Sorry it took so long but from now on the release rate will be 5ch/week. I also add Sakura and Lilia initials in front of their lines when they talk in Lilia mind.
Cynthia. Youve got some civilian clothes, havent you?
Huh? Yeah, well.I do, but.
Then come with me for the weekend.
Cynthias eyes widened slightly and froze, at a loss for words, it was Alisa spoke up in her place.
Lady Lilia. Does that mean that Cynthia is to be my escort?
Yes, it does. What do you think?
Ive given orders, but if Cynthia feels uneasy about it, I think its fine to continue as before. I know that there was a male informant on Lilias side in the past. That secret agent was apparently capable of dealing with rough stuff.
Cynthia seemed to be thinking for a while, but then she nodded firmly.
Awe, sir. I will be happy to join you.
Cynthias face had changed to that of a professional. I wondered why there was such a difference.
The next day was the usual class. Lilias behavior was also the same as usual. The princes response to Lilia was also the same as before, as he had declared.
The only thing that had changed was Rays manner of speaking, which had become more casual.
Lilia, you came in first in the last exam, right?
One day, when I was teaching Ray how to study as usual, he suddenly asked me such a question.
How do you study?
His eyes seemed to be searching for something. Was he indeed suspicious or did he want me to ask the prince? Either way, there was no way I could answer.
Who would believe that I was being taught by a spirit?
SLilia, thats terrible.
LIm kidding.
How should I respond? I thought about it, but there was no way I could come up with a good excuse. I had no choice but to settle for a clich.
Im working hard.
What? Hard work?
Yes. Hard work.
I didnt say anything wrong. Since that time, Ive been doing my best in my own way.
Ill try to make an effort, too.!
Youre already number one.
Im going to surpass you, Lilia!
I told Ray that he could call me by my name, since he has a higher status, but for some reason he refused. He said it was because it was easier to call me that way.
Yes. Im looking forward to it.
Lilia raised the corner of her mouth slightly and replied.
On the weekend, the night before my study day, Tina came to visit me. She came with a box of strawberry Daifuku that she had bought today.
SThe strawberry Daifuku! What a nice girl! I want to call her Tina-sama!
LYoure cheap, arent you?
With a wry smile, I chatted with Tina while eating the strawberry Daifuku and Sakura was humming happily. Sakura is a good singer and its comfortable to listen to her, so I dont stop her. Listening to her makes me feel a little happier, too.
As I put the strawberry Daifuku in my mouth again, my eyes met with Tinas, who was smiling somewhat happily.
I didnt know that. Lilia likes strawberry Daifuku.
What? No, Im.
I was about to say no, but then I stopped myself. The fact that Tina had said that to me meant that she had seen it on my face. Its hard to fake it now.
Yes, I do. Its one of my favorites.
I see! Ill bring you some more strawberry Daifuku then!
Tina smiles carefree. I feel a little guilty, but I dont hate her, so I guess I cant say Im lying.
SNo, Lilia, dont lie!
LWhose side are you on, anyway?
SStrawberry Daifuku.
LYoure not even a person..
I sigh inwardly, but not so much that Im uncomfortable. Lately, Ive been enjoying my light banter with Sakura a little more.
SUh. Its a little embarrassing when people take such things seriously.You have to say something about the prince, Lilia.
She was blatantly changing the subject, but Lilia decided to go along with it. She thought it was time to talk about it, which was just fine.
Tina. Id like to have a word with you about His Highness.
Ill explain to Tina what I talked to the prince about. I knew that she would not be so easily convinced, but as expected, Tina became unhappy.
I understand what youre trying to say, but.Im not convinced.
Tina said, puffing out her cheeks in a cute way. As for Lilia, it honestly doesnt matter because she doesnt want to get close to the prince right now, but it was obvious just by looking at her that Tina didnt think so. Im amazed at how she can get so angry at people.
Tina. At least Im okay with it. Theres no need for you to be angry.
But!
She tried to shout something, but didnt say anything in the end, turned her head and sat back in her chair.
Lilia, are you finished with His Highness?
She asked.
Its too late. I dont care about that guy anymore. What about you, Tina?
I dontunderstand.I still dont understand why His Highness is being so nice to me.
Ive never had a friend who was so self-deprecating.
Oh.Sorry.
Tina was depressed while Lilia sighed and hid her face, pretending to drink her tea.
SIf youre embarrassed, you shouldnt have said anything.
LLeave me alone.