Haunted Duke’s Daughter - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

“Alisa . Sorry, but could I get you to make another cup?”

“Yes, certainly . ”

Bowing respectfully, Alisa went to prepare some more tea . After seeing her off, Lilia once again returned her gaze to the trio .

In truth, Lilia herself knew of the fact that she was overdoing it . By all means, Sakura would probably be cautioning her as well at this point . However, this case was simply unforgivable . If they came here under her brother’s orders, then there was also a chance that they’d never gotten in touch with her father . In that case it wouldn’t be surprising for them to not know that Lilia had received Alisa as her own maid . Nonetheless, that didn’t matter a single bit to Lilia . If the ones who’s very job was to seek out information neglected to find out about such a thing, then it was no excuse to her .

—I-is it over? It’s over right?

—Yes . Come to think of it you were pretty silent .

—Yeah… Cause it was scary… I could tell that you were angry for real, so I kept quiet

—Ahh, I see . Sorry, that must have startled you .

She gave a gentle apology . Seeing that, Sakura seemed to convey a sense of surprise .

—Well, okay . I think it’s fine . It really shows just how much you value Alisa after all . It’s a good development, so I won’t say anything more .

—I see . Thanks .

—Though this was going a bit overboard .

—Right, yes… I’ll reflect on it .

Calming herself down, she slowly drew in a breathed in and out . In that interval, no one spoke a word . The space was dominated by a heavy silence . Lilia once again gazed at the three . The two men were able to receive her gaze, but the girl was clearly frightened as she averted her eyes .

The younger man noticed that, and sent her a sidelong glare . The girl was startled as her body once again began to tremble, as she apologised with and hung her head on the spot .

—This is, from her being frightened by me? Did I do something?

—Anyone would be scared by that gaze of yours, have some self awareness .

—I haven’t really gotten angry at her yet though .

—Seeing your anger at all is more than enough!

I suppose that’s how it is, thought Lilia . Lilia made her best effort at putting on a smile, and looked to the girl . The girl’s trembling worsened .

—I didn’t think she was this scared of me .

—Yup . How about we give up on reconciling and just talk about their work or something?

—I suppose so .

Lilia let out a clear small sigh, and turned to the old man . The girl’s face had become completely pale, but whatever . The younger man let out a disappointed sigh at the girl .

“I wonder if it is alright for me to give you guys work to do as well?”

Not expecting such a thing to come from Lilia’s mouth, the old man’s eyes widened . Though perhaps as expected of an agent he wiped the expression from his face in an instant .

“Master Claus had ordered us to provide aid to Mistress Lilia . Please order us as you wish . ”

“I see . Then I’ll have you do some background checks on a few people . ”

“Background checks, is it . Of whom shall it be?”

“For now, do everyone in my class . Ahh, of course His Highness is an exception . Also, do one for a boy named Ray who often studies in the library . ”

Probably astonished at the number of people, this time it was the younger man who’s face was tinged with a slight frown . Though as expected this one also quickly erased his reaction .

“That is a fair amount of people and thus would certainly require some time, if that is acceptable?”

“Yes . Let’s have regularly… Let’s see, come give a report once a day . This girl can do it . ”

The one Lilia pointed to with her finger was the girl who’d been frightened this entire time . The girl’s expression became as if she had seen the end of the world, but Lilia wasn’t going to try to change her opinion at this point .

“Are there any problems?”

“Nay, no problems at all . Your orders have been received . ”

She had intended to ask the girl, but it was the old man who replied . Lilia looked down with slight disappointment, then quickly shook her head . Coming back to herself, she continued .

“I’ll be leaving it to you . ”

The three gave a firm nod, and returned into the hole in the ceiling . Seeing them off, Lilia gave a small sigh .

—By the way Sakura . Is there still anyone around? Or has everyone gone?

—Of course there’s at least one person still remaining . They’ve got to have a guard for you around after all .

—It’s fine even if they didn’t . I’ve never heard of anyone getting attacked inside the academy .

—Lilia . There’s more to it than just what’s seen on the surface .

Lilia made a slight frown . The way Sakura spoke, it was as if something really had happened in the past .

—There are reckless ones out there as well you know .

Sakura gave a cheerful laugh .

“Mistress Lilia . A guest . ”

After the three spies left, Lilia was studying in her bedroom when Alisa called out to her . Having an idea as to who the visitor was, Lilia smiled wryly as she stood from her chair . When she got to the door, as expected, there stood Tina .

“Good evening, Lilia . Wanna, go for some dinner? Ah, here . ”

Lilia ended up reflexively receiving the small paper box Tina presented . Taking a look, there were a few baked sweets inside .

“Thanks for inviting me . What is this?”

“It’s dorayaki . You don’t know of it?”

“I’ve heard of it, but it’s the first time I’m seeing the actual thing…”

She grabbed one to give it a try . It still had a faint warmth . It seems it was freshly bought . Lilia timidly took a bite .

“…!”

—Delicious…!

—It’s dorayaki! I can’t believe they have them here as well! Maybe there are others too?

—Others? There are more things like this?

—There are! There are lots! Like taiyaki or daifuku!

Taking a not insignificant interest in it, Lilia looked at Tina . Tina was sporting a joyous, full faced smile .