Haunted Duke’s Daughter

It has been about a week since Ray came to Aldis mansion and he still hasnt left. As a result, there were slight changes in Lilias life.

Ray began to be present at her morning study time. She has to teach both of them, so her workload has increased a little, but its not too much. After noon, it was business as usual, and Ray seemed to be taking some of the servants who worked at the mansion for a walk around the area.

Brother, how much longer will your work take?

One morning at the breakfast table, Lilia asked her brother, and he nodded.

Yes. It will take more time. Im sorry, but youll have to wait a little longer.

I understand. If there is anything I can do to help, I will.

Keep your hands to yourself.

She had hoped that she could help in any way she could, since she was the one who was forcing herself, but it seemed that her brother didnt like her.

SI dont think so.

LYes? I dont know, it just seems like he doesnt like me.

SI think he probably cares about Lilia. Maybe he doesnt want her to help him with his work, maybe he wants her to focus on something else.

LWhat other things?

SLets see.Like, other jobs? To give you more options.

I dont understand Sakuras words at all.

SLilia. What are you going to do when you graduate from the academy?

LWhat will I do.?

I was at a loss for words as I tried to answer. I hadnt even thought about it until she asked me. I only vaguely thought of a future where I would marry someone. I used to be the princes fiance and now I will be married to someone else. Thats what being a daughter of a noble family means.

SThats not what the family wants, is it?

LWell, come to think of it, they dont.

The engagement to the prince is what Lilia wanted. Other than that, there has been no talk of an engagement. She was asked the other day about her preferences, but in the end, nothing special was said after that.

SIm sure theyll respect Lilias wishes. I think thats why he wants you to look at so many things, not just the work of a nobleman, you know.

I see, Lilia nodded. But she couldnt think of anything else.

Lilia.

At the sound of her fathers voice, Lilia looked up.

Im sure youll be bored if you stay here forever. Why dont you go to the villa in the north? It would be a nice change of pace. We can wait for Cross and head to Tinas parents house. What do you think?

I think its not a bad suggestion. Indeed, I was beginning to feel a little bored lately. A visit to the villa would be nice.

Wow. You have a villa.

Tina, sitting next to her, said in surprise. Lilia tilted her head and said.

We do have a villa. Dont you have one at Tinas house?

SNo, she doesnt.

LIs that so? Aldis has four mansions, so I thought it was only natural for her to have one.

SIts impossible for a low-ranking noblemanWait, there are four?Thats not fair!

I dont know whats unfair, but apparently not really is normal. I looked at Tina and saw that she was laughing.

I dont think I have one in my house. So I have no idea what a villa is like.

Its just a normal house. Its not as big as this one.

One of the villas is about three days by carriage north of here in a small town, more of a village. It used to be a place I didnt want to visit because it was too quiet, but now I find it a little more appealing.

LHow is it Sakura? Do you want to go?

SI want to go.

LAll right.

Lilia nodded and turned her head to her father.

I think Ill go.

I see. Ill make the arrangements here. It will be tomorrow, is that all right?

Yes.

Lilia nodded and glanced at Tina. She saw that Tina was trying to say something.

Father, may I take Tina with me?

Of course.

I want to go, too.

Ray raised his hand as if to take advantage of the situation, and before Lilia could say anything, her father nodded.

I will make arrangements.

Youll need an escort. Shall I send one of my men, Father?

Yes.

Ill take care of the guards, okay?

Ray smiled, while my father and brother looked at each other and chuckled, as if they were troubled. Im sure they didnt understand the meaning of his reaction, so Ray tilted his head.

Ray.

Lilia called out, and Ray turned to her.

Youre the third prince of Claviles, arent you?

Yes.

Are you aware that you need to be protected the most?

Ray blinked his eyes a few times. Lilia sighs and explains again,

Youre the one who needs to be protected the most, so why are you waving your sword in front of me?

Oh.Thats right.

It really hadnt occurred to him. Lilia held her temples with her fingers to hold in her headache, and let out a long, deliberate sigh.

Im sorry.

You dont have to apologize. Brother, please make arrangements for that as well.

Okay.