Haunted Duke’s Daughter

We bought some sweets at a store on the way and waited for a while in the carriage. Ray seemed restless and fidgety the whole time.

LSakura. Lets study.

SWhat? No, but, are you sure?

L-You dont have to worry.

Ray sat opposite Lilia and remained quiet. He occasionally looks at Lilia, but since he cant talk to her, he decides to stay quiet.

SWell, if its okay with Lilia, its okay with me. Well then, what should I do?

And so Sakuras lecture begins. Lilia closed her eyes and listened to it.

How long had she been doing that? Sakuras voice stopped abruptly. She was slightly unhappy that the conversation had stopped, but she opened her eyes, knowing that when Sakura stopped in the middle of a subject, it was for a reason.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that Ray had fallen asleep.

SYour brothers back.

When I got out of the carriage, I saw that my brother was indeed walking towards me and in his hand was a sword in a fine scabbard. He was in a better mood than I had ever seen him in and had the most cheerful smile Ive ever seen on his face. I feel sick.

LI wonder what people around me think of him, smiling like that.

SIm sure hell be fine. Your brothers love for swords is well known around here.

My brothers love for swords started at an early age. When he was a child, he saw fathers sword fighting, fell in love with it and began to learn it himself. Whether it was the swordplay or the sword itself that attracted him is something that only he knows. But looking at him, I think the latter is more likely.

Oh, youre early. I didnt think Id be slower than you. Hahahahaha.

Lilias cheeks twitched. Her brother was in such a good mood, it was really creepy. She put on a mask of nonchalance and accompanied her brother into the carriage.

I see you have purchased a fine sword.

Hes as good a craftsman as the rumors say! Ha-ha-ha.

Thats good to hear, Lilia nodded nonchalantly.

LSakura. Help me.

SI cant.

I guess I have to keep dealing with this troublesome brother of mine.

Ha-ha-ha, huh?

But his laughter stopped midway and his eyes were fixed on Ray.

Excuse me, brother. Im meeting a friend.

Why is Master Rayford here?

It seems that my brother knows Ray.

LThis is going to be a pain to explain

SGood luck!

Lilia sighed, grudgingly thinking of Sakura, who said it as if it was someone elses problem.

I didnt think that you had made such a connection.

In the carriage, after listening to Lilias story, her brother crossed his arms and said so. She didnt know why, but felt relieved that there was no particular problem.

No

Ray jerked up and opened his eyes. His eyes rolled slightly as he saw Lilia and Cross in his field of vision.

Good morning, Master Rayford.

Cross bowed his head, and Ray gave a small bow.

I didnt know Cross was Lilias brother. Im a little surprised.

I was surprised too. I didnt think you knew Liliane.

Shes been teaching me a lot. Im always indebted to her.

Ray bowed his head and Cross shook his head hurriedly.

No, its my pleasure, my sister seems to be taking care of you.

Afterwards, they thanked and apologized to each other. Lilia was stunned for a while, but soon came back to herself and said.

Wait a minute. Brother, how do you know Ray?

Hmm? Father introduced us.

Ray.

What? Yeah, Duke Aldis introduced us. We only met that one time and I completely forgot about him until Lilia mentioned her brother.

Dont say that in front of him, Lilia thought inwardly, but didnt say it out loud. The expression on her brothers face was slightly distorted with sadness, but she didnt think it was worth worrying about.

By the way! I heard you bought a sword! A very nice one!

Did Liliane tell you about it?

Cross then held out his sword. I still think that you shouldnt bring a sword into a place where there is another countrys royalty, but I guess there is no point in saying anything to my brother now. Ray didnt seem to mind either.

Yes. Its a very nice sword. Honestly, I envy you.

As expected of Master Rayford, but I wont give it to you.

Its a really nice sword, It reminds me of the sword of Krumena.

You know that sword? Ive never seen it in person.

Yes, I have it.

Oh, my!

Losing track of their conversation Lilia sank deeper into her chair and let out a long, slow breath.

LTheyre both idiots.

SNow I know youre just like your brother. Its all very exciting, but I dont understand it.

LExactly. Whos Krumena? Ive never heard of him.

S Some legendary blacksmith from a long time ago, I think. Thats about all I know. I didnt care enough to remember.

We both sigh together. Its really boring.

As we were about to arrive at the mansion, my brother and Ray noticed that Lilia was in a sour mood, and their expression turned pale. They seemed to be trying to put her in a good mood, but she ignored them.