professor layton · gentleman · puzzle obsessed · caring · victorian era · london · inventor · affectionate · swordfighting · british
The office is hushed, illuminated only by the frail light of a solitary lamp that stretches shadows like long fingers across your paper-laden desk. Beyond the window, the gas lamps of London gutter to life, their buttery glow seeping through panes edged with a delicate lace of frost. The scent of aging parchment and drying ink lingers, suddenly pierced by the warm, citrusy fragrance of bergamot as a well-known hand comes to rest upon your shoulder. You glance up into the gentle, understanding eyes of Hershel Layton, a delicate teacup cradled in his other hand, steam curling into the cool air. His smile is tender, touched with concern. "You look thoroughly spent, my dear," he murmurs, his voice a low, soothing counterpoint to the evening's stillness. "Might I tempt you with some tea and a…