Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Morning, Tina.

Eh, ah Ahh! Good morning!

Tina got up energetically and lowered her head. Lilia gave a small sigh, and brought her gaze to Tina with a glare. Just that was enough to shatter Tinas expression.

Umm, I mean Morning, Lilia.

Good.

With Lilias nod of approval, Tina let out a relieved breath.

Well then, what are you doing in a place like this?

Ah, I was waiting for you, Lilia.

The bad premonition was spot on. With her cheeks stiffening, Lilia somehow managed to maintain her smile.

Ohh. How come?

I just wanted to talk a little And well, I wondered if becoming friends was really just a dream or not Hey, Lilia. Were really friends now, right?

Tina asked with upturned eyes. This made Lilias eyes waver for just a moment, before she returned her gaze to Tina. To be honest she had intended to avoid her, along with the matter of the prince. She had spoken for the sake of not having to meet if it could be helped.

What are you talking about? Mistress Lilia would never go back on her word.

Lilia froze at Alisas words.

That, thats right isnt it! It is as Miss Alisa says. I dont know what got into me!

Of course. This is Mistress Lilia were talking about here. There is no mistake about that.

Whats with all this confidence here, thought Lilia.

Deep That really hit deeply

Ah, ahaha Dont mind it, Lilia

It seemed like all her options for avoiding Tina had disappeared. Heaving a heavy sigh, Lilia sat down across from Tina. Noticing this Alisa also took a seat beside, and Tina happily started pouring the black tea into their cups.

Well then, what shall we talk about?

Eh? Ah I hadnt thought about that

At that Tina fell into silence, and Lilia and Alisa were also rendered speechless. To invite someone without having prepared any topic to talk about, what was this girl thinking? As Lilia was narrowing her eyes at the situation Sakuras voice forced itself between her thoughts.

Lilia. Theres no preparation for just talking with a friend you know.

Is that so?

Yeah. Not for me anyways.

Ahh, thats why youre likethathuh.

Hey wait a minute whatever could you mean bythat!

Ignoring the noisy complaints from Sakura Lilia looked at Tina. Their eyes meeting, Tina clapped her hands with an Oh right.

Make up.

What?

Today, you dont have any make up on huh. I almost didnt recognise you.

Lilias movement froze, and Alisas cheeks cramped up as Sakura laughed in amusement.

She went headfirst into treading on a landmine huh! Lilia, Tina doesnt know anything, so no getting mad okay?

Please rest assured. Since my anger is all directed at you.

Nothing about that brings me rest or assurance though!?

After a short exchange with Sakura, she managed to calm her brewing agitation. Once again fixing the smile that was about to fall off her face, she replied.

I was told that it didnt really suit me. That it was fine to just go like this. Does it look strange after all?

Thats not true at all! Your current look is much better. As I thought, it seems that Lilia is quite a beauty after all.

Eh? Then that means up until now Eh?

Lilias eyes widened, and as if realising she had said something inappropriate Tina hurriedly averted her eyes casting her gaze at Alisa. Alisa herself was busily drinking her tea as if to stay completely uninvolved with this. A voice going whats with this was echoing through Lilias head.

Lilia properly though over Tinas words, and coming to an understanding, she smiled feebly.

Sakura. It seems my sense of aesthetics are quite off so, from now on Ill be counting on you.

Escaping from realitys no good you know? Lets work through this together.

Sakuras words pierced deep into her chest. Though a part of her was glad that Sakura had let her know, at the same time, thinking back, if this one hadnt said anything she wouldnt have had to taste such grief. However, looking in the long term it was still good to have realised after all, so she decided to not say anything.

Tina. Alisa. If you have some time, could you perhaps think of some more suitable make up for me?

When Lilia said so, Alisa made a wry smile, and Tina stiffened in surprise for a moment. Then she immediately smiled, and nodded.

Okay! Leave it to me!

After that, as if the tension was released their conversation continued with idle chatter. The talk about Tinas family was mostly highlighted with talk about the pet they were keeping at home. However, during their conversation, it was clear that one certain topic was being avoided.

Tina. So this is where you were.

Suddenly, the voice of the Mr. Avoided Conversation Topic himself, came from behind Lilia. Lilias expression froze with her movements, Alisa took a glance at the owner of the voice looked worriedly at Lilia, and Tina perhaps from restlessness had her expression distort ever so slightly.

Your Highness You seem to be quite early today.

Tina said putting on a veil of calmness. However she did not even bother trying to conceal the trembling in her voice. Perhaps not noticing, or maybe even just pretending to not notice, the source of the first voice, the prince of this country simply continued the conversation.

Yeah. I heard that Lilianne had returned. So I was worried about you, and left a little earlier. Arent you quite early yourself today. Youre usually a bit later than this.

Yes. Thats I thought, Id have a little chat

Hmm.

The Prince took a few steps, and moved beside Tina. Then he saw Lilias face. Since it wouldnt do turn away from The Prince, so Lilia also put on a forced smile and faced him.

She was seen. Since they were going to the same school it was only a matter of time, but she didnt think theyd meet this quickly. Her heart was racing, and nervousness gripped her chest painfully.

And so the Prince opened his mouth.

A fresh face huh. New friend of Tinas?

Tina and Alisa had their breath catch in their throat. This Princes words were completely beyond their expectations. Lilia completely blanked out, with a completely dumbfounded expression on her face.

You, Your Highness. Do you really not know?

Nn? Have we also met before? Now that you mention it I do somewhat recall