightened up to look at Ernest, anticipating his choice.
"How about this, Miss, that we choose the most popular cake in this shop?"
Katrielle's heart stopped beating for a split second. A wave of nostalgia washed over the brunette at Ernest's words, and it made her wonder if he was doing this on purpose. There way only one way to find out, was there?
"So, in theory, the sweet cherry pie there," Katrielle pointed to the pie at the center of the display, "Because it's at the direct center?" Her words elicited no response from Ernest, but instead a small grin. She caught on.
"That… would be incorrect, Miss. Look behind the counter." Ernest waved at Aleks Lipski, signaling him to open the fridge in the back.
"After all these years, the most popular cake is still the strawberry shortcake?"
Aleks Lipski scooped out three cakes from the fridge. "Of course, Miss Katrielle. Our strawberry shortcake is very good, you know?" The baker handed a box to Ernest and Katrielle, nodding to the two. "My treat."
Ernest thanked the baker, turning back to Katrielle. He held out his arm, and for the first time, Katrielle noticed and took it. "Shall we head back, Miss?"
With a last glance at the exact spot her father stood, the detective nodded and started out.
Katrielle stared out the window, the reflection of London rain glistening in her eyes. She finished her strawberry shortcake while waiting for Ernest to come back with some tea.
For some reason, she started to enjoy Ernest's company a little more.