Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Before I came here, I overheard several people talking about it. There was talk of His Highness The Prince breaking off his engagement before, but now it seems to be confirmed.

S-so it would seem

Lilia, calm down! Yer voice be trembling!

Youre the one talking strangely. So what, did this boy actually know who I am?

I-I dont think so. No, I dont think he does. He was probably just bringing up something to talk about, I think.

Lilia peered at Rays expression indiscreetly. He was glaring at the textbook at front of him, and then he let out a moan.

Ray, whywhy are you bringing up this Lilianne person all of a sudden?

Huh? No real reason. For her to be able to get into a quarrel with the prince, I was simply wondering just what kind of person she was. Come to think of it, youre also part of the upper-class nobility, arent you, Mistress Lilia? Have you met Mistress Lilianne before?

Sakura. Which one is it? Has he realised who I am? Or has he not?

NnHe probablyhasnt realised.

Alright. Ill trust your judgement, Sakura.

Lilia took a deep breath, and reciprocated Rays gaze. Rays smile was carefree as always. Seeing that, Lilia couldnt believe that he was deceiving her.

I do know of her. However, I havent talked with her personally.

Yup. Thats not a lie.

Ah, that makes sense. Just based off the fact that she was quarrelling with His Highness The Prince, she sure seems like quite the self-important person, huh?

Y-You could be right there

Lilias expression stiffened. Knowing nothing about her, it would be easy to see her that way. As Lilia was thinking to herself, perhaps I should think more carefully about the way I conduct myself, Sakura said:

Umm, Lilia. People who do know you well also think youre self-important.

Thats Ill take more care from now on

Im sure Ill have the chance to talk to her eventually.

Before she could say something tactless or unnecessary, Lilia tried to bring the topic to a close. Whether he realised what she was doing or not, Ray said,

Oh, really? Ill look forward to it.

He said so with a smile. Lilia returned a vague smile of her own, and brought her gaze back to her book.

After that, Lilias normal everyday life continued for some time. From the next day onward, Sera no longer followed Lilia around. However, it wasnt as if shed stopped coming to class altogether. She simply remained at her own desk quietly.

Of course, when Lilia entered the room, at first Sera tried to start a conversation with her. However, when Lilia ignored her, she gave up and returned to her own seat. After that, every time someone she knew came in, Sera tried to talk to them, toobut nobody wanted to speak with her.

Even so, the fact that Sera didnt attempt to flee from the classroom was something Lilia could honestly praise her for. Lilia didnt know whether that was because Sera had reflected on her actions or not, but for the moment, it seemed she wasnt going to make a move.

By way of a rumour, Lilia had heard that Sera was summoned by the prince after school had ended. The prince likely pushed her relentlessly for answers. Lilia hoped Sera and the prince would both take something away from the incident, but Sakura thought that would be expecting too much.

Incidentally, Tina was quite troubled when she heard about this. However, in front of Lilia, she simply gave her a strained smile and thanked her.

By the weekend, nothing had changed. Sera sat at her own seat, and cast her gaze down in silence.

Hey, Lllia.

Sakuras voice echoed in her head, and Lilia turned her thoughts to that.

Is it okay to leave those five people aside from Sera alone?

Sakura was referring to the remaining five people who had sent those notes to Tina. From her agents investigation, Lilia knew who the culprits were. Yet, Lilia had not laid a hand on any of those five people.

Theres no need. By making an example of Sera, I dont think theres anyone left stupid enough to pester Tina any further. Well, itll likely only serve as a temporary measure, though.

Hmmmthats fine, then.

At that moment in their conversation, the teacher, followed by the prince, entered the classroom. Just as usual, the teacher sat at his desk, the prince at his, and class began. And of course, Lilia

Todays lesson isscience!

Yes, yes.

In order to listen to Sakuras lecture, Lilia tuned everything else out.

The morning classes were over, as was lunch, and so Lilia spent the afternoon at the library. After this completely ordinary day came to an end, Lilia didnt head back to her room, but rather, headed towards the classroom.

Just as class ended, the teacher came out of the classroom. When he saw Lilia, his eyes opened wide.

Sir, arent you being a bit disrespectful?

A-ahhSorry about that. I didnt think youd be coming back But, Aldisand I realise Im being a bit rudebut I dont want to be told that by someone who doesnt even pay attention in class.

Oh my, so you did realise. My deepest apologies.

Its obvious you have no intention of changing your attitude. Well, while your grades are still good, I wont say anything more.

The teacher ended the conversation there, and without saying anything else, disappeared down the hallway. Lilia watched him until he was out of sight, and a slight sense of admiration showed on her face.

That teacher, he realised, huh. That you werent paying any attention to his class.

I didnt think that hed realisedsurprisingly, he saw straight through me. I need to be more careful.

If that class was at least a little more meaningful, Lilia started thinking, but comparing it to Sakuras lectures was perhaps too harsh. Lilia sighed slightly, and then opened the door to the classroom.

The classroom was full of students making idle chatter, but as soon as Lilia stepped in, the room fell quiet. They really didnt need to be so mindful of me, thought Lilia as she looked from one end of the classroom to the other. Nobody would meet her eyes.

Though she felt that something was off, Lilia started looking for the person shed come here to see; Sera. And she found her instantly.

Sera was still sat in her own seat. Because she was looking down, Lilia couldnt see the expression on her face. And surrounding Sera were Kris and her entourage. Lilia could also see her other two followers hanging around the same place. Just by seeing that, Lilia could imagine what these girls were up to.

Just what is that Idiot Prince doing?

Hes nowhere around, huh. Well, hes an unpredictable guy that can disappear at any moment, so I guess it cant be helped.

Well, he is still a prince, even if he doesnt act like it. Its possible he has been summoned to the castle. More importantly

When Lilia looked at Kris and everyone standing around her, they all averted their eyes. My, my, Lilia thought as she started walking over to them.

Lilia. Help her out, okay?

I know.

Lilia kept her reply short, and moved to stand in front of Kris and her entourage.