Haunted Duke’s Daughter

LBut this is more of a congratulations to Sakura than to me.

SOh.Its really.Im sorry, Lilia.

LWhy are you apologizing? This is because of Sakura, so youre not to blame.

When Lilia said that, however, Sakura vigorously denied it.

SBecause Lilia did her best, you know. No matter what I say, its meaningless if Lilia doesnt work hard. Thats why this is the result of Lilias hard work.

I dont know if thats how it is, but for Lilia, without Sakura, she wouldnt have gotten this grade. But even if she said that, Sakura would not be convinced. After some thought, Lilia nodded.

LThis strawberry daifuku is my reward for Sakura. Im fine as long as I get to hear Sakura sing.

SEh! Oh, a song..Im embarrassed when you say it, but.Okay, okay, Ill do my best!

LIm looking forward to the next weekend.

I smiled slyly at her.

SLilia. Im not sure how to behave.

Lilias cheeks tensed up. Gently, she looked up to see Alisa staring at her with a very nice smile.

Im very glad youre happy, Miss Lilia.

No, no, its not that Im not happy, its just that

Apparently, Alisa had misunderstood her brilliantly. Lilia thought about how to clear up the misunderstanding, but she couldnt come up with a good idea, so she decided to give up.

After finishing the strawberry daifuku, I started to think about what to do. There was a knock at the door of my room but Alisa immediately opened the door and answered it. As I watched, Alisa turned around and said,

Lady Lilia, Miss Christly is here to see you.

Chris? All right, let her in.

Alisa bowed and opened the door.

Chris came into the room, and Alisa led her to sit down opposite Lilia.

Whats the matter? I thought the teacher was still explaining the exam.

Itll be enough to ask someone to tell me later.

As I recall, Chris had attended almost all of her classes diligently. Lilia rolled her eyes in surprise at Chris unusual words. I dont know if she noticed it, but Chris continued.

Tomorrow the students will start going home.

Yes, they will.

But first, there is something I would like to discuss with you, Liliane. Will you listen to me?

This was also unusual. It wasnt often that Chris would ask me for help. Thats why I naturally prepared myself for what it would be like.

OkayWhat?

Yeah. Its about His Highness.

Lilias eyes widened.

Youve fallen in love with His Highness?

Thats not possible.

It was an immediate answer. Lilia opened her mouth halfway and made a dumb face, and Chris immediately realized what she said and panicked a little.

His Highness is charming, yes, charming! Thats why its impossible for me to turn my back on him.

So? Whats on it?

Stick to! Yes, thats right. The content.

With a small cough, Chris sat back in her chair.

SHey, dont you think shes a funny girl?

LShell dig her own grave from time to time.

S-What a natural! Well, not quite.

Chriss eyes were wandering here and there, as if she was having trouble saying something. Lilia, who was beginning to feel annoyed, tapped her finger on the table, and Chris straightened her posture in panic.

Actually, you know.I need some relationship advice.

What? You want love advice?

Not for me but for His Highness.

Lilia was at a loss for words and gently looked away. She thought for a moment, then said,

Im going to the library.

Lilia! You have to help me!

Chris, youre showing your true colors.

Chris came back to herself and cleared her throat. Then she put a smile on her face.

My apologies, Miss Liliane.

I dont mind if you dont.

No. I am in the room of a duke, even if it is in the school. Ill just take your consideration.

SShes a very tough girl, isnt she? No, its probably a good thing.

LYeah. Its so annoying.

SYoure so articulate.

Hearing Sakuras giggles, Lilia sat down in her chair with a small sigh.

I didnt think that the prince would ask Chris for love advice but its a good decision.

Chris wouldnt give him any strange instructions but I dont understand why she would come all the way here to report it. I guess there must be something going on.

So?

Im glad that His Highness has asked me to help him, because it means that I can keep track of his movements. Im also taking your advice very seriously.

Then there seems to be nothing wrong with it. Chris saw that Lilia was puzzled so she continued with a serious face.

Lady Liliane. Do you think that His Highness feelings will be fulfilled?

The answer to Chriss question was a given.

No.

Tina is a baroness. No matter how you look at it, she doesnt have the status to be a full-fledged queen. The nobles would not be convinced unless she was at least a senior noble.

SYoure simply not interested.

LI guess you could say that.