Haunted Duke’s Daughter

At Tinas invitation, Lilia decided to go out to the south district. She had originally chosen a modest outfit as she was going on a secret trip, but she decided to borrow some clothes from Tina just in case. When Tina heard this, she was momentarily flabbergasted and started to look worried.

Huh, clothes! Yeah, you need them!..Wait a minute! Ill be right back! Dont come!

She ran to the stairs in a great hurry. Lilia looked away dumbfounded.

LSakura.

SWhat?

LIs there a problem with me going to see Tinas room?

SNo. Lets go!

Lilia nodded, and she too headed for the stairs.

Her brother was watching her back with a smile, but Lilia didnt notice.

Of course, Lilia did not know where Tinas room was but that problem was quickly solved.

Tinas room? Its this way.

Tinas father led the way, looking somewhat pleased with himself. It was a door at the end of the corridor, further from the door that led to the dining room. It seemed to be the Breha familys living space. Beyond the door was a short corridor with only four doors. One of them was Tinas room.

Lilia thanked Tinas father and then knocked on the door.

Tina. Are you there?

Huh? Lilia?

Im coming in.

Wait, wait, wait.!

Opening the door and looking around Lilia nodded.

Its cute.

Uu

The room was lined with dolls and stuffed animals. Its a little surprising that there are no dolls or stuffed animals in the dorm rooms at the school, but I dont think its a bad thing. I think its a little childish, but I suppose its considerate of me to keep my mouth shut.

SIts not really considerate.

Ignoring Sakuras words, I looked at Tina. Tina sighed in resignation and urged me to go ahead. I walked into the room and picked up a stuffed animal from the side, keeping an eye on Tina as she looked through the closet.

Wow.These are nice

Lilia muttered in a small voice, and Sakura responded.

S Well, come to think of it, there are no dolls in Lilias room, are there? Why not?

L I wasnt particularly interested in them. I think theyre cute when I look at them like this.

I wonder if this is a stuffed bear. As I held both hands and stared at the face of the stuffed animal, my eyes met with Tinas, who had somehow turned around to look at me.

Lilia. Do you like it?

What? No, its not like that.

Its okay. You can have it.

Tina said with a big smile, and Lilia looked at the stuffed animal and Tinas face alternately.

Are you sure?

Yes. Take good care of it.

Lilia nodded firmly and hugged the stuffed animal.

I changed into the clothes Tina had picked out and left the room with the stuffed animal in my arms. As I headed for the front door to go outside, I ran into my brother, who was also planning to go out.

Are you going out?

Yes. You?

Yes! Im glad you asked!

The moment I heard that, I had a bad feeling. I was about to walk past him as I had no intention of listening to him at all, but then my brother grabbed me by the shoulders. I tried to shake him off, but he had no intention of releasing me.

In fact, there is a blacksmith in town who is very good

Lilia and Tina looked at each other and sighed, Again, but my brother didnt continue. When I looked at my brother quizzically, I saw that his gaze was fixed on the stuffed animal that I was holding.

Lilia.You like dolls..?

Her brothers question in a quiet voice and Lilia tilted her head.

No, not really.

Whats wrong with it?

Tina gave it to me.

Her brother looked at Lilia, Tina, and the stuffed animal in turn, and then nodded his head, I see. He then removed his hand from Lilias shoulder and left the inn without uttering another word.

LWhat was that?

SThat..

Sakura didnt seem to understand either, and I could feel her tilting her head. I wondered if it was my imagination that, for some reason, I felt a greater stirring in my heart than I had when my brother had tried to start talking about swords.

Cross-san really likes swords, doesnt he?

Tina muttered. It seems that Lilia is the only one feeling uneasy, that made her feel even worse. But thinking about it wont give her an answer, so Lilia shook her head and changed her mind.

Ill leave it to you to lead the way.

Yes!

Tina took Lilias hand and started walking. Lilia did not try to shake it off, but silently followed Tina.

The South District is still much busier than the North District. The owners of each stall were shouting to attract customers. Its hard to distinguish the voices from all directions. All I can say is that its noisy. A high class nobleman would definitely not come to this neighborhood.

Where are we going?

Lets start with.Sweets!

I thought, Thats a bit sudden, but I didnt argue. Tina started walking ahead of me, and I followed her quietly.