Haunted Duke’s Daughter - Chapter 32

Chapter 32

“Just maybe, are you… . ”

Did she have a sharp intuition, or was Tina just a bit too dense? It seemed like she was hesitating over whether it would be okay for her to say it, as Aira glanced back and forth between Tina and Lilia . Kayten probably also guessed what was up, as the corners of her mouth were raised slightly .

“I’d like to keep this ac confidential as possible . …And Tina hasn’t seem to have realised yet either . ”

“Ah, yeah . Got it . I promise . I won’t tell Tina either . ”

Aira nodded firmly, and Lilia also gave a satisfied nod . Then,

“How about this!”

Tina had brought out a set of clothes . Spreading them out, it was a pure white one-piece dress . There were no decorations or anything, and it looked quite simple .

“The white here is perfect for Lilia!”

—Buhah! White! Perfect for Lilia! You’re being totally misunderstood here!

—The way you say it pisses me off, but I have to agree . Isn’t she idealising me a bit too much here?

—It seems the Lilia inside Tina’s mind has become an extremely good person . Better work hard so you don’t disappoint .

—I’ll put in an effort but…

Just when did her evaluation become something like this, thought Lilia as she sighed and reached out to take the clothes when,

“Hold up . ”

Aira stepped in to grab it from the side .

“Aira?”

“What are you doing?”

Tina had a blank look as she tilted her head, and Lilia narrowed her eyes .  Your eyes are scary, said Aira with a wry smile as she continued,

“Miss Lilia . Are you just gonna take this with you and leave? I think those nobles will certainly have a reaction if they saw that . ”

“Ahh… You’re right . And so? Since you mentioned it do you have some sort of good idea?”

Her tone almost seemed provocative, but she was actually just curious . Aira seemed to get that too, as she nodded with an earnest expression .

“I have a wooden box that’s just the right size for this, so I’ll put it in and take it to your room . I’d just caused a disturbance earlier, so at most people would think I’m bringin’ something over to make amends yeah?”

I see, said Lilia as she nodded . Certainly it wouldn’t seem too out of place that way . In fact normally in such situations a servant would be sent over for the task, but Aira who was either a lower class noble or commoner would probably go to visit personally .

“Sounds good . In that case could I get you to take care of that, Miss Aira?”

“Sure thing . Just leave it to me . ”

Aira nodded, and left the room with the clothes . Kayten also gave a firm bow and followed after her . Tina and Lilia saw them off, then,

“What good friends . ”

“Eheheh . They’re too good for someone like me . ”

She seemed overjoyed at having her friends praised, as she beamed a full-faced smile .

“Well then I’ll be returning to my room . Tina, I’ll definitely repay this favour . ”

“It’s fine even if you don’t . Rather, let’s go to dinner again sometime, alright?”

Tina said with a carefree smile . Lilia’s eyes widened for just a moment, as she quietly nodded,

“Yes . ”

—Tina sure is pure . She too good for someone like you .

—Yes, truly .

—Hey, you’re not supposed to be agreeing there . She’s a good friend for the new and improved Lilia . I mean it alright?

While conversing with Sakura in her bedroom, Lilia was being changed into the dress Alisa had prepared . That said it wasn’t actually that flashy, and was something that gave off more of a muted impression . It was also easy enough to change in and out of that could probably take it off herself too .  Something that wouldn’t pose a problem even if it were stolen, was what Lilia had asked Alisa to prepare, so among the things Lilia wore it relatively cheap . Compared to regular things it was still very much a high-class item though .
Something that wouldn’t be a problem even if stolen, when told that Alisa had looked at Lilia with a doubtful expression, but she didn’t really pry too much and just went along with it . Though, it seems she’d consulted with the agents about this, so they would probably attach a guard to watch over her . As long as they didn’t get in the way that was fine too .

—It seems she’s here .

At Sakura’s voice, Lilia looked up . There was a knock on the door to the bedroom, and Alisa’s voice came through . A guest, apparently .

“Could you please show her into this room?”

At Lilia’s reply, Alisa’s voice paused . You could feel her speechlessness, before she responded understood, as she returned to normal . And before waiting long, there was another knock on the door .

“Please enter . ”

“Pardon the intrusion…”

And then entered Aira . She was holding largish wooden box, and looking like she was doing something super shady . Lilia quickly realised she was being very careful with the contents of the box .

“Even if you break of drop anything I wouldn’t really mind you know?”

“Nah, well I’d mind… I would mind . ”

“It’s fine to speak like you were before too . Even if you get all polite now it just feels weird . ”

“Ugu… I got it . ”

Aira lowered her shoulders, and went towards Lilia with the box . Lilia pointed at a place on the floor, and she let it down there .

“Say, Miss Lilia . ”

“What is it?”

“It seems pretty obvious… But are you planning on goin’ to the south side?”

As if she still couldn’t believe it, she doubtfully asked that question . Lilia firmly nodded .

“Yes, that’s right . Is there some problem?”

“Nah, it ain’t a problem . It’s a side of the academy so the public order’s probably fine . Just, it seems so out of place… What are you trying to accomplish there?”

“Dorayaki . ”

“Eh… Hah?”

She probably couldn’t believe what she had just heard, as Aira’s eyes went wide . Finding that state somewhat amusing, a bit of a smile floated onto Lilia’s face .

“The other day, I received some dorayaki from Tina . It was really good, I thought I’d go buy some more . Also I’ve heard that there were many other things too, so I plan to have a look around . ”

“I see… I knew Tina’d gone and brought some dorayaki with her somewhere the other day, but to think it was for you . You guys’re really friends huh . So you harassing her was just some rumours then . ”

“Oh my, it’s true though? It’s just that we’ve since reconciled after that . ”

Aira’s mouth dropped open with a thud . Some stifled laughter was leaking out o Lilia, as she went and got up .