Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Lets see.Lilia, what are we going to do?

We can just eat here. Theres no need to travel anywhere.

Tina seemed to agree when I concluded that no one could say anything to me here. So, lets get started, she said, unpacking her lunch box.

It was a simple lunch box with white rice, fried chicken and salad. The chopsticks were also well attached. Yes, chopsticks.

I looked at Chris and Sera, both of them seemed to be confused about holding the chopsticks.

Here you go.

Alisa, who had been by their side for some time, handed out familiar spoons, forks, and knives to Chris and Sera. Chris received them with a thank you, and followed Alisas movements.

Shes good.

Im not giving her to you.

I know that.

Chris laughed and nodded at the same exchange as before.

As for what Tina wanted to do, she really didnt have any particular purpose. She simply wanted to talk more before she went home. Lilia was expecting something special, but she was disappointed. She knew that it would be best if nothing happened.

All three of you live far away from your parents.

Chris, who had been eating quietly, opened her mouth. Tina and the others nodded.

Im about a weeks ride from here, she said, and Katie is about the same, though in a different direction. Alia was farther away, right?

It takes me almost a month. It can be faster or slower because of rain or other circumstances, but thats about it.

Alia said so in his normal tone. Chris would have warned her about her tone, but she seemed to have decided to do nothing for now, and only narrowed her eyes slightly.

A month, so you must be near the border. Youve come a long way, havent you?

Chris said in surprise. Lilia didnt show it on her face, but inwardly she was very surprised. She had checked out Tinas parents house once before she went into hiding, but she had never checked out anyone elses house.

Even Tinas parents house seemed far away, but she had never imagined that anyone could have come from so far away.

Is most of your vacation spent traveling?

Sera asked, and Alia nodded.

Well, yes. In some cases, I might not be able to make it and have to turn back. The last time I went on vacation, I couldnt make it back because of the heavy snow. Well, that was a tough time.

Alia smiled embarrassedly, but Lilia could tell that she was forcing her smile.

SIts going to take a month and she doesnt even know if shes going to make it home.

LIf shes going through all this trouble to go to this school, isnt she just having trouble with her parents? She can study anywhere else.

SIf all she wants to do is study, sure. But graduating from this school is a big deal. She wont have to worry about finding a job just because of that. Shes guaranteed to be able to read, write, calculate, know magic, and so on. If things werent going well with my family, she wouldnt have bothered to leave.

Lilia was a little surprised that this school was worth so much. It was true that this school had a lot to teach her. But compared to the knowledge Sakura was giving her, it was inferior. She knew that Sakura was an exception, but she was still surprised.

SI wish I could do something about it.

LIt wont be necessary. Im sure you know that much.

S-No, thats true, but.Moo..

Sakura didnt seem convinced, but Lilia couldnt quite figure out why. And first of all, there was no way. A month on the road might be enough to make some improvements, but a month in a carriage was not going to make much of a difference no matter what else she did.

That is, without the convenience of the magic circle of transference.

SIs there such a thing as a magic circle of transference?

LNo. Its just a fairy tale. Ive never heard of one that existed.

SWell, of course not.

Transference is a supernatural phenomenon. A magic circle is a place where you can make a request to spirits and have it fulfilled. No matter how many spirits there are, they cant do anything that is physically impossible.

SEven if theres no transference circle, what about flying or.

As if some kind of switch had been turned on, Sakura started chanting an unfamiliar spell. Lilia sighed and took her mind off of Sakuras voice. It was no use listening to her.

Lilia.

I looked at Tina and saw that she was staring at me.

What?

Do you have any plans for the vacation?

When did we start talking about that? Out of the corner of my eye, Chris was holding back a laugh. Apparently, I was too focused on my conversation with Sakura.

I dont have any plans. Im thinking of taking it easy. What about you guys?

Lilia asked back, and Tina answered quickly.

Im going to help my family with their business. I entertain guests!

Yes. I feel sorry for the guests.

Why?

I held Tinas hand as she leaned forward, wondering what was going on, and asked about other peoples plans.

Im going back to my parents house to study. I cant make excuses for the environment I was born in when Tina is ranked sixth.

It was Katie who said that.

Tina, you were sixth?

Yes, thanks to Lilia. But you can give me a compliment.

I would have if you hadnt gotten carried away.

Oh.I failed.

Tina plopped down on the table. Chris frowned, but didnt say anything. Apparently, she had decided to put up with it for as long as she was in this room. I thanked her inwardly, but didnt say anything.

I have a day to relax and then Im going home.

Thats tough.Good luck.

Yeah. Thanks.

Alia smiled, and then, as if suddenly remembering, she turned to Lilia.

Eat and drink in moderation, my dear.

I know.

When I answered bitterly, Alia gave me a nasty smile and returned to her seat.

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