Haunted Duke’s Daughter

The next day, a rather large covered wagon came into Aldis garden. Seated on the platform were a large man in armor and a man wearing the clothes of a commoner. When they came to Lilia and the others who were waiting in front of the house, the two men on the chariot got off easily and bowed deeply

Ive been assigned to escort you. Please, call me Crabbe.

Likewise, Dios. Its a pleasure to meet you.

The one dressed like a commoner introduced himself as Crabbe, and the one in armor as Dios. Both of them have dark blond hair and their faces are vaguely similar. Could they be brothers? They didnt give their family name, so I couldnt tell that much.

To be honest, I dont really care.

I dont care what your names are. I just want my stuff.

SLilia. No, you cant.

Lilia stopped speaking. When I looked at the two men in front of me, I saw their eyebrows furrowed suspiciously. I glanced next to me and saw Tinas eyes blinding as if she was surprised. I cleared my throat once and opened my mouth again.

Im kidding. Dios and Crabbe. I remember.

This time, the two guards rolled their eyes. People of high nobility dont pay attention to their bodyguards. Thats why Lilias initial reaction was normal and her rephrasing was probably more surprising. What Lilia needs to abandon is the noblemans norm. That is why she must always remember to be considerate.

L I guess you were too relaxed and let your guard down. Be careful.

Her words were light, but there was sternness in her voice. I nodded inwardly and smiled again at the two guards.

Ill be with you in a little while. Can you help me load up the luggage I have here?

Well take care of it! Liliane and her friends, please wait inside!

Crabbe woke up from its surprise and said so, straightening its posture.

Father. Mother. Brother. Im off.

Lilia said, and the family members nodded with smiles.

Theo, keep looking after the flower beds. Ill stop by before I go back to school, Im looking forward to it.

Yes! Leave it to me!

Lilia nodded in satisfaction and went ahead to the carriage. Behind her, Tina and Ray were greeting her family.

The carriage was quite spacious. We would be living here for the next three days until we reached the villa. There are some villages along the way but only one with lodgings. We would also have to camp so Ill have a lot of free time, but Ive brought my study materials and a few books. Its enough to pass the time.

And theres something a little unexpected.

SA carriage journey! Im excited!

Sakura is unusually energetic. Apparently, she is looking forward to going out of town in the carriage. Recalling Sakuras appearance from time to time, I couldnt help but think that she was a child in this respect.

Tina and Ray got into the carriage, the two guards checked the luggage and other things one last time, and the carriage started to run.

The carriage left the city and slowly made its way along the road extending to the north. Lilia looked at the view from the carriage for a while.

S Thats a nice view. Ah, a bird. Yoo-hoo!

LHow could it have heard that? By the way, you look happy.

S Yeah. Ive never seen anything like it! Its fun just to look at!

I think its a good thing, because I want Sakura to have fun too.

When I looked to the side, my eyes met Dios. I thought I could feel his eyes on me, but it seemed that Dios had been watching me the whole time.

What is it?

I asked, and Dioss face clouded slightly as if he had difficulty saying it, but he quickly whispered.

What is the nature of the relationship between those two?

Tina and Ray were in front of Dios gaze. They seemed to be talking together, but while Ray seemed to be enjoying the conversation, Tinas smile was somewhat awkward. Its hard to tell just by looking at them what kind of relationship they have.

Tina was still trying to decide how to treat Ray. She was dealing with the royal family of another country, an existence that Tina would never have had anything to do with. He was like a person on top of the clouds, and he was talking to her in a friendly manner.

Perhaps she was afraid of him but Lilia had no intention of helping. Ray had told Tina not to worry about his status. Then the rest is Tinas problem but I dont think its so easy to separate the two.

Theyre my friends. Do I need to explain anything else?

Aside from Tina, Rays identity is hidden. It would have been better to reveal his identity in order to prioritize his guards, but Ray was adamant about it. He said that he could protect himself, thats why he wanted the two of them to be the only ones to protect him. My father and brother seemed to have respected his opinion.

Dios looked at them for a while, and then bowed his head.

Im sorry. I was out of line.

Thats okay. If theres anything on your mind, dont hesitate to tell me.

Dios blinked again, and then bowed deeply.

Thank you.

Lilia did not respond to him, but looked at the scenery.

As the sun began to set, we stopped the carriage and began to prepare the camp. Lilia and the others tried to help, but the guards stubbornly refused. Thinking that it would be a waste of time to argue with them, we quietly waited for them to finish preparing the camp.

The guards called me over to have dinner around a fire that they had apparently prepared, and I returned to the carriage. I went to bed in a warm blanket.

Late at night for some reason, Lilia woke up and quietly got up. Using the moonlight, she looked inside the carriage. There was nothing but Tinas figure.

SWhats wrong?

It was Sakuras voice. And then, as if she had immediately guessed, she said, Oh, in agreement.

SThe men were talking to each other by the bonfire.

I followed Sakuras voice and looked outside. There were three figures by the fire. I could hear their voices, but only faintly.

If it were true, we would be more extravagant.

This was Dios voice. I wondered what he was talking about.