"Yeah... Please, don't hesitate."
Alisa nodded, then coughed as she began speaking.
"To be clear, he was a terrible man. On top of that, he was short-tempered and quick to resort to violence. You'd have to be unreasonable to keep being shy around him. I thought it was hopeless to try to get anything you wanted from him. He even used his husband's name without hesitation. Honestly, I regretted starting to work here… What's wrong?"
Alisa noticed Lilia's pale face and tilted her head in concern. Lilia quickly shook her head, pulling her cheeks together as if to gather herself.
"It's nothing… Go on…"
The atmosphere grew even heavier. Alisa's words, harsh as they were, left Lilia feeling frustrated and conflicted. Hearing it all over again, after it had been said before by Sakura, felt daunting.
"But..."
Alisa paused, smiling faintly as Lilia looked at her with vacant eyes.
"I know Master Lilia is actually a kind person. I believe that."
"Is...?"
"Kind? Who? Me?" Lilia thought, feeling confused. The idea seemed almost strange to her. She had always considered any kindness she showed others to be mere acts, ways to create space for herself. If Alisa was referring to Lilia's recent behavior, it was nothing more than following Sakura's instructions.
Even though Lilia understood the necessity of it, she still felt a bit discouraged. But after hearing Alisa's words, she tilted her head slightly.
"When I was little, Lilia helped me," Alisa continued.
Lilia raised her eyebrows in surprise, and Alisa smiled bitterly, noticing her reaction.
"When I was younger, I came to the capital on a trip with my family. But I got separated from them. I ended up lost near a large mansion."
"Heh… Which mansion was that?" Lilia asked, curious but distracted.
"No, Lilia, you don't need to know any names, other than Ardis…"
"Really?"
"Really. Let's leave it at that."
Alisa continued, though Lilia felt there was something off about the story.
"I don't know why, but I went into that mansion… and, of course, I got caught right away."
"It's… wasn't he executed?"
"No, Lilia. It would be strange if they executed a lost child on the spot."
"Really?"
"Really. Are you hearing ghosts now? No, this isn't a ghost story. Actually, more of a horror?"
"Oh..."
Lilia nodded, now understanding what Sakura was trying to convey. She was probably worried about something, but for now, Lilia turned her focus back to Alisa.
"It wouldn't have been strange if they'd killed you on the spot, but Lilia helped me instead."
"Me? How?"
"Well… I thought you'd scratch the Aldis family name for fear of killing a child."
"That's more about pride, not kindness..."
"After that, Lilia told them not to kill me and even looked for my family with an escort. And when it came to the escort, well, that was my husband."
Alisa's eyes narrowed playfully as she added, "My parents found it quite funny, actually."
– Lilia, don't you remember?
– Of course I remember... or rather, I don't remember. It just doesn't seem like something genuine, at least not to me.
– Well... Maybe Alisa knows that too. That's why you said earlier that you believe once you understand it. And…
Sakura stops her sentence, and for some reason, I feel like I'm watching Alisa. Alisa was looking at her seriously, almost as if she were waiting for Lilia to speak.
– For Alisa, it doesn't change the fact that she was helped, so either way, it's fine. You could interpret it as convenient, don't you think?
– Is that how it is?
"Alisa... Honestly, I don't remember that time. I just don't think it was such a genuine feeling, at least."
"Yes. I understand that now too. But for me, the fact that I was helped doesn't change. If we were to repay you, Lilia, I think you'd be happy to work with us."
Alisa said this firmly. Lilia was momentarily flattered, but soon, she found herself smiling without even realizing it.
"Nice to meet you, Alisa."
"Yes, thank you very much."
Alisa bowed deeply, and Lilia nodded with satisfaction.
The dormitory was the largest building on the school grounds. It was only natural that all the students lived there. The dormitory had three floors, with many facilities like dining halls and shops on the ground floor. The entrance was grand, and as soon as you stepped inside, chairs, tables, and other furnishings made it a relaxing spot for students.
The second floor housed rooms for ordinary people, merchants, and lower nobility, while the third floor was reserved for senior nobility.
Lilia and Alisa entered the dorm through the large front doors. This building, usually bustling with students before and after class, was now quiet since afternoon classes had already begun. There was no one in sight, and only the sound of their footsteps echoed in the hallway.
At the far end of the entrance, a spiral staircase led upward. As Lilia placed her foot on the first step, Alisa spoke up.
"Um... Lilia…"
"What is it?"
"Are you sure I'm supposed to be in your room too?"
Lilia paused and turned back with a small sigh. Alisa's eyes were filled with unease.
"Is there a problem?"
"Well... you never mentioned it, but... I can't believe a noble would share the same room as a maid…"