Haunted Duke’s Daughter

After getting ready for tomorrow, I lay down on my bed and immediately fell into a daze. I felt a slightly familiar sensation, and I remembered that it was today.

When I came to, I found myself in a black world.

Its Lilia!

Then Sakura hugged me from behind. I was able to avoid it as it was expected behavior, but I didnt resist.

Sakura. Its too hot.

A little more.

It cant be helped.

Lilias cheeks loosen up in embarrassment.

Sakura embraces Lilia without hesitation, saying that she misses human skin, which is a little embarrassing. It was a little embarrassing, but considering that she didnt hate me, I didnt feel uncomfortable.

Lilia remained in Sakuras embrace for a while, staring lazily at the cherry blossoms in front of her. Although she knew it wasnt a real flower, Lilia liked this tree that was blooming so beautifully.

Eventually, satisfied, Sakura let Lilia go. But she still held Lilias hand, as if she had something on her mind. It was nothing to worry about, so she let her go without saying anything.

Well then, Lilia. Lets talk about something serious.

Sakura said with a serious expression, and Lilia nodded, a little surprised.

First of all, our first goal has been achieved!

Sakura raises her hand, We did it! Since they are holding hands, Lilia naturally raises one of her hands as well.

Im not sure what our primary goal is.

Lets see. For now, I guess its to get Lilia to admit that shes trying to change. I thought the prince would be the hardest part, but I guess it worked out better than I thought.

Good, good, good, Sakura nodded in satisfaction to herself. She hadnt heard any of that, so it didnt make any sense to Lilia. Perhaps sensing this, Sakura looks at Lilia and says,

We decided to take it one step at a time. And that first goal has been achieved.

Im not sure I understand.So its not over then, is it?

Yes. There are still a lot of people who dont approve of Lilia, or rather are afraid of you and the prince hasnt accepted Lilia yet. They just recognize that Lilia is trying to change. So dont let your guard down. Dont ruin it by doing anything weird.

She looked at Lilia with a serious gaze. Unknowingly, Lilia swallowed her saliva. She nodded firmly and said that she would be careful. The smile finally returned to Sakuras face.

Yes! The Lilia of now will be fine! So lets keep at it!

Yes. I believe in you Sakura.

When she said this firmly, Sakura smiled shyly.

By the way, Sakura. I have one question for you.

What is it, what is it? Ill answer anything!

Okay, then. What is your purpose?

!

Sakura opened her eyes wide. Her smile disappeared and she just rolled her eyes in astonishment. Lilia saw this and laughed. She knew that such a reaction meant that Sakura had a purpose.

You know what? That.Im just trying to help Lilia, okay?

Sakura was still trying to act like a fool, but Lilia got annoyed and glared at her.

She looked at Sakuras face and kept her mouth shut.

Lilia feels indebted to Sakura and even if Sakura has a purpose, that wont change. She has decided to trust her completely.

Sakuras expression was distorted, as if she was about to cry. There was no way Lilia could question Sakura like that.

Lilia took a slow breath in and let it out. Then she shrugged her shoulders.

I understand that you cant tell me.

No.

Thats enough for now. Sakura can tell you when she feels like it.

Yeah.Im sorry, Lilia.

Lilia was dismayed to see Sakura so depressed, which she couldnt imagine from her normal self. I didnt mean to make her look like this, she thought.

Im sorry, too. I really dont want to force you. You dont have to worry about it.

Then I gave Sakura a gentle hug. Sakura gasped in surprise for a moment, followed by a happy laugh.

How embarrassing is that?

Theres no one here.

Thats true! Then Im going to enjoy Lilia!

Lilia looked at the cherry tree from the side as she dealt with Sakura, who was pawing at her as before. There was something black glowing at the base of the tree.

Lilia shook her head, though it bothered her a little. Reluctantly, she had just cornered Sakura earlier. Lets just pretend I didnt see anything for now. Im sure Sakura will tell me about that too, eventually.

Thats enough of your bullshit!

Ha-ha-ha!

She spent the rest of the time playing with Sakura in that way, keeping her happy.

The appointed time passes while Lilia waves her hand and disappears. The colors rapidly disappear from the world. The cherry blossoms that had bloomed so profusely, and everything that emits a small light, all turn black. And so, everything in the world Sakura sees is dominated by black.

Black, everything is black, a black world where nothing is visible.

Its okay..Still okay.

Looking back at the time she spent with Lilia, Sakura endured the time in darkness. Thinking of Lilia laughing happily in this place, Sakura smiled.

Ill take care of it. Ill make sure you get the help you need.

Yes.

Until the end.

Ah-ha, Sakuras laughter, the laughter of a girl enduring loneliness, was sucked into the black world.