Haunted Duke’s Daughter

Mr. Rayford. Welcome to our home.

As soon as we entered the house, my father greeted the three of us. I think it was more about Ray than us. When Ray saw father, he tilted his head.

Um.Have you heard anything from the castle, by any chance?

Yes, Ive heard. Theyre in an uproar because they cant find Master Rayford.

Im sorry.

Youll have to tell that to the people in the castle. In the meantime, I have prepared a room for you, so please rest there.

Ray looked disappointed, but was quietly led away by the maids.

Lilia.

After Ray had left, father turned his head to me. He had a difficult expression on his face, and seemed to be somewhat confused.

You are acquainted with Master Rayford, are you not?

I nodded in response to my fathers question, put my hand on my chin and started to think about something. As I was wondering what was going on, my father said,

Ive heard that Master Rayford told the maid assigned to him that he wanted to visit Duke Aldis every day. I think its safe to assume that he wanted to see Lilia.

I suppose so, since I told him I have no plans for the holidays.

Hmm.Well.

Father seemed to be thinking about something after that, but he yawned back without saying anything more then walked away, mumbling to himself. The sight of his back made me feel a little uneasy for some reason, but I didnt think he would answer my question.

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Im going to talk to father. I think were done here.

Yes, I understand.

Her brother immediately ran after their father and Lilia, who was left alone, gave a small sigh and returned to her room.

That day, her father and brother did not eat dinner together. This was very unusual for her father, who always ate with his family when he was at home. There was no sign of Ray, so they might have gone somewhere together.

SDo you mind?

LYes, I do. Im curious if father will say anything to Ray.

SHa-ha-ha.

The next day I walked into the dining room with Tina.

Oh, good morning, Lilia-san.

Ray was at the table and smiled at Lilia.

Im Ray, nice to meet you.

He stood up from his seat and bowed to Tina. Tina also bowed hurriedly.

Its nice to meet you. Im Tina Breha.

Youre Lilias friend from a Baronial family, right? Ive heard from Duke Aldis.

Lilias eyebrows twitched. She looked around the room for her father. He doesnt seem to be in this room at the moment, but hell be in soon.

Hmm? Youre early. Good morning.

My brother came in first. I remembered that my brother had gone after my father yesterday. I guess that means he was with Ray. When I stared at my brother, he noticed me and said,

I havent said a word, its father.

What about me?

Lilia glared at her father, her words slipping out of her mouth. He turned and tried to walk out of the room.

Father, where do you intend to go?

My brother had grabbed his arm.

I remembered something urgent.

Well, father. Are you really that uncomfortable talking to me? Im sad.

No, I dont think so.

Lilia gently laid her hand on her fathers hand and smiled at him, who stopped moving.

Id like to hear what you told him yesterday.

Oh! Okay, okay.

My father slumped his shoulders helplessly.

Before breakfast started, father told Ray that one of my friends was staying with us and a few stories about my childhood. I was a little embarrassed to hear about my childhood, but it would not be a reason for father to run away from me.

In other words, there are still things he hasnt told me.

I thought about questioning him, but was interrupted when my mother and Theo also entered the dining room.

Before breakfast, Ray introduced himself to everyone present. The servants were trustworthy, so he told them his real name and identity. My mother, as expected, only moved her eyebrows slightly and was mostly unresponsive, but Tina and Theo both widened their eyes and showed their surprise honestly.

So? What exactly do you want?

Lilia asked as she looked at Ray sitting next to her, and Ray said with a smile.

Im here to see Miss Lilia.

What do you really want?

Im here to see Lilia.

Im going to be mad.

Lilia stares with half-lidded eyes, and Ray cheeks tense up. On the other side, next to Lilia, Tinas eyes widened a little, as if she understood what was going on, and for some reason she smiled bitterly. It was the same for everyone in the family except for Theo. Theo was the only one who tilted his head in confusion.

No, uh, yeah. I need to talk to Duke Aldis. Its a matter of state. Its confidential.

Why didnt you say so from the start?

Then it was back to breakfast. Ray sighed, but I didnt notice it. When he finished his breakfast, father spoke up.

Lilia, Id like to ask you something.

Lilia furrows her brow and looks at her father. He had a serious expression on his face, but she wondered if its her imagination that the corners of his mouth were slightly lifted.

What kind of men does Lilia like?

What?

I couldnt understand for a moment what was being asked, and my mouth fell open stupidly. When I look closely at my father, he still seems to be smiling. Id like to think its just my imagination.

S Thats straight! Lilia, Im curious too! Tell me!

Even Sakura asked happily. It seems that asking for help is futile. I noticed that everyone in the room was staring at me.