Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Just maybe, are you.

Did she have a sharp intuition, or was Tina just a bit too dense? It seemed like she was hesitating over whether it would be okay for her to say it, as Aira glanced back and forth between Tina and Lilia. Kayten probably also guessed what was up, as the corners of her mouth were raised slightly.

Id like to keep this ac confidential as possible. And Tina hasnt seem to have realised yet either.

Ah, yeah. Got it. I promise. I wont tell Tina either.

Aira nodded firmly, and Lilia also gave a satisfied nod. Then,

How about this!

Tina had brought out a set of clothes. Spreading them out, it was a pure white one-piece dress. There were no decorations or anything, and it looked quite simple.

The white here is perfect for Lilia!

Buhah! White! Perfect for Lilia! Youre being totally misunderstood here!

The way you say it pisses me off, but I have to agree. Isnt she idealising me a bit too much here?

It seems the Lilia inside Tinas mind has become an extremely good person. Better work hard so you dont disappoint.

Ill put in an effort but

Just when did her evaluation become something like this, thought Lilia as she sighed and reached out to take the clothes when,

Hold up.

Aira stepped in to grab it from the side.

Aira?

What are you doing?

Tina had a blank look as she tilted her head, and Lilia narrowed her eyes.Your eyes are scary, said Aira with a wry smile as she continued,

Miss Lilia. Are you just gonna take this with you and leave? I think those nobles will certainly have a reaction if they saw that.

Ahh Youre right. And so? Since you mentioned it do you have some sort of good idea?

Her tone almost seemed provocative, but she was actually just curious. Aira seemed to get that too, as she nodded with an earnest expression.

I have a wooden box thats just the right size for this, so Ill put it in and take it to your room. Id just caused a disturbance earlier, so at most people would think Im bringin something over to make amends yeah?

I see, said Lilia as she nodded. Certainly it wouldnt seem too out of place that way. In fact normally in such situations a servant would be sent over for the task, but Aira who was either a lower class noble or commoner would probably go to visit personally.

Sounds good. In that case could I get you to take care of that, Miss Aira?

Sure thing. Just leave it to me.

Aira nodded, and left the room with the clothes. Kayten also gave a firm bow and followed after her. Tina and Lilia saw them off, then,

What good friends.

Eheheh. Theyre too good for someone like me.

She seemed overjoyed at having her friends praised, as she beamed a full-faced smile.

Well then Ill be returning to my room. Tina, Ill definitely repay this favour.

Its fine even if you dont. Rather, lets go to dinner again sometime, alright?

Tina said with a carefree smile. Lilias eyes widened for just a moment, as she quietly nodded,

Yes.

Tina sure is pure. She too good for someone like you.

Yes, truly.

Hey, youre not supposed to be agreeing there. Shes a good friend for the new and improved Lilia. I mean it alright?

While conversing with Sakura in her bedroom, Lilia was being changed into the dress Alisa had prepared. That said it wasnt actually that flashy, and was something that gave off more of a muted impression. It was also easy enough to change in and out of that could probably take it off herself too.Something that wouldnt pose a problem even if it were stolen, was what Lilia had asked Alisa to prepare, so among the things Lilia wore it relatively cheap. Compared to regular things it was still very much a high-class item though.

Something that wouldnt be a problem even if stolen, when told that Alisa had looked at Lilia with a doubtful expression, but she didnt really pry too much and just went along with it. Though, it seems shed consulted with the agents about this, so they would probably attach a guard to watch over her. As long as they didnt get in the way that was fine too.

It seems shes here.

At Sakuras voice, Lilia looked up. There was a knock on the door to the bedroom, and Alisas voice came through. A guest, apparently.

Could you please show her into this room?

At Lilias reply, Alisas voice paused. You could feel her speechlessness, before she respondedunderstood, as she returned to normal. And before waiting long, there was another knock on the door.

Please enter.

Pardon the intrusion

And then entered Aira. She was holding largish wooden box, and looking like she was doing something super shady. Lilia quickly realised she was being very careful with the contents of the box.

Even if you break of drop anything I wouldnt really mind you know?

Nah, well Id mind I would mind.

Its fine to speak like you were before too. Even if you get all polite now it just feels weird.

Ugu I got it.

Aira lowered her shoulders, and went towards Lilia with the box. Lilia pointed at a place on the floor, and she let it down there.

Say, Miss Lilia.

What is it?

It seems pretty obvious But are you planning on goin to the south side?

As if she still couldnt believe it, she doubtfully asked that question. Lilia firmly nodded.

Yes, thats right. Is there some problem?

Nah, it aint a problem. Its a side of the academy so the public orders probably fine. Just, it seems so out of place What are you trying to accomplish there?

Dorayaki.

Eh Hah?

She probably couldnt believe what she had just heard, as Airas eyes went wide. Finding that state somewhat amusing, a bit of a smile floated onto Lilias face.

The other day, I received some dorayaki from Tina. It was really good, I thought Id go buy some more. Also Ive heard that there were many other things too, so I plan to have a look around.

I see I knew Tinad gone and brought some dorayaki with her somewhere the other day, but to think it was for you. You guysre really friends huh. So you harassing her was just some rumours then.

Oh my, its true though? Its just that weve since reconciled after that.

Airas mouth dropped open with a thud. Some stifled laughter was leaking out o Lilia, as she went and got up.