Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Translated by: Niladri

Self-edited

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I gave a small sigh, gathered my wits, and glared at Ray again. Ray was standing ramrod straight. I didnt mean to get so angry, so I feel a little sorry.

So?What did Ray come here for?

I am on a shopping trip. There are a lot of interesting things, so I was looking around here and there. Also, while doing that I wanted to buy some sweets ne.1

If you are not reading this

One would never guess you are like this, huh?

Yes. I2really love to eat.

This frankness was really refreshing. Even though being easily fooled is not good, his blatant frankness was still undeniably refreshing, huh? Ray, who can say this without reservation seems a little enviable.

Thats right. Why dont we go together? There is a highly recommended shop here.

Im a little intrigued when I hear that its recommended. When I had visited Airas recommended shops before, I was quite satisfied. Im also interested in Rays recommendations, but I wonder if its okay to go with him?

Lilia. Are you still hungry? Didnt you eat a lot?

Well To be honest, I cant say that I had too much though.

Weight gain is a possibility.

darn!

Come to think of it. Recently, even if its not exactly prominent, but I seem to be getting fatter. Im sure it wasnt just in my mind. Thats why Sakuras words felt true. Of course, there were noble girls who didnt care, but Lilia was someone who cared about her appearance. When I heard that I might get fat, my appetite drastically fell.

Listening to Ray, Lilia sighed regretfully and shook her head.

Im sorry ne. Its about time I went back. Im worried I might be late.

Is that soits a shame. Well then, lets go some other time.

He didnt seem to give up going with Lilia. Lilia herself didnt hate it, she nodded.

Yes. All right. If I have a chance.3

Yes!Its a promise!

Lilia returned a smile to Ray who was laughing in such a carefree manner.

The two of them walked outside to the road, and then, Lilia turned towards the road to the school.

Im going home, but will Ray still look around for a while?

Yes. Thank you very much for today.

Ray had his head lowered even though he did nothing wrong yet, and wore a bitter smile. Ray then laughed faintly and tried to go in the opposite direction from Lilia.

Oh, thats right. Liliasan.

What?

A while ago, his highness the prince was here. Which way will you be going?

Should I be interested? Lilia wondered in her heart, as she walked along the road to the school. Estimating the princes pace from that time, he should probably be right around here. Ray thought it would be alright and trusted Lilia enough to share this information.

Then, thank you very much!

Hearing that, Ray ran.

It was in the direction opposite to the school.

Huh? I was sure we would meet the prince couple.

I4thought so, too. Looks like it wont be like that.

I wonder why its so. Maybe its Ray that the prince is looking for!

I dont see any connection between them at all.

The kings secret child.

How can you say such things so confidently?

Sakura laughed on seeing her exasperated look. Lilia also had a few doubts about Rays actions, but she wouldnt find any answer for now. It would be useless to think about it. Lilia took her eyes off the street where Ray went running and began to walk to the school.

When Lilia returned to school, she gave Alisa a strawberry daifuku as a token of gratitude for her discretion, and then spent her time studying. She was studying while eating sweets she had bought herself, but Sakura didnt mock her, and instead continued to lecture in a good mood from beginning to end.

Ichigo daifuku/Strawberry mochi

Lilia spent the next few days of her holiday studying. You went to play on the day meant for self studies, so you have to study on holidays instead. These were Sakuras words, but Lilia agreed, so she studied in her bedroom for a long stretch till mealtime.

And at dinner time,

Lilia sama. You have visitors.

Hearing Alisas voice, Lilia put her pen down. She was somewhat expectant.

Even though she acted like a lamb during a certain evening party,5, she never expected that she would be able to experience such happiness again.

Dismissing Alisa, Lilia went to open the door herself. And,

Good evening!Lets go for dinner, Lilia!

Good evening

In addition to Tina, there were Aira and Katie looking awkward. And even next to them,

What? Can you please not stare at me?

Chris was there, too. Im confused about this situation since it was an unthinkable combination. Sakuras explanation that followed convinced me.6

I see. Tina aside, Aira and Katie wont be able to come this far in. No doubt someone would have obstructed them. Chris-san must have heard you three, must have had no choice but to join you. Thank you very much, Chris-san.

When she said thank you to Chris with a smile on her face, Chris became flustered and openly began to tremble.

I just happened to meet you!These three people said they wanted to see you7, so Ive only brought them here. Thats all there is to it.

Before coming here, she encouraged me to meet you somewhere else. Its because it stands out if too many lower class aristocrats keep coming here.

Dont say unnecessary things, Tina-san!

When Chris shouted with a bright-red face, Tina and the others bowed their heads, apologizing while laughing gleefully. Exasperated, she returned her gaze towards Lilia.

Liliane-sama. I believe we should take a tougher stance toward lower class people.

When Chris said that, Lilia smiled.

Thank you for your concern.

What!Im worried

But these three are my friends. We should treat our friends on equal footing, right?