This might be the last one for a while, but who knows…
Anyways, enjoy!

For some reason, Sakura was quiet for a while. Just as she was about to give up on the idea, thinking that it would be bad to go by herself after all, Sakura’s voice came.

—By ‘that’ cafeteria… You mean the one you went to last night, right…?

—What other one is there?

—Ah, yep. Umm… No problem, I think. Yup. Might not be a bad idea.

It seemed that Sakura wasn’t against it. Lilia sighed in relief and got up. She headed for the cafeteria by herself.

—What’s with this change of attitude?

—It’s not like… It’s just because the food yesterday was tasty, is that not enough?

—It’s enough of a reason. Rather I think it’s a good thing. Alright let’s go quickly let’s go!

Just as she was wondering if this was really that unexpected of a thing, it really was, when she thought about it. Lilia herself, if not for yesterday, would probably never set foot in such a place. It’s just that she really couldn’t forget the flavour of the cooking from yesterday. She wanted to at least completely finish a meal there.

—Ah, green peppers are no good! Make sure to ask for sans green peppers alright!

—I know I know. I’ll ask them about it.

Lilia held no small amount of anticipation, as she headed for the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was very crowded. You could tell that even just from looking inside while passing by the front. And that was enough to have Lilia give up.

—Lilia. What about lunch?

—Isn’t it way too crowded… I’m good for today…

—Dinner is free for students to decide, but everyone has to eat lunch at the same time after all. Of course it’d be like this. But, what now?

Lilia thought for a bit, and then she went into the room for nobles. There were already familiar faces of students who’d taken a seat, elegantly drinking black tea or whatnot. It was worlds apart from the room beside it. Lilia was also until just the other day coming here to have lunch, so she wasn’t about to say anything to the ones eating here.
Though, she just couldn’t bring up the will to eat here.

—Then it’s take out time!

—Teik aut?

—Mu, so this doesn’t get through huh… How about, you ask the person at the counter if it’s fine to eat outside? They can probably make something like sandwiches right? Since they can make such good food.

‘I see’, Lilia nodded. She quickly headed to the counter in the back and called out to the person standing there. When she asked if it was possible to have them prepare sandwiches, the person, while completely surprised with widened eyes, immediately nodded with ‘yes of course’.
When she sat down in a nearby seat while she waited, she saw the three followers from before. It seemed that they hadn’t noticed Lilia yet, as they quietly continued to eat their meal. As she wondered if they weren’t going to talk at all as they ate, she remembered that when they were eating together with her, they also wouldn’t break the silence unless Lilia started a conversation.

“Thank you for waiting.”

Lilia looked up upon hearing the voice from behind the counter. A middle aged man who looked like a chef was looking at Lilia with a smile. In his hand was a small basket. When she received it, she could feel a bit of the warmth from inside.

“I’ve worked here for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve gotten an order for a sandwich from this side.”

The man’s face looked quite happy as he said that. Though thinking it a bit strange, Lilia said her thanks and left the cafeteria. Even just holding it in her hands, a pleasant smell tickled her nose.

—Lilia! Let’s hurry and eat!

—Yeah…

She glanced around. The entrance also had a great number of students. Though it wasn’t impossible, it would be hard to have a peaceful meal here. Thinking a bit, Lilia decided to move someplace else.

“I’m coming in.”

As Lilia said so and entered,

“Bufu! Geho…!”

Perhaps from the shock, Ray choked at the same time. He stared fixedly at Lilia in a dumbfounded state. In front of him was a small wooden lunchbox.

“You surprised me… Miss Lilia, what’s the matter?” he tilted his head as he inquired.

Without answering, Lilia put the basket in her hand onto the table. She headed for the stack of chairs to retrieve one for herself.

“Here you are.”

Before she knew it, Ray had taken a chair and placed it for her. Such quick movements, thought Lilia as she thanked him and sat down in that chair.

“I don’t really have any particular business. I was just looking for a place where I can eat my lunch peacefully, and came here. Since we’re both here, shall we have lunch together?”

“With myself? Yes, with pleasure.”

Ray seemed overjoyed as he showed a full faced smile. Seeing his carefree smile, the corners of Lilia’s mouth also naturally lifted up.

After Lilia took out the white cloth from the basket, she put it to the side. Looking inside, it was packed pull of sandwiches. Uu, Lilia unintentionally let out a groan and knit her eyebrows. Did they think that she was ordering for multiple people?

Lilia offered a simple prayer, then brought a sandwich to her mouth. Carefully tasting it,

—Ohh, delicious… What is this, Lilia eat more hurry hurry!

—Annoying…

It seemed that Sakura had really taken to the sandwiches, as she urged Lilia to keep eating.

Grinning wryly as she continued her meal, when Sakura started to hum out a tune in her cheer, a smile spilled out from Lilia. And then when she looked up, her eyes met with Ray who was staring at her with a blank expression.

“What?”

When Lilia asked, Ray flusteredly shook his head.

“No, well… I was just thinking how you really seemed to be enjoying your meal…”

“Sorry for being a bother,” said Ray as he went to lower his head.

When Lilia took a sandwich from the pile and offered it to him, Ray tilted his head, so Lilia said, “For you.”

“Eh, umm… Is it really alright…?”

“I wouldn’t be able to finish all this just by myself. No need to hold back, so eat up.”

“Well then,” said as he Ray took it, and quickly brought it to his mouth. He opened his eyes wide, and a mutter of ‘it’s delicious’ leaked out.

“There’s plenty more where that came from, so please eat as you wish.”

Saying so, Lilia moved the basket to the center of the table. Ray also seemed to have stopped restraining himself and immediately reached out for his second one. Seeing Ray’s smile as he continued to eat, it was somehow quite calming.

—Wow this kid’s so calming, but more importantly these sandwiches are awesome! Lilia more!

—Yes yes… Then this one with the green peppers…

—Eh… I-if Lilia wants to eat it, I’ll, bear, with, it…?

—I’m joking. Don’t seriously cry alright…

As soon as she mentioned eating green peppers, Sakura’s voice started trembling. Like with what happened yesterday, why did she hate them so much? She started becoming curious about Sakura’s past from this really unusual point.

Sakura

Lilia

<Previous Chapter | JAONNN! | Next Chapter>

Here’s another chapter. Let’s all be optimistically pessimistic about how many chapters will come out before I disappear off the face of the planet again.
Enjoy~

Take back? Who will? Take whose heart?

Lilia’s smiling mask came falling off. Eyes glazing over, she became unable to hide her displeasure. The other two girls noticed and their expressions immediately paled, but the one talking didn’t notice at all.

“Let us go immediately switch back the seats with Miss Krystel. It is alright, although we are weak, please let us also assist you. Please rest assured Miss Lilianne…”

“Silence.”

It was in a small, and low voice. It was at a level just for the one person in front of her to be able to hear. The talking girl let out a short shriek, and halted her words. Incidentally, silence fell through the classroom as well. However, Lilia paid that absolutely zero mind, and released her words.

“I will say this once again but… From now on, I have no intention of involving myself with His Highness. I would bid you to not do anything unnecessary due to your own misguided interpretations. Or is it that, you actually wish to anger me?”

The three all vigorously shook their heads. They were shaking almost pitifully, but Lilia did not notice. Even if she did, she did not intend to stop.

“Well then please do close that noisy mouth. Is that alright?”

The three shook their heads up and down again and again. Seeing that, Lilia, with a ‘very good’, nodded satisfied.

—Scary. You’re scary, Lilia.

—What is. I spoke with politeness right?

—Certainly your words themselves were! Those eyes are scary! Like I was feeling bloodthirst there!

—Isn’t that just your imagination.

With a small sigh, she looked up. The three were still standing before Lilia. They had their heads hanging down apologetically, but it seems they didn’t intend to leave. When Lilia frowned dubiously, the one who was talking until just earlier deeply lowered her head.

“Miss Lilianne. I am truly sorry.”

“It’s fine. Please be careful next time.”

“Yes…”

After that she raised her head, finally leaving to head to her own seat. As Lilia was looking at her departing figure, Sakura’s voice sounded in her head.

—Lilia. About those three. Well actually not just those three.

—What about it.

—Well, right. About those lot of followers. You should be careful.

Lilia frowns, as Sakura continues.

—Those people are ones who are after the ducal’s power. It’s no good becoming friends with them. No well, there are good people too. Make friends with the ones who will properly look at ‘Lilia’ rather than your status.

She was wondering what Sakura was trying to say all of a sudden, but it seems it was her trying to look out for Lilia. Lilia made a wry smile inside, and nodded that she understood.

—Just that honestly I don’t have much confidence in seeing through people… Do you know of anything Sakura?

—Nn… My knowledge regarding the followers is also somewhat vague. It’d be better to rely on someone else.

—Rely on who then.

—The person above your room.

Lilia’s face twitched slightly. She hadn’t heard anything about that. Who, and for what reason they’d be there. As Lilia gulped down her saliva, as if it was no big deal at all, Sakura said,

—It seemed to be someone who was at your estate so, isn’t it someone who your father or brother stuck there as a guard? They were really good at hiding their presence, so it’s probably someone who can also do intelligence work.

—… Ahh, that so…

So it was her family’s doing. Those two don’t really have a need to keep it from Lilia, so why didn’t they say anything about it? Pressing her temples and fighting back a headache, Lilia made another sigh.

—Got it. Let’s make a request when we get back.

—Yep. There should be three people so it’s probably fine if one of them shows themselves.

So there were three whole people. This time Lilia ended up truly holding her head in exasperation.

Just before the time for the morning assembly, the prince entered the classroom. And immediately after that the teacher came in. You’d think that they were arriving together, but the prince would always insist that it was just a coincidence. Though it was questionable whether such a coincidence would happen every day.
The prince’s reason for arriving right before the morning assembly was simple, it was an anti-Lilia counter. If he comes earlier, then dealing with Lilia trying to talk to him would be troublesome, so it seems he’s trying to avoid that. Lilia had felt a bit down about this when she heard it from Sakura. Since he kept to it today as well, it seems he hadn’t really believed what Lilia said the other day.

The teacher stood before the podium, and started relaying some announcements. However, Lilia didn’t listen to a single bit of it. Inside her head, Sakura’s lectures that she deemed as time-killers continued.
Today’s Sakura’s lecture was on something called ‘science’. It was quite interesting to hear the explanations of reasons for various things that were just thought of as ‘natural’ before. She realised with a start that the teacher’s speech had ended, and at some point, the lesson had begun.

—Ah, sorry. It’s class time huh. Well I’m gonna be quiet now, good luck with the lesson.

—Even though it was really getting into the good parts… Oh well.

Maybe she’d hear the continuation tonight? While feeling a bit reluctant, she turned her gaze to the teacher. The first lesson was arithmetic. Listening to the teacher’s explanation for a while, Lilia knit her eyebrows.
What’s with this, she thought. Even though there’ve been two weeks of lessons, they were still doing these problems? At the exceedingly boring explanations, Lilia sighed deep inside.

—Sakura. I’m not really confident that I’ll be able to stay awake.

—Nn… Shall we, continue?

Sakura probably had a similar feeling, as she didn’t disparage Lilia’s uttering. ‘So you get it,’ Lilia said as she formed a smile and gave a small nod.
For a while after, the teacher’s one-sided ramblings, the explanations continued. Occasionally someone would be called upon, but fortunately it never came to Lilia.
And so the next thing she knew, it was noon. Between lessons there would be a change in teachers, but Lilia didn’t notice a single thing. When the surroundings got noisy and she looked around with a start, everyone was heading to leave the classroom. From that and her depleted stomach, she guessed that it was now lunchtime. Just listening to Sakura, the whole morning ended up going by.

“Miss Lilianne! Perhaps we may go together!”

The three followers from this morning gathered around Lilia, inviting her. Lilia looked at them with suspicion, and shook her head. She said to the surprised trio,

“I’m sorry. I feel like being alone today. It’s a unfortunate, but I’m good so you three go on ahead.”

Saying that, the three came to an understanding with ‘that is so isn’t it’ and left the classroom. How and what they were understanding were unknown, but it was convenient to be able to be alone so this was fine.

—Sakura. I’m curious about one thing.

—Yup. What might that be?

—I… That is… I wonder if it would be a problem if I, went to that cafeteria…?

Sakura
Lilia

<Previous Chapter | JAONNN! | Next Chapter>

So uh, I actually had about 3 chapters sitting in drive for a few weeks. I was planning to save like seven and have a release week or something, but that clearly wasn’t happening so I’m just gonna post what I have for now…
At this rate I’ll have the series done in just twenty more years!
(Please don’t kill me)

The senior section separates classes into their respective years, but there is also a class containing students from various levels. This was the class Lilia is a part of, a class for upper nobles. The school equipment and furnishings were the same for even commoners, and it was only the class that is segregated from the rest. Since there would be no end to trouble if they were to be put with everyone else.
Entering the classroom, Lilia went straight to her seat. The seats were spaced in six columns and five rows. Lilia’s seat was front row. Probably because it was so early, there were only a few people. Unapproached by anyone, she managed to sit down at her desk.

—Lilia. You gonna be okay?

—What is it?

—Well… the seat beside you.

Having it pointed out by Sakura, Lilia remembered something she had forgotten about until now. Looking at the seat to her right. The Prince’s seat.

—Definitely not alright.
—Ain’t that the truth. What’re you gonna do?
—Yeah, let’s see…

There’s no helping that the Prince was in the same class. That was just how school was, so she could make do. But having an adjacent seat was a different story. Lilia shot up from her seat, and turned her gaze towards the window.
Three students were having a friendly chat. They were all people Lilia recognised, but the red haired character in the middle was especially familiar.
Krystel Agnis. The eldest daughter of the Marquis Agnis, she was referred to as Kris. It couldn’t be said that she particularly got along with Lilia. Rather, you could even say that they were enemies, but at the moment she was the lesser of two evils. Lilia quietly walked towards Kris.

“Oh?”

Kris soon noticed as well. Floating a mean-spirited smile, she gazed at Lilia. Lilia hated this smile.

“Morning, Kris. A bit of your time?”

“My my, good morning, Miss Lilianne. What may I help you with?”

Her speech was polite, but the ridicule hanging on to every word was thoroughly conveyed. Absolutely unpleasant.

“I’d just like to ask for a small favour.”

“A favour is it? If it is something within my capabilities, by all means. In the Duke’s name, do bestow upon myself your commands.”

It was a thoroughly irritating way of speaking. But if she rose up to her provocation, the conversation will never get anywhere. Lilia ignored all the goading and continued to speak.

“Our seats, would you be willing to switch with me?”

Kris’s eyes went wide with surprise. That was to be expected, as Lilia’s seat, the seat beside the prince, was something Lilia had half threatened her way into obtaining. Everyone, the prince included, knew about this.

“I had heard that something happened between you and His Highness but… Seriously?”

In her astonishment Kris’s speech returned to her normal tone. Lilia nodded.

“That’s right. If nothing else I definitely don’t want to have the adjacent seat. You had said that you’d wanted to be beside His Highness before so, it’s not a bad deal is it?”

“That, it is not but… What are you scheming?”

She glared at Lilia with open hostility. Lilia shrugged, signalling ‘nothing at all’, and responded.

“You see, I’m already through with His Highness.”

“That so… Then even if you want switch back later, it ain’t happening alright?”

“I won’t. I will swear so on the Aldis name.”

Even so, Kris looked at Lilia with suspicion, but quickly turned it into a broad smile. She quickly gathered the belongings on her desk. What’s more just for the occasion, albeit simple, she even gave it a quick cleaning.

“Well then, here you are Mistress Lilianne. From now on this seat is yours.”

“Th-thanks… I didn’t think you’d go that far. I haven’t cleaned mine at all though…”

“I don’t mind. Well then I’ll be off. Ufufu…”

Leaving behind her followers, she headed towards the place that used to be Lilia’s seat. After that, the two followers hurriedly went after her. Somewhat understanding what Kris must be feeling, Lilia made a bitter smile, and sat down in the vacated seat.

—With this I can rest easy. Ahh, but if possible I’d like to be further back…

—Quite rare for the attention seeker Lilia huh.

—That was only because I wanted to attract the attention of his highness. Now though, I don’t really care anymore.

After a little while, the rest of the students had arrived. Negotiating with the student in the seat behind her, she exchanged seats with them. That was repeated three times, and Lilia finally acquired the window seat in the last row. If it’s here, she shouldn’t stand out.

—That was some good negotiating if I do say so myself.

—No, here’s the thing Lilia. That was because you were basically coercing them you know. Lilia’s requests, to most people, would be taken as an order. I’ll overlook it for today, but please try to restrain yourself in the future.

—I was just trying to normally ask for a favour though… I understand….

She had really just been trying to ask for a normal favour, but it seems like the other parties felt like they were being commanded. It’s no wonder that all of them had fear in their eyes. It was the first time she ended up feeling that the Aldis name was a hinderance.

Sitting in her chair, as she took a breath,

“Miss Lilianne!”

A familiar voice reached her ears. Lilia’s expression stiffened slightly. Following the voice, three female students came into the classroom. They were walking straight towards Lilia.

“Miss Lilianne, so you had already arrived. We were very worried!”

One of the three said, and the other two nodded repeatedly.

“Sorry. I’m alright now.”

“Ahh, that’s great! What a relief. By the way… Why might you be sitting in the corner of the class like this? Don’t tell me, Miss Krystel has…?”

The girls’ eyes narrowed. Seeing that, Lilia openly heaved a sigh. Lilia also understood the feelings of the girls very well, but the current her who wanted to stay out of anything troublesome felt a slight annoyance at this. The three who noticed Lilia’s sigh were visibly flustered.

“Uh, umm… Miss Lilianne…?”

“It’s nothing. It was I who desired this seat. You must have heard about the rumours between me and His Highness?”

“Well, yes… They seemed like baseless rumours so I hadn’t paid them any mind though.”

“They’re the truth. From now on, I will do my utmost to avoid being involved with His Highness so please also act accordingly.”

The three’s eyes widened in astonishment together. That was probably to be expected, though. The Lilia before she shut herself away would try to be by the prince as much as possible after all. It wouldn’t be strange if they said that they couldn’t believe it.

“Miss Lilianne!”

The girl who was speaking raised a loud voice. Lilia reflexively raised her guard at the suddenness of it.

“What?”

“Please don’t feel down! If it’s Miss Lilianne then you can definitely take back His Highness’s heart!”

Author’s End Note:
I wrote a lot today, yo-! I made full use of my breaktime at work after all!
I was really happy to receive your impressions so I put in a bit of effort.

Enter Ms. Rival. Aaand exit. Just kidding.

Sakura
Lilia

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For those that haven’t read the last chapter (I forgot to tag it in the Haunted category when I posted) you can find it here. Enjoy Chapter 21!

(Also I feel the real April Fool’s joke here is that I’m actually releasing content, two whole chapters too, go figure)

—Hey, what’s wrong with you. You okay?

—Ahh, Lilia… I’m already done for…

—Eh, hey wait… What’s wrong?

Hearing that truly strained voice made Lilia’s expression pale. She had never before heard such a meek voice from Sakura. She waited anxiously for Sakura’s response.

—Green peppers, bitter…

She lowered her gaze and looked at the fried vegetables. There were green peppers in it.

—Just, with this…? I didn’t really taste much of the green peppers though…

—You did taste it… Lilia you meanie…

Hearing that usually energetic voice continue to sink, it made Lilia worry as well. While feeling sorry, she apologised in her head.

“Lilia, what’s wrong?”

It was Tina’s voice. Not knowing how she should answer, Lilia ended up shutting her mouth. Even so the worry in Tina’s eyes didn’t go away, and Lilia gave a small sigh.

“I’m sorry, Tina. I just remembered some urgent business, so I must excuse myself here.”

She hadn’t even managed to eat half of her dinner yet. In fact, her appetite was still unsatisfied, but she couldn’t just keep going with Sakura in this state. Lilia rose from her seat and showed a smile to the dumbfounded Tina.

“I’ll say this now, but please rest assured that this isn’t because of anything you did. Well then, see you later.”

Lightly waving her hand, she departed. After exiting the dining hall, Lilia hurried to her room.

Lilia rushed into her bedroom and, upon returning to her room, pulled out a drawer from the table. In there was a small cloth bag. It was of simple make, but the material itself was high class. Lilia opened it and checked the contents. There was a sizable amount of copper and silver coins inside. With a small nod, she called out to Sakura.

—Sakura. Can you hear me?

—Nn… What is it?

There was a response, but it was still just as weak. She didn’t think a single piece of green pepper could have caused her to become like this.

—We’re going to head out now.

—That so…

—Is there anything you want to eat? Though we can’t go too far.

—Fruit!

The energetic voice rang in her head momentarily. How mercenary thought Lilia as she smiled wryly, leaving the room. She soon ran into Alisa.

“Mistress Lilia? It’s already late so, I think it best to hold off on going outside…”

“R-right… I understand.”

Her cheek stiffening, Lilia dejectedly returned to the room. That Sakura’s energy that she finally managed to restore all faded out again was also apparent.

—Uuu… There is no God or Buddha huh…

She didn’t understand the meaning, but the lamentation was clearly conveyed.

“By the way Mistress Lilia.”

Keeping the door open until now, Alisa opened her mouth. Dubiously turning around,

“It’s a visitor.”

Behind Alisa, there stood Tina.

“Tina? What’s wrong? What about dinner?”

It hadn’t been too long since she left from the dining hall. So why was Tina already here? Lilia wondered while waiting for her words, when Tina timidly presented the thing in her hands.
It was a small paper bag. Though thinking it strange, she approached Tina and received the bag. Looking inside, there was a mandarin like fruit.

“Umm… Dinner, didn’t seem to be to your tastes so… Please have some of this.”

And then she vigorously lowered her head in apology. Lilia was flabbergasted as she opened her mouth, it ending up lamely hung open.

“Well, I’ll be heading back to the dining hall then. See you later, Lilia.”

Saying so she made to leave the room. Lilia hurriedly called her for her back.

“Wait.”

“Eh…? What’s wrong? Ah, is it that you dislike fruits as well?”

“Of course not. Just… Today, there really was something unexpected that came up. If it’s alright with you, please do invite me again sometime?”

In fact, she felt that the dinner itself was quite tasty. If not for Sakura, she probably would have finished it all. As expected, the place would be somewhat difficult for Lilia to enter alone, so she wouldn’t think of going again without being invited by Tina.
Tina seemed to be blankly befuddled, but before long, an instant smile came to her face.

“Yup! I’ll invite you again sometime!”

And so, she waved her hand and left. Seeing her off, Lilia let out a sigh of relief as she closed the door.

—Lilia! Mandarins! I don’t know if they’re actually mandarins but! Mandarins! Let’s eat!

Instantly, Sakura’s voice rang out in her head. Lilia smiled wryly and held out the paper bag to Alisa.

“Sorry, but could you prepare a few of these?”

“Yes. Certainly.”

And so as she stuffed her cheeks with the fruit Alisa peeled,

—Ahh, it’s delicious, I’m in heaven…

—Oh you…

Slowly savouring the flavour, she smiled wryly. Somehow interpreting that smile, Alisa also beamed affectionately.

The next day. Going to the first floor entrance, Tina was there just like yesterday waiting for Lilia. However, perhaps minding the matter with The Prince from yesterday, she only exchanged her greetings.

—What’s with that girl. She waited for me just to say hi?

—What a good girl.

—What a waste of time.

—Lilia’s thinking never changes eh!

Sakura was lamenting over something again, but she probably didn’t need to pay it any mind. She briskly headed for the school building.
The school building was beside the dormitory. A three story stone building, it was made to be quite a large structure. Lilia’s classroom was on the second floor. She still kept her brisk pace walking through the hallways. There wasn’t actually any need to hurry that much, but it couldn’t be helped that she felt she was drawing the gazes of the students around her. This wasn’t just an overly self-conscious imagination either, as when she actually looked at the people she felt gazes from, they would hurriedly avert their gazes when she met their eyes.
The following act from The Prince’s engagement annulment was all the uproar from yesterday after all. It was obvious that she would gather a lot of attention. If only it had happened somewhere where there were less people, but it’s a bit too late for that now.

(Author’s Note)
I’ve always been wanting to write that scene where she’d shriek from eating green peppers.
I’ve gone through my stock. It’ll be back to normal from tomorrow.

Sakura
Lilia

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Another long gap! But here’s another chapter! And another cliff! But I generally don’t leave cliffs alone! Or will I? Find out next time, on…
Real note though, if you enjoy this story please do consider supporting it on Novelupdates, I really appreciate any comments and reviews.

There were two dining halls located in the first floor of the dorm. The first was built as a large hall, used by most of the students living in the dorm. The other one was a size smaller than the first, but it was for the exclusive use of the upper class nobles. According to the school regulations, on school premises, a person’s status was irrelevant. However looking at the students’ rooms and dining hall, it was clear that the upper class nobles were treated differently after all.

This was the first time entering the larger dining hall for Lilia. Because she normally used the other one, coming here in the first place was impossible. Since that was the case, it was probably natural that the entire room fell quiet when she came in.
Lilia slowly swept her gaze across, through the quieted dining hall. Anyone that met her gaze all flusteredly averted their eyes. Feeling some discomfort, she thought it might be best to give up and go back after all when,

“Lilia, what’s wrong? Come let’s go.”

Came Tina’s voice. Turning around, she met eyes with Tina who was looking at her with a smile. Not avoiding her gaze in the slightest, a cheerful smile.

“Yes, you’re right. Let’s go.”

The corners of Lilia’s mouth also ended up lifting up into a smile. The discomfort and such felt just earlier were cleanly erased and forgotten.
Countless long tables were lined up in the dining hall. Not paying any mind to the hushed atmosphere, Tina headed inside. Finding two seats together, she beckoned to call Lilia over.
Not giving notice to the quietness was probably a courtesy towards Lilia. Just when she was feeling somewhat grateful for that,

“You just sit tight here Lilia. I’ll go to order. Nevertheless, I wonder why it’s so quiet here today?”

Wrong. She actually just didn’t notice anything in the first place.

—Perhaps this girl, is somewhat of an airhead?

—I wonder about that huh.

“Lilia, I’m ordering for you too, so what would you like?”

“I’ll leave it to you. I’ll just have what you’re getting.”

“Got it. I’ll be right back!”

Saying that, Tina headed for the inner part of the dining hall where the counter was. Behind the counter was a crowd of cooking staff, where you ordered and received your food to bring back to your seat. The food in the dining hall was all free of charge and you could ask for more helpings as you please.
Sinking into her seat, Lilia slowly let out her breath. The surrounding students were finally starting to talk normally again. With the attention on her letting up, she could finally calm down.
Incidentally Alisa was not with them. Saying that she didn’t want to be a bother, it seems like the girl headed for the dining hall outside of campus.
Lilia casually looked around. At some point many of the seats in front and to her sides had been vacated. Lightly glancing around, there was a group holding their food trays quickly moving away. They had probably run away in fear of Lilia. She ended up feeling just a tinge of loneliness from that.

—Tina really is a good girl huh.

—Yeah… I won’t become like that though.

—Yeah no I’m definitely not looking for that. That sort of Lilia would be kinda gross.

—I’m really gonna get angry you know?

—Ahaha.

As she was chatting with Sakura in her mind, Tina returned carrying two trays. Placing one in front of Lilia, Tina sat down beside her. On the trays Tina brought over were two menu items, steaming warm white rice and fried vegetables with meat.

—No matter how you look at it isn’t this treatment a bit too unwelcoming!

—I was under the impression that it was just a difference in rooms… So this is the kind of dinner they have over here.

The food wasn’t even brought to over for them. Looking at the students sitting a bit away from them, their food wasn’t too different from Lilia’s.

“What’s wrong, Lilia?”

At Tina’s question, Lilia hurriedly shook her head. Putting on a smile, she replied that it was nothing.

After offering their thanks for the meal, Lilia’s movements came to a halt. She was lost as to how she was supposed to eat the meal. In the first place, there was no knife and fork. What were these two strange sticks for?

“Ah, perhaps Lilia, you’ve never used chopsticks before?”

“Ahh… That is true. I’ve not.”

“I see… I probably should have asked for something else. What to do…”

“Tina. Let me see how you use it. I’ll learn from watching.”

“Eh…”

Tina looked lost for a moment, but quickly regained her focus and nodded. She held the things called chopsticks for Lilia to see. With an unfamiliar holding method, the chopsticks moved with the movement of Tina’s fingers and actually picked up a piece of the fried vegetables for Lilia to see.
Nodding in understanding, Lilia tried to imitate Tina’s movements. Perhaps due to this being her first time it was quite difficult, but after moving the sticks repeatedly she managed to get the hang of it. Just like Tina, she picked up a piece of the fried vegetables and brought it to her mouth.

“Yeah. It’s not bad.”

Lilia nodded in satisfaction, while beside her Tina really seemed befuddled this time.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah, umm… Lilia, you seem to be really clever or… Even though it took me quite a while to be able to properly use chopsticks…”

“Is that so… This thing…”

Moving the chopsticks around, Lilia muttered disinterestedly. She quickly returned to eating.

—Somehow, Lilia you really seem to be a bundle of talent or something… Quite impressive. Maybe it’s because of your good memory?

—My, nothing will come of your flattery though.

—The personality is horrible though.

—……

Lilia’s face twitched at the layering of sarcasm in their conversation. Remembering that there were gazes from the surroundings on her, she quickly hid her expression. She forcibly covered it with a smile.

“How is it, Lilia? The food over here.”

“Well… It really is food for commoners, but it’s not bad.”

She didn’t think that simply frying random vegetables and meat together could make something taste as good as this. It was probably also due to the fact that she wasn’t too familiar with eating such things, but the freshness of the experience was quite delicious. It might be good to come again at the next opportunity, she thought as she carried the vegetables to her mouth,

—Migyaaah!

“Waaah!”

Sakura’s shriek made Lilia give a loud shout that surprised even herself. Tina stopped moving as she stared at Lilia with her eyes dotted in surprise, and their surroundings were also examining Lilia’s expression wondering what had happened. When Lilia calmed down, driving away the surrounding gazes,

“It’s nothing at all, ohohoho.”

Even she felt that line unnatural, but now wasn’t the time to be worrying about that. Lilia called out to Sakura.

(Author’s Note)
From the time I created that setting, I’ve been wanting to write this scene the entire time.
…It ended up being cut off though.

Sakura
Lilia

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Chapter 19. Enjoy!

From the Library she headed straight back to the dorm. She sensed some inquisitive gazes from the students she passed along the way, but she ignored them all. If they came to talk to her, she would give a reply, but she had no obligation to respond to simply being looked at. When she entered her room in the dorm, she was greeted by Alisa’s bow.

“Welcome back, Mistress Lilia.”

“I’m back. …Were you in this room the entire time?”

“Yes. That is so?”

“It would’ve been fine to go out somewhere too you know.”

“I had not received permission so…”

Quite the inflexible one, thought Lilia with a slight frown, when Sakura gave a wry laugh.

—It’s the first day back after all. She probably stayed in the room to be ready so that you could return at any time right. Well, it’s also true that she didn’t receive any permission, but even if she did, she probably would have stayed here the whole day anyways.

—Am I really that unreliable?

—Yup. After two weeks of being a shut-in, you can’t really refute that can you.

—Muu…

Since she thought that it was just as Sakura said, she couldn’t rebut. She already had a precedent for becoming a shut-in, so Alisa was bound to be worried.

—Besides, you actually did skip out on class too huh!

—That was… No, you’re right.

—Yaaai, you delinquent~

—Oh shut up.

She returned her gaze to Alisa. Alisa was worriedly looking at Lilia.

“Alisa. I’ll be fine. You can feel free to go out from tomorrow on okay.”

“Is, that so?”

“Yes. Well then, I’ll be studying in the bedroom. Could you call me if there’s anything?”

“Certainly.”

Sent off with a bow by Alisa, Lilia entered the bedroom. Closing the door, she headed for the table at the corner of the room. The bookshelf beside the table was probably organised by Alisa, as the learning materials were neatly arranged by subject.

—Sakura. I’ll be counting on you today as well.

—Alri~ght. Get out the pap~er, get out the pe~n, let’s give it our a~ll!

Lilia did as instructed and placed paper and a pen on the table, and while hearing Sakura’s energetic voice, a slight smile leaked out on on her face.

She was putting down Sakura’s words on the paper. What she was being taught, currently, was arithmetic. Within arithmetic there was something called an abacus, and listening to random numbers from Sakura, Lilia was calculating the sums in her head. Since they couldn’t prepare the tool Sakura talked about, all of the calculation was done with a mental image instead.

—Lilia. Someone’s here.

Lilia lifted her head upon hearing Sakura’s words. Turning over the paper with various numbers written on it, she turned towards the door. A knock immediately followed.

“Mistress Lilia. There is a visitor.”

Lilia frowned in doubt. There shouldn’t have been anyone in the school who’d come to visit her. Previously she did have some ‘followers’ of sorts around, but since coming back, there hadn’t been any sign of them either.

“Who?”

“It’s Mistress Tina.”

Lilia eyes widened in surprise. They had just met in the morning after all, so she hadn’t expected her to come visit already. What purpose could she possibly have come for?

—No you see Lilia, you can’t be wondering about purpose and stuff. You’re friends right?

—What are you talking about, this is the upper class nobles’ floor after all, it’s not a place you can come to just for the reason of ‘vising a friend’ you know.

—No, but… Huh? Did Lilia just make more sense than me!? Oh the disgrace!

—Hey what are you trying to imply here.

While feeling somewhat dissatisfied from Sakura’s remark, Lilia stood from her seat. She went with Alisa to the door of the room. Opening the door, there stood a nervous looking Tina.

“Mistr… Lilia. Good evening.”

Still having trouble with the honorifics, thought Lilia, though she decided to not say anything since at least she caught herself midway this time.

“Good evening, Tina. Is there some matter?”

“It can’t really be called a matter but… If you’d like, want to have dinner, together?”

“That’s… I don’t mind, but is that okay for you?”

“Yup. Of course. I shouldn’t need anyone’s permission to have dinner with a friend right?”

One way or another, she was starting to see the reason why the Prince came to like this girl. Getting along with someone from the prideful noble bunch in the first place was impossible, but even if that wasn’t the case, this girl was probably very easy to get along with regardless.

“Alright. Shall we go? Ah but that was just secondary right? The real topic is?”

“Eh? Real topic? What?”

Seeing Tina adorably tilt her head slightly to the side in confusion, Lilia cheeks twitched. She was aware of Alisa smiling wryly behind her. For some reason she felt a little embarrassed, and her cheeks became tinted slightly red.

—Fu. So what I said was correct after all. My win.

—Ha?

—Wai-that’s scary Lilia! I was just kidding!

Lilia clicked her tongue with a ‘tsk’ in her thoughts, and ‘hii-‘, Sakura let out a frightened voice. Leaving that Sakura alone, Lilia affixed a smile to her face.

“Sorry, please don’t worry about it. Shall we go?”

Tina let out a sigh of relief and nodded ‘yes’.

Sakura
Lilia

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Not much to say. Life still hellish busy. Guess I’m finding some motivation to translate now from a rekindled interesting in reading novels. As author said in the previous chapter’s note, the story will be quite relaxed for a while. So, story might get a bit slow for some, but please hang in there, it’s definitely worth reading all of it! (If I’ll ever finish translating)
Enjoy chapter 18

Saying so, Lilia made to walk past the boy. However, before she passed by him, the boy held out something to her. Seeing the thing, it turned out to be a small handkerchief.

“What?”

“Well… It seemed like you had been crying so… If you’d like, please use it.”

Here not only Lilia, but Sakura as well was surprised. Wondering if he somehow, actually didn’t know anything about Lilia.

“You… Really don’t know who I am?”

Asking him directly, the boy only tilted his head in response.

“Have we perhaps met somewhere before?”

Hearing that, Lilia was momentarily dumbfounded, and then a smile involuntarily leaked out on her face.
Thinking for a moment, she said,

“I’m Lilia. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Ah, umm… Ray, here.”

It seemed like he had noticed that Lilia was leaving out her family name for some reason, so Ray too didn’t attach his surname.

“Ray huh. I’ll make sure to remember. Well then I’ll be… What is it?”

As she was heading for the exit, Lilia’s feet quickly came to a halt. Lilia’s sleeve was gently being held onto by Ray. When Lilia tilted her head, Ray said with upturned eyes,

“That is… Would you like to talk for just a little bit? Being by myself is sort of lonely…”

Then just return to your own class, thought Lilia, but even she probably wouldn’t just say such a thing out loud.

Lilia herself wasn’t really in the condition to return to class, so it wouldn’t be bad to keep him company. Lilia concluded so and nodded with an ‘Alright’.

Though it was her first time entering the room, she had heard about this place before. Prepared for purposes like collaborative research and for people who wanted to study by themselves, ten of these rooms were lined up in a hallway connected from the library. To use these rooms one would have to request it beforehand, but starting last year, she had heard something about how one room was continuously in use by someone. That was probably referring to this room.
On the table reference texts and books on various things were arranged. Ray put the book he brought back on a corner of the table and retrieved a single chair from a stack and placed it before Lilia.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

Thanking him she sat down. Ray sat down facing Lilia there.

—Seems like this is where he really studies huh.

With Sakura’s voice, Lilia brought her gaze to the learning materials arranged on the table. They were the same things as what she had been using a year ago. It seems that he was only one year younger than Lilia. As she stretched out to reach for the reference book, Ray flusteredly said,

“S-sorry, it hasn’t been tidied…! I’ll get to it immediately!”

“It’s fine, no worries. So you study by yourself here?”

“Yes… That’s right.”

Ray slumped back down as he answered. As Lilia was flipping through the reference book, she stealthily sent her gaze to the paper in front of Ray. The notebook there was opened, and questions full of blank answers were written inside.

“So there are parts you don’t get here?”

Eh, Ray let out an idiotic voice, and quickly noticing that the notebook he left lying open had been seen, he frantically began to clean it up.

“Sorry I’m so sorry! I’ve shown you such an unsightly…!”

“It’s quite alright. Rather, how’s the studying?”

“Uhmm… Yes, there are some parts that I don’t really understand…”

“Please show me.”

And so, the notebook that Ray was going to tidy up was quite naturally plundered by Lilia. Looking inside, she began to confirm the places left blank. With an I see, Lilia quickly closed the notebook.

“I’ll teach you.”

“Eh?”

“It’ll probably serve to kill some time. I will teach you. Please open your reference book.”

Returning the notebook with those words, Ray was speechless as his mouth hung open. Lilia felt just a slight bit irritated at the state Ray was in and tapped the table with her finger.

“Quickly please.”

“Ye, yes!”

Ray hurriedly opened the reference book. Lilia moved beside Ray, looked at the questions, and thus began to explain.

—Un. The heck is this.

No one gave an answer to Sakura’s muttering.

“Let’s leave it at this for today.”

When Lilia said so and closed the reference book, Ray let out a sigh of relief. Seeing that Lilia narrowed her eyes, and as she was about to open her mouth,

—This is your fault, forcing him to study six hours straight without any breaks though? You shouldn’t be getting angry alright?

—Ahhh… So that much time has already passed huh.

—Yup. As expected it was pretty tough on poor Ray. …It seemed like you were having fun so I didn’t say anything though.

Just like Sakura said, Lilia felt some enjoyment from it. Especially since Ray’s memory was good, he’d remember something after only being taught once. In that regard, teaching was quite enjoyable. Just, seeing Ray fallen limp from exhaustion, she couldn’t help but reflect a little at having somewhat overdone it.

“Sorry about that, Ray.”

At Lilia’s words, Ray vigorously raised his head.

“No no! Your lesson was very easy to understand! Thank you very much!”

And so he bowed his head with great vigour. Lilia only replied with a curt ‘I see’, but the corners of her mouth couldn’t help as they naturally turned upwards.

—Ahaha. Lilia, you seem happy.

—As if.

“Well then, it’s about time, I’ll be going now.”

“Yes. Thank you very much for today.”

Leaving Ray, who bowed his head once more, Lilia quietly exited the room.
In the Library, there was still barely any sign of other people. It seemed like classes had ended quite some time ago. To not leave Alisa worrying, she made to return straight back and headed for the exit.

“Miss Lilia!”

Stopped midway, Lilia halted her feet. Turning around, there stood Ray.

“What’s the matter?”

“Umm… If you have the time, it would be great if you could perhaps come again?”

Lilia slightly widened her eyes. She thought about what Ray’s intentions might be, but nothing came to mind. What could possibly be the reason that this boy was saying such a thing?

—Lilia, sometimes, can be quite dumb.

—Ha? You picking a fight?

—Not at all. It’s just, yeah. Never mind.

The presence of Sakura’s wry smile was transmitted. Not understanding what she meant, Lilia only tilted her head.

“Alright. If I feel like it, I’ll come again.”

Not knowing his intentions, she couldn’t make a promise. Not having a reason to refuse either she answered so, but,

“Yes! I will be waiting!”

Ray had a very delighted smile.

(Author’s Note)
(The chapter) Ended up concluding in the library…

Sakura
Lilia

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Uwahh I had intended to follow my own uniform guidelines of translating all pronouns, sounds and honourifics, but then a wild Senpai comes in, and all my efforts are thrown out the window… I can only facepalm and curse why I hadn’t expected this from the start.

That aside, I just realised that I’m actually doing all this releasing during Lunar New Year. Heh, I guess if it’s Este’s thing is to bring new chapters as presents on Christmas, my chapters will arrive as your “New Year’s Money”, for those that know what that is. Happy Lunar New year, and here’s to a better one than the last. Enjoy!

—Lilia. Calmed down?

Hearing Sakura’s voice, Lilia lifted her face. Just how much time had passed since she came in here? At the very least, classes should have already began by this point. She really should have been rushing over, but Lilia only felt around her eyes and sighed.

—I’ve calmed down. Though, I can’t really go to class.

—They’re bright red huh, swollen too. Quite a pitiful face after having said all that to the Prince.

—Oh be quiet, I’m fully aware.

Getting to her feet, she lightly brushed the dirt from her clothes. Gently peeking out from the doors she examined the surroundings. She could faintly hear the sounds of conversation, but at least it seemed that there was no one immediately nearby. It would be easy to return to her room back at the dorm, but doing so now would probably cause Alisa to worry.

—We’re just wasting time, so how about we go study at the Library or something?

—You’re right… Let’s do that.

Quietly leaving the classroom, Lilia maintained vigilance towards her surroundings as she began to move. Though it wasn’t as if she would be dragged back to class if someone reported her truancy, she certainly didn’t want anyone to witness her cried out face here. It wasn’t something she wanted to find people discussing about later on.
Maybe due to most of the students being in class right now, she managed to arrive at the library on the second floor without running into anyone. Quietly opening the door, she slid herself inside. Immediately shutting it once in, she breathed a long sigh of relief.

The library in this academy was quite large. Naturally, due to the large number of bookshelves lined up, it’d be hard to be seen by someone if one went deep inside. Especially now in the middle of lessons, one probably wouldn’t be found by any students. Though there should definitely be a teacher here, around this time they would be running around organising the bookshelves. Since the often used books are generally gathered near the front, the back had mostly become a blind spot devoid of people.
Lilia went deep into the library. As she reached to the farthest reaches back, she took a breath. Looking at the shelves around her, placed here were a great number of books about this country’s history. If it’s here, there definitely shouldn’t be anyone coming around.

—Well then, there’s no pen or paper, but it’s study time! I wonder what I should teach.

When Sakura taught Lilia, her voice would always be full of vigour. While a joyous voice, she was also quite strict. Though there were hardships too, just hearing Sakura’s joyful tone, Lilia could feel the motivation to work even a little harder. Whenever Lilia got one of the difficult questions prepared by Sakura correct, she would become overjoyed as if it were her own success leading Lilia to the point where she was the one to start feeling embarrassed.
This time too she was happily thinking away, but Lilia interrupted that.

—Sakura, before that, I’d like to get your opinion on something though.

—Nn? What would that be?

—From now on… I wonder how should I be facing Tina.

Ahh, Sakura groaned and fell silent. She was probably thinking up something regarding that. Lilia also tried to give it another thought, but still didn’t know what kind of face she should have the next time she sees Tina.
It can be assumed that the Prince likes Tina, as well as that Tina also did not particularly dislike the Prince. Tina hasn’t exactly said that she liked the Prince, but it was probably alright to think that way. At least if she didn’t think like this, she’d be losing all face in such a situation.
Lilia had completely broken off everything with the Prince. Lilia was the one rejecting here, so any reconciliation was almost certainly impossible. Tina, who had become her friend, was thrust right in the middle between Lilia and the Prince. She ended up feeling quite bad about creating such a situation.

—Worried about Tina?

At Sakura’s question, Lilia snorted.

—This has nothing to do with that girl okay. I just don’t want to feel responsible for getting someone caught in the crossfire here.

—Yup. Let’s just leave it at that then.

—What do you mean by that…

—Ahaha. Back to the real topic, it’s probably fine to not worry about that too much though. Tina will probably, to not have you two bump heads, act with a certain degree of caution in mind, that’s what I think. The Prince will most likely also avoid touching on the topic of you, so as long as you don’t stir things up, I don’t think there’s any reason to worry.

Would it be as simple as that? Lilia still didn’t really know what Tina’s temperament was like, so she couldn’t come to a solid conclusion.

—Rather, I think if you were to keep your distance, it’ll just cause Tina to mind things more. Wouldn’t it be fine to just act as usual?

—Though that would be kind of difficult.

—Yup. Do your best!

—Talking like it’s none of your business…

Though she was smiling wryly, she did not object. Lilia couldn’t come up with any other answers herself after all.

—Well, with that, now it’s studying!

Just as Sakura was exclaiming now—

“Oh…? Whom might be present here?”

—that voice was heard at the same time.

“…!”

With a gulp, Lilia slowly turned around. There stood a boy she didn’t recognise. It was boy with short silver hair, and by the school uniform he was wearing, it could be seen that he was student here. Although she had no recollection of him, it was probably not so for the boy. There was hardly anyone in this academy that did not know about Lilia.
That was what she thought but.

“Umm, Senpai, is it? Is it fine to not be in class?”

It seemed that he didn’t recognise her, but whether he really didn’t know or was just acting so, Lilia couldn’t
determine.

—Sakura. Do you know about this kid?

—Sorry, no idea. Though he doesn’t seem like a bad guy…

—That so…

In that case, let’s see how this turns out for a bit. Lilia decided so and fixed a smile to her face.

“I had something to look up so I’m here for that. What about you?”

—Such convincing innocence! It’s innocent Lilia!

—Be quiet you.

Presenting a retort to Sakura who shouted in her head, she sought for a response from the boy. The boy quickly answered.

“Well… I am studying here. I don’t really fit in with the class… Fortunately, my grades on exams are not too bad, so they’re leaving me be.”

—Eh, is that really okay?

—It is indeed. As long as you can get results on the exams, they’ll allow it even if you’re absent from lessons. If not for that, I wouldn’t be leaving school for two whole weeks would I.

—Ahh, I see. Now that you mention it that is so.

However, thought Lilia. You can certainly study on your own, but that can’t be said to be very efficient. Even if you didn’t fit in with the class, she felt you ought to at least attend the lessons. When she voiced some of these doubts, the boy only smiled vaguely.

—Perhaps there are some circumstances, huh.

—What’ll you do?

—It’s not as if he was seeking me for help, so let’s just ignore it.

She just happened to run into the boy after all. She didn’t have any responsibility to go help him, and Lilia herself wasn’t someone who really had the leisure to do so anyways. Not in terms of time nor, more importantly, emotionally with what she was already dealing with.

“I won’t pry any deeper then. Well do your best.”

(Author’s Note)
From here on a we’ll probably be continuing with a leisurely tone or what not.

Sakura
Lilia

<Previous Chapter | JAONNN! | Next Chapter>

Hey though I’m a horrible person who disappears for months at a time just like a shitty deadbeat stepdad, at least I have enough decency to not hang people off cliffs too much. Here’s the continuation from chapter 15. Enjoy…

That conversation didn’t enter her head at all. Her thoughts came to a complete halt, stuck in an absolute daze.

—Lilia! Get a hold of yourself!

With Sakura’s shout, her mind slowly began to move again. At the same time, the Prince’s words replayed themselves in her head. What did, this guy, just say?
The moment she remembered, Lilia’s heart cooled rapidly.

—Sakura. I’m fine.

—But…

Fine. Fufu, rather my head has already cooled down. I wonder, how in the world I had come to love such a man.

Indeed, the engagement itself was something decided upon by their parents. But even so, Lilia loved the Prince. Though it was something like love at first sight, she did indeed love him. To that end, to not have him taken away by Tina, she had acted out her harassment.
Despite all that, she seemed to actually have been such an inconsequential existence to this man. Certainly, Tina also said that she couldn’t really recognise Lilia when she first saw her, but this man, even if it was as kids, should have seen Lilia without makeup on countless times before. And yet even so, he didn’t recognise her.
Ah~ah, Lilia sighed in her heart. That to this man, she was such a worthless existence, was made very clear to her. With just that, it was more than enough.
And so, Lilia smiled.

“Eek…”

A short shriek leaked out from the surroundings. It seemed that before they knew it inquisitive gazes were being directed towards them. And witnessing Lilia’s smile, a good number of people had brought their hands to cover their mouths. Even Tina and Alisa, when noticing the smile, had their cheeks cramp up slightly.
Lilia slowly rose from her seat and opened her mouth towards the Prince.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

“Nn? That voice… No way, is it Lilianne!?”

At the Prince’s shocked voice, Lilia deepened her smile. As if thinking, So he really hadn’t noticed before huh.

“You, what are you doing here? Are you trying to do something to Tina again?”

“There is no such thing. Just having a little chat with Tina is all. Peacefully, you know?”

“As if I’d believe that.”

The Prince didn’t even try to hide the disgust in his voice. Really, how did she ever fall in love with man like this.

“My, it’s not as if I had the intention to have you believe me. I was simply stating the facts. Or perhaps, you want to make me out to be the bad guy even without me having done anything? You do don’t you. Yes, I am very well aware.”

Tina and Alisa paled hearing how she spoke. The Prince, on the contrary, had his face redden.

“You damn… There’s a limit to showing disrespect!”

“Oh my. This is indeed the school grounds. There is no such thing as lèse-majesté here. Or perhaps it’s that? You’ll forcibly drag me outside and charge me for lèse-majesté? Well, how frightening.”

The Prince’s face distorted with violent rage. Enjoying such a sight while laughing, before long she puffed out a scoff and smiled.

“Rest assured, Your Highness. I am doing no such things as to harass Miss Tina.”

“There’s no way I can believe such a…”

“After all…”

I no longer have any interest in you.

Perhaps not understanding the words given to him, the Prince hardened with his mouth agape like an idiot. Lilia laughed with a small giggle. Everyone in the surrounding area that had heard was made to take one step back.

“Well then, Miss Tina, I will be heading to the classroom.”

Tina, who had been left out of the conversation until now, trembled in surprise but immediately shook her head as a smile floated to her face.

“Yes. Thank you very much, Mistress Lilia.”

“Alisa. Please make sure to tidy up my room. You’re free to do whatever after that.”

“Certainly.”

Getting up, Alisa bowed respectfully. After nodding in satisfaction, thinking well then, Lilia turned to face the Prince.

“Good day, Your Highness. Please do not speak to me again.”

Saying so with a full-faced smile and leaving behind the completely frozen prince, Lilia departed the area.

Exiting the dorm, she entered the school building right beside it. Then, finding an empty classroom, Lilia went in and locked the door. Just like that, on the spot, she sat down as if collapsing.

“……Nn”

Tears overflowed from her eyes. Even trying to bear it, the tears continued to endlessly overflow, drenching Lilia’s face and clothes. Also, without being able to completely hold in her voice, the sound her sobbing continued to leak out.

—Lilia…

The voice resounding in her head, perhaps in concern for Lilia, had a soft and gentle tone. But she was unable to give a response.

Her first love being the Prince, beyond just the engagement, she had thought that the Prince had at least held some fondness towards her. But that was just Lilia’s desire, just an illusion. The Prince hadn’t held even the slightest interest in her after all.

—Lilia. You’re a good girl, so don’t cry. Okay?

Even being told that, she couldn’t stop despite her own will. If it could be stopped, she wouldn’t be crying in the first place.
Just like that, she continued to cry for a while and then also noticed.

—…Hic.

Sakura’s sobbing.

—Hey why are… you crying…

—After all… Thinking about Lilia’s feelings even I’d end up getting sad…

That’s just her doing her own thing, thought Lilia. In the end, what Sakura had was all just her own imaginings. It didn’t seem like Sakura was really understanding her feelings.

Besides, Sakura continued.

—Even though I want to give you a hug… I can’t do anything at all.

“…Nn”

Lilia involuntarily opened her eyes wide. She hadn’t thought that Sakura would be thinking about such a thing. When she wondered about the reason, she immediately felt disdain towards herself. Sakura was always thinking about Lilia. That was why, this time as well, she was probably feeling hurt as if it were about herself.

—Sorry, Lilia… Sorry, that I can’t do anything for you…

—Don’t worry about it alright… No need to, worry about it…

Sakura and Lilia’s sobbing overlapped. Sakura being inside Lilia, Lilia being in an empty classroom, the two continued to cry softly.

(Author’s Note)
The story, of a broken heart.

Sakura
Lilia

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It’s really been a while huh. I guess no more making promises as to release frequencies… Oh well, that’s life I suppose. If anyone actually feels strongly enough about the speed of translation for this series feel free to send me an invite for collab I guess. Or just do it on your own, not like I can really stop you. Anyways, to the people who still haven’t forgotten about this story, here’s chapter 15. Enjoy!

P.S. Just wanna give a shout out to the wonderful Kudarajin, since discovering fluffy (and insanely fast) translations of Hokuou brought me back to reading (and finding time to translate) novels again.

“Morning, Tina.”

“Eh, ah… Ahh! Good morning!”

Tina got up energetically and lowered her head. Lilia gave a small sigh and brought her gaze to Tina with a glare. Just that was enough to shatter Tina’s expression.

“Umm, I mean… Morning, Lilia.”

“Good.”

With Lilia’s nod of approval, Tina let out a sigh of relief.

“Well then, what are you doing in a place like this?”

“Ah, I was waiting for you, Lilia.”

The bad premonition was spot on. With her cheeks stiffening, Lilia somehow managed to maintain her smile.

“Ohh. How come?”

“I just wanted to talk a little… And well, I wondered if becoming friends was really just a dream or not… Hey, Lilia. We’re really friends now, right?”

Tina asked with upturned eyes. This made Lilia’s eyes waver for just a moment before she returned her gaze to Tina. To be honest, she had intended to avoid her, along with the matter of the prince. She had spoken for the sake of not having to meet if it could be helped.

“What are you talking about? Mistress Lilia would never go back on her word.”

Lilia froze at Alisa’s words.

“Th-that’s right isn’t it! It is as Miss Alisa says. I don’t know what got into me!”

“Of course. This is Mistress Lilia we’re talking about here. There is no mistake about that.”

What’s with all this confidence here, thought Lilia.

—Deep… That really hit deeply…

Ah, ahaha… Don’t mind it, Lilia…

It seemed like all her options for avoiding Tina had disappeared. Heaving a heavy sigh, Lilia sat down across from Tina. Noticing this, Alisa also took a seat beside, and Tina happily started pouring the black tea into their cups.

“Well then, what shall we talk about?”

“Eh? Ah… I hadn’t thought about that…”

At that, Tina fell into silence, and Lilia and Alisa were also rendered speechless. To invite someone without having prepared any topic to talk about, what was this girl thinking? As Lilia was narrowing her eyes at the situation, Sakura’s voice forced itself between her thoughts.

—Lilia. There’s no preparation for just talking with a friend you know.

—Is that so?

—Yeah. Not for me anyways.

—Ahh, that’s why you’re like that huh.

—Hey wait a minute, whatever could you mean by that!

Ignoring the noisy complaints from Sakura, Lilia looked at Tina. Their eyes meeting, Tina clapped her hands with an “Oh right”.

“Makeup.”

“What?”

“Today, you don’t have any makeup on huh. I almost didn’t recognise you.”

Lilia’s movements froze, and Alisa’s cheeks cramped up as Sakura laughed in amusement.

—She went headfirst into treading on a landmine huh! Lilia, Tina doesn’t know anything, so no getting mad okay?

—Please rest assured. Since my anger is all directed at you.

—Nothing about that brings me rest or assurance though!?

After a short exchange with Sakura, she managed to calm her brewing agitation. Once again fixing the smile that was about to fall off her face, she replied.

“I was told that it didn’t really suit me. That it was fine to just go like this. Does it look strange after all?”

“That’s not true at all! Your current look is much better. As I thought, it seems that Lilia is quite a beauty after all.”

“Eh? Then that means up until now… Eh?”

Lilia’s eyes widened, and as if realising she had said something inappropriate, Tina hurriedly averted her eyes, casting her gaze at Alisa. Alisa herself was busily drinking her tea as if to stay completely uninvolved with this. A voice going “what’s with this” was echoing through Lilia’s head.
Lilia properly thought over Tina’s words, and coming to an understanding, she smiled feebly.

—Sakura. It seems my sense of aesthetics are quite off, so from now on I’ll be counting on you.

—Escaping from reality’s no good you know? Let’s work through this together.

Sakura’s words pierced deep into her chest. Though a part of her was glad that Sakura had let her know, at the same time, thinking back, if this one hadn’t said anything, she wouldn’t have had to taste such grief. However, looking in the long term, it was still good to have realised after all, so she decided to not say anything.

“Tina. Alisa. If you have some time, could you perhaps think of some more suitable makeup for me?”

When Lilia said so, Alisa made a wry smile, and Tina stiffened in surprise for a moment. Then, she immediately smiled and nodded.

“Okay! Leave it to me!”

After that, as if the tension was released, their conversation continued with idle chatter. The talk about Tina’s family was mostly highlighted with talk about the pet they were keeping at home. However, during their conversation, it was clear that one certain topic was being avoided.

“Tina. So this is where you were.”

Suddenly, the voice of the Mr. Avoided Conversation Topic himself came from behind Lilia. Lilia’s expression froze with her movements while Alisa took a glance at the owner of the voice, then looked worriedly at Lilia, and Tina’s expression, perhaps from restlessness, had distorted ever so slightly.

“Your Highness… You seem to be quite early today.”

Tina said, putting on a veil of calmness. However, she did not even bother trying to conceal the trembling in her voice. Perhaps not noticing, or maybe even just pretending to not notice, the source of the first voice, the prince of this country, simply continued the conversation.

“Yeah. I heard that Lilianne had returned. So I was worried about you and left a little earlier. Aren’t you quite early yourself today. You’re usually a bit later than this.”

“Yes. That’s… I thought, I’d have a little chat…”

“Hmm.”

The Prince took a few steps and moved beside Tina. Then he saw Lilia’s face. Since it wouldn’t do turn away from The Prince, Lilia also put on a forced smile and faced him.
She was seen. Since they were going to the same school, it was only a matter of time, but she didn’t think they’d meet this quickly. Her heart was racing, and nervousness gripped her chest painfully.
And so, the Prince opened his mouth.

“A fresh face huh. New friend of Tina’s?”

Tina and Alisa had their breath catch in their throat. This Prince’s words were completely beyond their expectations. Lilia completely blanked out, with a completely dumbfounded expression on her face.

“Yo-Your Highness. Do you really not know?”

“Nn? Have we also met before? Now that you mention it, I do somewhat recall…”

(Author’s Note)
It seems The Prince finally makes his appearance.

Sakura
Lilia

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