Chapter 40
“Before I came here, I overheard several people talking about it . There was talk of His Highness The Prince breaking off his engagement before, but now it seems to be confirmed . ”
“S-so it would seem…”
—Lilia, calm down! Yer voice be trembling!
—You’re the one talking strangely . So what, did this boy actually know who I am?
—I-I don’t think so . No, I don’t think he does . He was probably just bringing up something to talk about, I think .
Lilia peered at Ray’s expression indiscreetly . He was glaring at the textbook at front of him, and then he let out a moan .
“Ray, why…why are you bringing up this Lilianne person all of a sudden?”
“Huh? No real reason . For her to be able to get into a quarrel with the prince, I was simply wondering just what kind of person she was . Come to think of it, you’re also part of the upper-class nobility, aren’t you, Mistress Lilia? Have you met Mistress Lilianne before?”
—Sakura . Which one is it? Has he realised who I am? Or has he not?
—Nn…He probably…hasn’t realised .
—Alright . I’ll trust your judgement, Sakura .
Lilia took a deep breath, and reciprocated Ray’s gaze . Ray’s smile was carefree as always . Seeing that, Lilia couldn’t believe that he was deceiving her .
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“I do know of her . However, I haven’t talked with her personally . ”
—Yup . That’s not a lie .
“Ah, that makes sense . Just based off the fact that she was quarrelling with His Highness The Prince, she sure seems like quite the self-important person, huh?”
“Y-You could be right there…”
Lilia’s expression stiffened . Knowing nothing about her, it would be easy to see her that way . As Lilia was thinking to herself, perhaps I should think more carefully about the way I conduct myself, Sakura said:
—Umm, Lilia . People who do know you well also think you’re self-important .
—That’s… I’ll take more care from now on…
“I’m sure I’ll have the chance to talk to her eventually . ”
Before she could say something tactless or unnecessary, Lilia tried to bring the topic to a close . Whether he realised what she was doing or not, Ray said,
“Oh, really? I’ll look forward to it . ”
He said so with a smile . Lilia returned a vague smile of her own, and brought her gaze back to her book .
After that, Lilia’s normal everyday life continued for some time . From the next day onward, Sera no longer followed Lilia around . However, it wasn’t as if she’d stopped coming to class altogether . She simply remained at her own desk quietly .
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Of course, when Lilia entered the room, at first Sera tried to start a conversation with her . However, when Lilia ignored her, she gave up and returned to her own seat . After that, every time someone she knew came in, Sera tried to talk to them, too—but nobody wanted to speak with her .
Even so, the fact that Sera didn’t attempt to flee from the classroom was something Lilia could honestly praise her for . Lilia didn’t know whether that was because Sera had reflected on her actions or not, but for the moment, it seemed she wasn’t going to make a move .
By way of a rumour, Lilia had heard that Sera was summoned by the prince after school had ended . The prince likely pushed her relentlessly for answers . Lilia hoped Sera and the prince would both take something away from the incident, but Sakura thought that would be expecting too much .
Incidentally, Tina was quite troubled when she heard about this . However, in front of Lilia, she simply gave her a strained smile and thanked her .
By the weekend, nothing had changed . Sera sat at her own seat, and cast her gaze down in silence .
—Hey, Lllia .
Sakura’s voice echoed in her head, and Lilia turned her thoughts to that .
—Is it okay to leave those five people aside from Sera alone?
Sakura was referring to the remaining five people who had sent those notes to Tina . From her agents’ investigation, Lilia knew who the culprits were . Yet, Lilia had not laid a hand on any of those five people .
—There’s no need . By making an example of Sera, I don’t think there’s anyone left stupid enough to pester Tina any further . Well, it’ll likely only serve as a temporary measure, though .
—Hmmm…that’s fine, then .
At that moment in their conversation, the teacher, followed by the prince, entered the classroom . Just as usual, the teacher sat at his desk, the prince at his, and class began . And of course, Lilia…
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—Today’s lesson isーscience!
—Yes, yes .
In order to listen to Sakura’s lecture, Lilia tuned everything else out .
The morning classes were over, as was lunch, and so Lilia spent the afternoon at the library . After this completely ordinary day came to an end, Lilia didn’t head back to her room, but rather, headed towards the classroom .
Just as class ended, the teacher came out of the classroom . When he saw Lilia, his eyes opened wide .
“Sir, aren’t you being a bit disrespectful?”
“ahh…Sorry about that . I didn’t think you’d be coming back… But, Aldis–and I realise I’m being a bit rude–but I don’t want to be told that by someone who doesn’t even pay attention in class . ”
“Oh my, so you did realise . My deepest apologies . ”
“It’s obvious you have no intention of changing your attitude . Well, while your grades are still good, I won’t say anything more . ”
The teacher ended the conversation there, and without saying anything else, disappeared down the hallway . Lilia watched him until he was out of sight, and a slight sense of admiration showed on her face .
—That teacher, he realised, huh . That you weren’t paying any attention to his class .
—I didn’t think that he’d realised…surprisingly, he saw straight through me . I need to be more careful .
If that class was at least a little more meaningful, Lilia started thinking, but comparing it to Sakura’s lectures was perhaps too harsh . Lilia sighed slightly, and then opened the door to the classroom .
The classroom was full of students making idle chatter, but as soon as Lilia stepped in, the room fell quiet . They really didn’t need to be so mindful of me, thought Lilia as she looked from one end of the classroom to the other . Nobody would meet her eyes .
Though she felt that something was off, Lilia started looking for the person she’d come here to see; Sera . And she found her instantly .
Sera was still sat in her own seat . Because she was looking down, Lilia couldn’t see the expression on her face . And surrounding Sera were Kris and her entourage . Lilia could also see her other two followers hanging around the same place . Just by seeing that, Lilia could imagine what these girls were up to .
—Just what is that Idiot Prince doing?
—He’s nowhere around, huh . Well, he’s an unpredictable guy that can disappear at any moment, so I guess it can’t be helped .
—Well, he is still a prince, even if he doesn’t act like it . It’s possible he has been summoned to the castle . More importantly…
When Lilia looked at Kris and everyone standing around her, they all averted their eyes . My, my, Lilia thought as she started walking over to them .
—Lilia . Help her out, okay?
—I know .
Lilia kept her reply short, and moved to stand in front of Kris and her entourage .