Haunted Duke’s Daughter

SAh.

I hear Sakuras growl. Is she still thinking about something?

Oh, that.

A voice from behind. Lilia turned around and said,

Ive had enough of this. I dont think anything I say will have any persuasive power.

No, no, thats nottrue.

I just want to say this one more time.

One by one, I looked at the faces of the female students. Everyone had a frightened look on their face, but no one looked away from me.

Tina is a dear friend of mine. I dont want you to ever touch her again. Next time, I will show no mercy.

Everyone nodded gravely. Lilia confirmed this and waved them to go. One by one, they bowed their heads and left the room.

After waiting for everyone to leave, Lilia sighed slowly. She remembered what she had said to the girls and scoffed to herself.

SNo, its not like that. Lilia is doing her best now, so shes very convincing.

LI wouldnt have done that either if Sakura hadnt told me to.Oh, thats right. Sakura.

SWhat?

LI wonder why Im doing this for now.

SOh.

After waiting for a while, Sakura speaks,

SFor the future, maybe?

LFor the future?

SYes. If Lilia is adored by many people, the risk of being crushed by someone else will decrease.

The possibility of being crushed reminded her of when she first heard Sakuras voice, she had said that Lilia would be destroyed if things continue as they were. She wondered if that was still going on.

SWell, its still a long way off and theres one more thing: be prepared because I dont know if its going to happen.

There was no way I could know what she was talking about, and I knew immediately that she would not answer if I asked. Lilia gave a small sigh and tapped the table with her finger. Alisa immediately started to prepare the tea.

LSakura. Because I believe in you.

S.Dont worry. Ill take care of it.

Sakura spoke in a serious voice.

There are still many things I dont understand and havent been taught, but I decided to accept it for the time being.

Next day when I met Chris in the classroom she said that the person who pushed Tina down was not given a major punishment, partly because of Tinas wishes. The punishment given was called spirit watching. This means that the person will be watched by a specific spirit from now on until his or her death.

This may seem like a heavy punishment, but it is also a very light punishment because it has no effect on normal life. However, if a person does something that the spirits deem evil, he or she will be punished immediately.

This punishment is recognizable by its appearance because it causes a distinctive bruise somewhere on the body. Naturally, it is a stain on ones life and in the case of this female student, unfortunately, the bruise was on her face. Lilia learned of this when the student came to apologize to her.

I dont know what to say.

She will have to live with the finger pointing at her all her life. It might have been better for a noblewoman to have died but she laughed and said she had it coming to her.

If you have nowhere else to go.Come to me.

Yes..I will be happy to assist you then.

The female student bowed her head, looking somewhat pleased.

Since then, things have been peaceful. The harassment of Tina has ceased, and she called Cynthia back to her room. She still cant see Tina, but other than that, she is at peace with herself.

SRay is still gone, too.

LI guess Im free today, so I should look around a bit.

SMay I ask about the meaning of study day?

LSakura, life is a learning experience just by being alive.

SIve heard that before, havent I? Well, its okay. Lets go!

For some reason, Sakura suddenly became enthusiastic. I wondered about that, but it was convenient if she wouldnt stop me. I finished my tea and was about to leave the room when,

Wait, wait!

Lilia sighed in disgust and turned around. Part of the ceiling had shifted, and Cynthia was peeking out.

Cynthia, is it urgent?

No, no, thats not why Im here.

Cynthia said, her voice faltering. She would not make eye contact with Lilia.

I dont think its a good idea to call out from the ceiling when its not an emergency, do you?

Oh, yes. I am sorry. But, that.

As expected, I was a little irritated, ignored Cynthias words, and headed for the door.

In front of the door, Tina-sama!

My eyes meet Tinas, who looks somewhat nervous. We both froze and silence fell over us.

Hahaha!

Sakura was laughing. She seems to be trying to hold it in somehow, but it was leaking out completely. Then Lilia immediately thought of the reason why Sakura was so eager to go out.

LSakura, you noticed, didnt you?

SAhahahaha!

Sakura only laughed.

That was the clear answer but Lilias eyebrows furrowed in disapproval, and Tinas expression hardened when she saw it.

Oh, Im sorry. Im not mad at you. Im just angry at someone else for not reporting it sooner.

Lilias words were referring to Sakura but from the point of view of Alisa and Cynthia, who did not know that, they thought she was referring to Cynthia. Cynthia hung her head as if depressed, while Alisa looked at her in dismay.

Now that youre here.Come in. Ill at least offer you some tea.

Alisa smiled and started to prepare the tea, and Tina entered the room with her face still tense.