Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Tell me you dont think that.

Thats not the point, Lilia. Youre here for something, arent you?

Lilia nodded at her mothers words, but quickly shook her head.

You look busy. Ill see you later.

No, dont worry about it. We were just talking about Tina.

Lilias brow furrowed, and then her eyes narrowed. She didnt know why but her brothers cheeks pulled together. Theos head tilted in disbelief.

Is there something I can help you with?

I slowly smile. It wasnt my typical smile, but one that I would show at school. Thinking about it, this may be the first time I smiled at my family but this is a non-negotiable territory for me.

Shes my friend. Id like you to keep your hands to yourself.

Dont be so cautious. Im just doing a little research.

Thats right. So, Lilia, dont look so scared. I want you to be my little Lilia again.

Lilia stared at her parents for a while longer, but then let out a small sigh and softened her expression. She had no intention of making enemies with these two people. The name Liliane Aldis exists only because of these two people. There was no way she could win, and what she did now was just a statement of intent.

They knew that, and thats why they didnt pay any attention to it.

Thats all right, Lilia. I knew you were cute!

Her mother hugs her. There was no point in resisting, so Lilia remained at her mercy.

My mother, Aisha, is the most lenient person in the family towards me. As expected, she refrains from hugging me when the servants are around, but as soon as no one is around, she hugs me. There are times when I feel annoyed, but Im also honestly happy.

Lilias cheeks are so soft.I envy you.

I stand corrected. It may be a little scary.

SI think this person might be the main reason why Lilias personality turned out like this.

LSakura. I wont allow you to speak ill of your mother.

SAh.Im sorry, I didnt mean to.

Sakura apologized to her in dismay but Lilia was more flustered by the sound of her small voice apologizing.

LIm sorry, too. Im not that angry.

SYesIm sorry.

LThat said, can you help me?

SI cant.

The answer was immediate. Lilia glanced at her mother, who was rubbing against her cheek, and then to her father and brother, asking for help with just a glance. They both looked away.

Mother, I cant talk. Please let me go.

When Lilia tried to free herself from her mother, she easily let her go. Satisfied and content, she walked toward her father. Lilia let out a heavy sigh and looked at her father again.

So? Whats wrong with Tina?

I just did a little research on her parents house. If its a house thats trying to take advantage of the Aldis name, Ill have to destroy it.

I had a secret agent look into it while I was at the academy.Oh, yes. Brother.

Lilia looked at her brother as if she remembered.

What is the meaning of those secret agents?

My brother averted his gaze.

I heard that it was brothers order. I would like to know more, if possible.

No, thats, well, thats

My brothers gaze wandered, and then shifted to my father as if to ask for help. My father easily looked away. From the way he was moving, I could tell that my father was involved, but it seemed that my brother had been abandoned by him.

Forgive me, Cross. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.

No, there are things you can do before making sacrifices, arent there!

My brother confronted my father, and my father lightly flushed. After that, my brother tried to say something, but my mother cleared her throat and they both stopped at the same time.

Lilia. Let me get back to you.

Lilia nodded, and her mother continued.

I dont have any doubts about Tina. Were just looking into it because we dont know if someone else will come out through her house. Thats the extent of it, so dont worry about it.

I understand.

I guess theres no point in worrying about it.

Rather, heres the main point.

The main point?

Theo seems to have taken a liking to Tina.

Lilia looked at Theo who was smiling innocently.

Did he just confess out of the blue?

Yes, he did. I was there too. Theo, be careful, Tina was in trouble.

When I warned Theo, he nodded meekly but his smile didnt change.

And how can a duke be with a baron?

Hmm? I dont mind.

What about?

Aisha and I are not opposed to it. Im sure the nobles around us will be rather happy to see the Aldis family weakened.

Well have to crush those who think so, wont we?

My father and mother laughed while my brother sighed and shook his head. I frowned slightly, but did not say anything.

Lilias resemblance to our parents is obvious.

I pretended I hadnt heard my brothers mumbled words.

So its not a problem for us. I was just thinking that we should talk to Baron Breha rather early.

Im telling you its too early for that, father.

It was Cross who interjected and when Lilia heard that, she understood. Her brother was probably opposed to our parents trying to get through to Baron Breha. I regretted a little that I had stumbled upon a troublesome situation.

Lilia. I know youre her friend. What do you think?

Lilia responded immediately to her brothers question without hesitation.

Youll have to ask her.