What are you going to do when you hear that?
I stare at my father. His eyes rise slightly, then quickly drop.
Well, you know.Im going to use it as a reference to find your next partner.
Perhaps he was planning to look for her next fianc? She didnt think this was the right time to talk about it but theres no need to hide it.
When she thought about it, she realized that she had never paid attention to such things before. Until now, she had only been looking at the prince.
LIm just asking for reference, Sakura.
S-What? I dont know if you want to hear this, but.Someone kind.
L-Thats too common to even be helpful.
SWow!
Ive thought about it and it didnt come to mind. I shook my head at my father.
Im sorry, father. I cant think of anything.
I see. Well, it cant be helped. It hasnt even been six months since
Kelvin.
My father choked on his words and quickly lowered his eyes at my mothers voice.
Im sorry. Forget it.
After that, my father fell silent.
SIt was awkward, wasnt it?
LWhat? Is it my fault?
SNo, its your father. Dont worry about it, Lilia. Its been less than six months since your heart was broken, so its no wonder you cant think of anything.
LI dont want you to remind me of it, though.
Lilia chuckled, and the people around her gasped, wondering how she interpreted that. Without realizing it, Lilia said,
If I had to guess, I would say.
Hmm?
Id prefer someone who can protect me. At least, I dont want someone I have to protect.
Ugh.
For some reason, I heard a groan from next to me. I looked at Ray and saw that he had completely stopped moving. I tilted my head and looked around, wondering what was wrong, and saw that everyone was giving Ray a sympathetic look.
I can still make up for it!
Ray shouted, standing up. Then he turned to my brother.
Cross! Come fight with me!
That was sudden. Are you training?
What? Oh, yes! Lets practice! With all our might! As hard as we can!
What is he talking about all of a sudden? When Lilia gave Ray a cold look, he winced and sat back in his chair.
Well, you know, Lilia-san.
What?
Im still reasonably confident in my sword skills. Id really like you to take a look at them. I mean.
Speak up. Youre annoying me.
Yes! I would like to have a match with Cross, so please come and watch!
Lilia furrowed her brow and looked at her brother, implying that she was really going to do it. He seemed to have guessed and her brother shrugged his shoulders.
Master Rayford. I will not go easy on you, is that clear?
Of course!
My brother is going to have a serious fight. Its a rare thing, I think. My brother is one of the best swordsmen in the country. At least, thats what Ive heard a lot of people say about him.
Ray, are you okay?
Yes! Thats why I strongly urge Lilia to watch our match.
What? No.
Huh?
Ray stopped moving in exasperation. My father asked me instead of Ray, who was frozen in thought.
Can I ask you why?
Not so much a reason..Its too much trouble. Rather, why should I go and see them?
When I asked my father with a serious expression, he smiled vaguely and answered nothing. When I looked around, everyones cheeks were drawn together. I really dont understand.
SAhaha! Thats Lilia! My stomach hurts!
LWhat is it?
SYou should go check on Ray. Hes so sad.
LIts too much trouble.Well, if Sakura says so, then lets go see.
Lilia sighed inwardly and looked over at Ray.
If you want I can come over at noon and take a look.
What? Are you sure?
Ray came back to his senses and his face lit up. He nodded his head, confused by the momentum, and bowed his head in thanks.
I studied with Tina until noon, and then went to the garden for lunch. My brother and Ray did not show up at the lunch table. Instead, a maid told Lilia where and when to find them.
I dont think you had to come, did you?
I was just curious.
Oh, really?
As I walked out into the garden, exchanging a few words with Tina, I saw that my brother and Ray were ready to go. They stood facing each other with a certain distance between them.
When he noticed Lilia, Ray gave her a happy smile.
Thank you for coming!
Be careful so you dont get hurt!
Ray nodded and turned to my brother. He held up the wooden sword he was holding, slowly.
Master Rayford. Three strikes first, is that correct?
Yes!
Yes. Im looking forward to your skills.
And then the two of them kicked the ground.
The two of them strike each other with their wooden swords. The dull sound of wooden swords clashing echoed in the area. Lilia looked at the scene and honestly expressed her surprise on her face.
LCompared to my brother, he looked weak, so I thought he wouldnt even be a match..
SHes strong. Your brother is a sword that attacks with his own strength, and Ray is a sword that uses the opponents strength, I guess?
LCan you tell?
SDo you think I can?
LI was a fool to expect anything from you.