Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Whats the matter? Your friend came to visit, so you should stay with her.

Yes. Ill be right back. But first, lets talk about Tinas room.

I told her almost exactly what Sakura had told me. My mother wrinkled her brow and nodded,

Youre right.It must be difficult for her to spend time in that room. It was not my intention either, so Ill get another room, ready right away.

The next room that was prepared for Tina was a smaller guest room. My mother and I showed Tina in, and we both looked at her. She was still tense, so we thought wed try another room.

SI think thats enough. If you go any further, I think shes going to feel the pain of being cared for too much.

LI understand. Its hard to choose a room.

This was when I was still young, but when Chris and others came to stay with us, or when I went to stay with Chris, neither of us had any reservations. I wonder if its a difference in the way we were raised.

Tina.Im going to go check on the flower beds that I left for my brother, what do you say?

Tina, who had been bowing her head fearfully to the servants who were moving her belongings, turned around vigorously and her face lit up. That was all the answer I needed.

I want to see it!

Okay. Ill show you.

Oh, but its.

I looked at the servants who were still working. Maybe she thought it would be better to help. Lilia let out a small sigh and took Tinas hand.

Dont worry about it. Lets go.

Oh, wait, I get it!

I walked out the back door into the garden. The boy standing in the flowerbed right next to me nodded his head in satisfaction.

Theo.

When Lilia called out to him, Theo turned around vigorously. When he saw Lilia, he smiled like a flower blooming and jumped towards her. Lilia accepted it and patted his head.

Welcome home, sister!

Its been quite a while. I had lunch here. By the way, Theo, can you please leave us now?

Theo jumped back as if in a panic. Then he quickly bowed his head.

Im sorry! I was just so happy to see you.

Its okay. Dont worry about it.

Before I became a recluse, I used to think that Theo was very annoying, but now I have changed my mind a little bit and I think that this is not so bad. However, I still find him annoying.

Theo, let me introduce you. This is my friend Tina Breha.

Nice to meet you, Theo, Im Tina.

Tina smiled at Theo. Theo opened his mouth to say hello, then froze when he saw Tina. Lilia and Tina tilted their heads suspiciously. Theo is still frozen with his mouth open, unable to speak.

SAhh.So this is what happens.

Sakuras words sounded somewhat convincing. It means that she knows the reason why Theo froze.

LWhat do you mean?

DLets see.Lilia, dont get mad. Its not Tinas fault, okay?

As Lilia raised an eyebrow, Theo started to move. He turned to Tina, straightened his posture, and bowed firmly.

Nice to meet you! Im Theo Aldis!

A cheerful greeting and

I love you! I fell in love at first sight!

A confession.

What?

Yeah?

This time, Lilia and Tina froze. It was Tina who made the first move after being frozen for well over ten seconds.

UmIm sorry, I think I heard you wrong. Can you try again, please?

Youre right, you heard wrong. I didnt think my brother, who just hugged me, would suddenly confess his love for you.

I love you! I fell in love with you at first sight!

She wanted to believe that she had heard wrong.

Lilia nodded and then smiled at Tina.

Yes, it is. Tina.

Oh, wait, wait, wait, Lilia..

Im going back to my room. Take your time.

I said with a smile and left the place.

Li, Lilia!

Tina called my name to stop me, but I ignored her and went back to my room.

If someone were to ask Lilia if she was close to Theo, she would say that she was not. Theo had a one-sided affection for her, and Lilia remembered dealing with him in an appropriate manner. But still. It was unpleasant to see Theo falling in love with another woman.

It wasnt jealousy from love, of course, it just made her feel bad. Thats all.

LSpeaking of which, Sakura. It seems you knew this was coming, didnt you?

I asked Sakura, and she seemed to chuckle.

SYes, I did. I wasnt so sure, though. Im sorry. I shouldve told you in advance.

LIts okay.

Lilia sighed deeply and looked up at the sky.

SYou know what? Lilia. Theres nothing wrong with Tina. Dont get mad at me, okay?

LIm not mad at you.

SEh.

I dont mean to be angry. I know that Tina is not at fault, this is all my problem. As Lilia tried to take a deep breath to calm down, there was an unexpected knock on the door.

Come in.

The door was opened and Tina entered the room.