Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Lilia furrowed her brow and waited for Chris to continue. Chris stared at Lilia and smiled faintly.

I still think it is best for you to be with His Highness.

Lilias eyes widened and Chris chuckled wryly.

You were thinking that?

Chris nods in affirmation as she somehow manages to squeeze that much out of her.

I think its whats best for the country.

SI see. So Chris is this kind of girl.

Sakuras voice sounded.

LWhat do you mean?

SMaybe, but I dont know. Chriss thoughts are.

I used Sakuras words as a direct question to Chris.

Chris, you put the country first, dont you? You dont care about your personal feelings, but only about the future of your country.

Chris looked at me blindingly. The look on her face told me that I was right.

I knew you would understand immediately.

Lilia manages to smile again, her cheeks almost pulled back. It was Sakura who noticed, so it was hard to feel sorry for her in any way.

LIm confused.

SHahaha.

I dont know about others, but for me, it is the future of this country that should be taken into consideration. Personal feelings are, to put it bluntly, irrelevant.

It is an extreme view, I think but in a sense, it is the most aristocratic way of thinking. She is simply looking for the future of this country and for that, she will use everything. That is Chris way of thinking.

Therefore, I cannot cooperate with Liliane-sama on this matter. If His Highness and Liliane change their minds and the two of them work together, it would be the best outcome.

Chris is the opposite of the former Lilia. The Lilia of the past would push people around for her own good, and Chris would use them for the good of the country but strangely enough, I didnt feel uncomfortable, because I had my doubts.

Chris, I have a question.

Yes. What is it?

You are saying that you would use me for the good of the country, but in fact you are not, there must be a better way. It seems that even now, His Highness doesnt have a clue about Tina. There are plenty of opportunities for you to tell him.

When I pointed this out, Chris smiled weakly.

I think thats the way it should be.

Then why?

You know why.

Chris relaxed her expression. This is the expression of Chris when they are alone, seen outside of the school. It was the true face that Chris shows when she has nothing to tie her down.

I know better than anyone that my way of thinking is out of place in todays aristocratic society, thats why I dont force myself on people. So I only cooperate with someone or leave them alone.

Besides, Chris laughed happily.

I dont even think of taking advantage of my friends. Im not going to let Lilia get into a marriage she doesnt want. All Ive said so far is what I think is best, but Im not going to actually go that far.

So you are putting your friends feelings before the future of the country. Lilias expression softened with relief and she said.

Thank you, Chris.

I didnt do it for you. I just dont want to have regrets.

Still, it was enough. Chris might not be an ally, but she would never be an enemy. That alone was enough to make me honestly happy.

Anyway! Thats why Im not going to help you. Youre on your own.

You dont seem to like Tina.

How do you know?

Youll see.

Chris stared at Lilia for a while, but eventually looked away and sighed.

If I make that girl my friend, I wont be able to do anything else so I wont admit it.

Besides, Chris continued.

Even if she and His Highness were to get together, the future of this country would be in total darkness. What will you do if the daughter of a baron who runs an inn becomes the queen? Are you going to destroy the country?

Then why dont you get engaged?

Lilia said as a lighthearted remark.

Oh my. You knew?

What?

SWhat?

Chriss surprising voice stopped Lilias thinking and made Sakura sound dumb. If Sakura had been here, they might have looked at each other. Chris reaction made Lilia realize that she had meant it as a light-hearted remark, and she gave her a sullen look as if she had said something unnecessary.

Its not official, but thats what is being suggested.

Are you okay with that?

I told you that I dont care about personal feelings when it comes to the future of our country but I dont say its selfish to care about your own feelings.

Chris laughed bewitchingly at Lilia, who was stunned.

Lilia, we stand above others and have more luxuries than others. Dont you think its irresponsible for us to try to be as happy as other people?

Is that what underlies Chris thoughts? Lilia narrowed her eyes dazzled.

Thats amazing. Im not that open minded.

Thats fine. This is my way of thinking, and I dont intend to impose it on Lilia but I would appreciate it if you would keep in mind that there is such a way of thinking.

She smiled shyly, and in the next moment, her expression tightened.

I am very sorry, Liliane-sama.

Then he bowed his head. Lilia sighed sadly and waved her hand, saying it was fine.

She would even use herself for the sake of her country. I didnt realize that Chris had such thoughts until now.

SMaybe people who live in this country will support it but I dont think I want that for Lilia.

LYou dont?

SI want you to take good care of yourself so you dont have to imitate her.

Lilia nodded at Sakuras words. She didnt think she could be like Chris.

SLilia, theyll be here soon.

Sakuras voice brought Lilia back to her senses. She had almost forgotten in her conversation with Chris, but it must be about time for Alisa to come back. She threw a glance at Chris, who nodded but made no move.

I will join you, but of course I wont get in your way. Im not trying to make an enemy of you.

Lilia nodded her head, raising her eyebrows in suspicion, but said, Thats all right.