Returning to the flowerbed, Alisa appeared to have waited as ordered, standing still as if unsure of what to do next. Her gaze softened as she finally confirmed Lilia's presence, letting out a quiet sigh of relief for reasons unknown.
"I've been speaking with your father," Lilia said, her tone firm but gentle. "I'll be planting these flowers here."
Alisa bowed her head, her hands trembling slightly, but Lilia quickly cut her off.
"This flowerbed belongs to the lady. So…"
"In the meantime, Alisa, go and get your tools. Right now."
"Oh… Yes, I will," Alisa stammered, nodding before rushing off to fetch the necessary items.
As Alisa hurried away, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Lilia, who remained in place, seemingly deep in thought. Lilia ignored the whispers and sneers from Sakura in the background. Let them talk.
A few moments later, Alisa returned, her hands full with a basket of small scoops and other gardening tools.
"Thank you for waiting," she said, offering the basket to Lilia.
"Yeah. Thanks, Alisa," Lilia replied, her voice a little softer.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Alisa hesitated, unsure if she had done something wrong. Lilia could see the uncertainty in her eyes, but there was no time to dwell on it.
"This flowerbed is mine from today on," Lilia said firmly, though with an air of finality.
"Y-Yes… yes, of course, miss," Alisa stammered, though still puzzled.
"But I don't know how to grow flowers," Lilia admitted, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.
Alisa tilted her head in confusion.
Lilia smiled lightly and handed her a paper bag filled with flower seeds. Alisa took it hesitantly, even more confused than before.
"You will raise them," Lilia said, her tone now carrying a sense of quiet authority.
"Huh…?"
"Of course, the flowerbed is mine, and I'll be here to help. But I want you to take charge. You'll grow these flowers beautifully."
Alisa's eyes widened in realization, her confusion turning into a mixture of awe and apprehension. A faint sneer from Sakura reached her ears, but Lilia remained focused, determined to finish her sentence before anything could distract her.
"You're my exclusive maid of honor. I want to see these flowers bloom beautifully. You can do that, can't you?"
Alisa nodded eagerly, bowing her head in agreement.
"Yes! Thank you, Lady Lilia!"
Lilia felt a slight sense of superiority and quickly gave her instructions. She took the scoop from the tools Alisa had brought.
"Then let's plant them. Can you do it, Alisa?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Alisa's bright smile showed her excitement, but Lilia narrowed her eyes, watching her carefully.
Once Lilia finished working with the soil alongside Alisa, she made her way to the bath. She ordered Alisa to bring her a new change of clothes before heading toward the bathroom.
– Is Lilia really this light-hearted?
She heard Sakura's voice, light and teasing, from behind her. Lilia chose to ignore it as Sakura continued.
– You wanted to protect your pride while growing up with me, right? Maybe Alisa was sensing that too, don't you think?
– Shut up. You won't complain as long as you follow the instructions.
– Of course. Good luck.
– That's how you speak to your superior…
Feeling that the conversation had grown tiresome, Lilia didn't say anything further and entered the bathroom.
After finishing her bath and changing into the dress Alisa had prepared, Lilia headed for the dining room. Despite the time spent with the flowers, she was eager for breakfast.
– I wonder what breakfast will be today. I'm looking forward to it.
– You won't be the one to eat it.
– Hehe. I'm sharing my senses with you, remember? My angelic powers!
Lilia chuckled to herself. If I had a body, I would be proudly puffing out my chest in defiance.
– Are you really an angel?
– Motilondes, Towzenjaneidesca.
– Why are you speaking in riddles?
With a sigh, Lilia opened the dining room door, still wondering about the strange conversation.
The large dining room had a massive table at its center, already filled with the rest of the family: her father Kelvin, mother Asha, older brother Cross, and younger brother Theo. The five members of the Duke's family, including Lilia, were gathered around the table.
As Lilia sat down, the servants brought out the breakfast. In the center of the table was a basket filled with freshly baked bread, and in front of Lilia was a plate of soup. They had also served jam with boiled fruit.
It was a quality breakfast, as expected for the Duke's family, second only to the royal family. But it was the norm here. Her mother, Asha, preferred meals that were sophisticated and high-class, so there were no overly sweet treats or simple fare. Though Lilia appreciated the elegance, it was also something she wasn't entirely fond of.
– I'm only ashamed that it's a meal inferior to the Baron's.
– Fair enough. It's delicious and satisfying. A treat is enjoyable because I only have it every once in a while.
At Sakura's words, Lilia shook her head, not understanding what she meant.
Everyone gathered their hands and offered a silent prayer to God, as they did in this world.
No one spoke during breakfast. It was customary to eat quietly. My mother always said, "Eat with gratitude for the food and those who prepared it." Lilia still didn't fully understand what that meant.
– It's not like the Duke's house, is it, because of Mr. Asha? That's a good thing.
– I don't understand what you mean. I can't believe I'm giving up my natural rights.
– Haha. Lilia's a true Duke's daughter.
Lilia tilted her head slightly, confused. It seemed like a joke, but when dealing with such people, it's best not to let it affect your health or your mental strength. It's better to just enjoy the meal.
– Yeah, I knew it was delicious. Especially this jam. Isn't it?
– Are you really sharing your taste with me? By the way, what do you dislike?
I thought it was a joke, but they were really sharing their preferences with such a cheerful tone. Surprised, Lilia laughed mischievously.
– Pepper. I can't stand it if it's too spicy!
– Got it. I'll remember that.
– Wait a minute, what are you going to do with that information? This is a lie! What I really dislike is this jam!
For a moment, I got upset at Sakura, but I chose to ignore it. By the end of the meal, it was quiet, and I tilted my head, wondering what was going on.
– I'm sorry... I can't handle raw peppers... But I'll try to put up with it...
It was a complete mess. I accidentally spit out the water I was drinking. The people around me were startled, and the servants rushed over, but Lilia remained calm.
– Just kidding! I don't do weird things like that!
– Really?
– Really. I promise.
– Lilia… thank you!
Now, he seemed so happy that it almost felt like he was about to make a small leap. Things were getting a little chaotic, but strangely, I didn't feel too bad about it.
While the servants quickly cleaned up the table and tidied the room, my father spoke up in a loud voice.
"Lilia. It was this morning…"
Lilia looked confused, turning toward her father. When I fixed my gaze on my father's face, silently warning him not to say anything wrong, he initially avoided eye contact but eventually met Lilia's eyes.
"Alisa told me," he continued.
"Really? Is there a problem?" Lilia asked.
Sakura had reassured me that there was no issue, but I still wasn't sure it would sit well with my father. I anxiously waited for his response.
"No, there's no problem. I hear you're going to grow up with Alisa from now on."
"Yes. Oh, yes, Father. I'll take Alisa, okay?"
My father's expression briefly showed confusion, but by the time he nodded in agreement, the look was gone. Only a bitter smile remained in its place.
"Alisa was originally your exclusive maid…"
"Excuse me, Father? I didn't quite hear you…"
At that moment, my father's voice dropped to a whisper. I asked him to repeat, but instead, he shook his head, signaling that I shouldn't worry about it.
"Don't worry about it. It's about Alisa, but I don't mind. We'll make her Lilia's exclusive maid from now on."
"Really? Thank you, Father."
Suddenly, Sakura's voice echoed in the room, urging Lilia to smile.
"Lilia! Smile!"
Lilia frowned at the sudden request. A smile didn't seem quite right, especially since nothing particularly good had happened. But remembering Sakura's words, she decided to comply.
"Thank you, Father," she said, managing a smile.
I had no problem with smiling—it was something I'd learned to do from a young age. But my father only returned a bitter smile.
"You don't have to force yourself to smile," he said softly. "Don't worry about it."
Apparently, Sakura isn't omnipresent either. Just a slight downward revision of the rating to see if it's necessary to make your own decisions. My father cleared his throat, so I glanced at him.
"I'll get back to it, but I heard you and Alisa grow flowers. To be honest, I'm surprised you're only thinking about yourself."
"That's awful, Father. I always care about the people around me, don't I?"
My father's cheek twitched slightly, and both my mother and brother let out small sighs. My brother was the only one who seemed a bit spooked by the tension in the room.
"Well, yeah. All right, Lilia. Just like how the people around you take care of things."
Once my father finished speaking, he turned and walked out of the dining room. My mother followed him, and my brother left with them. The last one to leave was Lilia, who simply tilted her head, confused.