Haunted Duke’s Daughter

With Rays help, they somehow managed to finish all of the sandwiches. Reminding herself to let them know she was only ordering or one person tomorrow, Lilia looked at Ray. After finishing his meal and making some black tea for Lilia, he had opened up the books on the desk and was studying.

Incidentally the black tea was prepared from a table in a corner of the room. A small magic formation was drawn on it. Lilia hadnt known what kind of formation it was, but according to Sakura it seemed to be for emitting heat. To say nothing of bringing a lunchbox, it seemed that Ray really didnt intend to leave the room, and the library as a whole.

Lilia eyes went to Rays reference book. She posed a question.

Sakura. It should be fine, not going to afternoon lessons right?

Nn? Well your grades are good so there shouldnt be any issues, whats up?

Without responding to Sakuras question, Lilia moved to Rays side. With his eyes down at his books Ray didnt notice her until she leaned towards the study materials with a Well then.

Eh? Wawah!

Ignoring Ray who flung himself backwards, Lilia peered at the contents. After reading a bit of it, she turned to face Ray.

So? Which parts are giving you trouble? Whats wrong?

Lilia raised her eyebrows in confusion, seeing that Rays face had turned beet red. When Lilia looked and faced him directly, he was producing nothing but vague ah and uu sounds as his eyes swam all over the place.Just what in the world is going on, wondered Lilia, tilting her head.

Lilia. Ill ask just in case, but was this intentional?

Ha? Was what intentional?

Uwah this girls a real airhead Lilia, in the end youre still a girl, so you shouldnt just get so up close with a boy you know.

What might you be implying by the in the end part?

Hiee! That part got a reaction! Im sorry please forget it!

Not happening. Lets go eat some green peppers later.

Pleease-noot-thaat!

Finally seeming to recover, Ray returned to Lilias side. However he seemed to wonder about something, as he examined Lilias expression. Lilia just shrugged her shoulders and tapped her finger on the books.

There isnt a problem even if I dont show up to the afternoon lessons. In fact its so simple Id only be bored there. Thats why Ill just help with your studies here.

Eh But, well Id be happy to have that but Is it really alright?

Im saying its fine so its fine. Come on, the clocks ticking. Lets get started.

As Lilia tapped the books with her finger again, Rays body trembled with a start, but he soon started smiling.

Well, I guess some recreation is also important. If theres anything youve forgotten then just speak up yeah? Ill give you a refresher.

I dont think there should be anything, but if it comes to that Ill be counting on you.

Reading the page Ray had opened, Lilia nodded.

As the time neared the end of afternoon lessons, Lilia closed the materials with a lets stop here for now. The exhausted looking Ray let out a sigh of relief, but Lilia decided to overlook it.

A total Spartan. A demon. Its Spartillia.

Green peppers.

Im sorry!

Its like a magic word, thought Lilia as she bantered with Sakura, laughing in her mind. However if she went too far Sakura would likely get angry for real so it was probably best to keep it in moderation. Right now, Sakura was one of the few people who could be counted as Lilias ally, though its unclear whether you could even count her as an actual person.

Thank you very much, Miss Lilia. Your teaching was very easy to understand.

Ray said so as he lowered his head. Lilia simply responded with thats good then and nodded.

Ray. If you dont want to its fine to refuse but

What is it?

Youre always here studying right?

Ray nodded reservedly as usual to Lilias question. Lilia continued.

If its alright with you, that is Should I start coming here in the afternoons? I can definitely help teach you whatever is within my range of knowledge.

Rays eyes went wide, and Sakura was rendered speechless. The extent of the twos surprise was clear as day, making Lilia avert her eyes with a slight hint of sullenness.

If me being here is a bit suffocating, then I wont force you. This is also just a diversion for myself, so I thought I might as well just throw the suggestion out there. Please forget I said anything.

Ending with that, Lilia started preparing to depart. That said, all that was needed was tidying up her own rubbish and putting it into the basket. As she finished that and was heading to the door,

Miss Lilia!

She was stopped by Ray. When she turned around, Ray lightly cleared his throat.

Are you Really okay with, doing that for me?

Being asked so timidly for such, Lilia gave a small wry smile, nodding of course. Seeing that a smile filled Rays entire face as he lowered his head.

Please take good care of me!

Yes. Well then I will see you tomorrow, Ill be coming at the same time as today.

Leaving those words, Lilia exited the room.

Perhaps due to having returned somewhat early, the presence of students could barely be seen in the dorm. After checking if any acquaintances, particularly the prince, were around, Lilia passed through the entrance and headed straight to her room. Only after finally reaching her own quarters, did Lilia let out a breath of relief.

We were able to get back safely today as well

Its like youre a soldier returning home from battle huh. Though it might actually be a battlefield to you. Even if youre just constantly running away.

Oh shut up

When Lilia sat down on a chair, the bedroom door suddenly flew open. As Lilias eyes widened in surprise, Alisa was standing there all out of breath. Even with her face being slightly pale, she vigorously gave a bow.

Apologies for my tardiness! Welcome back, Mistress Lilia.

You dont really

have to mind it so much, was what Lilia was about to say, when her face turned to a frown. As she moved her sight towards the dimly lit bedroom, Alisa seemed frantic as she quickly shut the door. Is she even aware that doing such a thing is basically declaring that youre trying to hide something?

Lilia wordlessly stood, walked to where Alisa was, and without giving the girl any time to try and stop her she opened the door to the bedroom.