Along with Alisa, the figure of one more person entered her view. It was a girl with long, pale golden hair and light blue eyes. One of the people Lilia still did not wish to meet, the one who s.n.a.t.c.hed the prince away from Lilia, what appeared was the figure of Tina Breyer.
Alisa’s interrogation continued.
“And just what business does this baron’s daughter have with her Mistress Lilianne? I believe you should be aware of the Aldis duke family?”
“Of course. Well, I am…”
Her words halted there. Meeting Lilia’s eyes, her mouth opened and closed numerous times. While seeming like she had more to say, Tina appeared to be at a loss for finding the proper words.
—Sakura. This, what should I do about this?
—Nn… Let’s all get along together!
—Hey that’s way too general.
Completely disappointed and shaking her head inside, Lilia stared at the girl. Tina trembled in surprise under the gaze. Her eyes faltered slightly as if wanting to look away, but she stopped herself and firmly met Lilia eye to eye.
And then, vigorously lowered her head.
“I am very sorry!”
Suddenly receiving an apology, the unsuspecting Lilia’s eyes darted about in confusion. Alisa was also struck speechless with her mouth hanging half open.
“Because of me, Miss Lilianne’s engagement with the prince…! Even though, even though it was my fault…!”
—Sakura, what do I do here!?
—Do your best!~ would still be too harsh for you huh? Lilia, that girl has apologised, so do forgive her. And, you should apologise too. With that there should be no lingering conflicts. The bestest resolution!
She didn’t really understand that last bit, but with panic quickly rising in Lilia her mind mostly stopped working and simply followed Sakura’s words.
“Tina.”
“Yes…”
“I will forgive you.”
This time, Tina vigorously raised her head. Her expression painted in solid surprise. Upon seeing that expression, Lilia’s heart conversely began to calm down.
“Speaking on the contrary though… Would you also please forgive all of my actions up to now?”
Being asked this, Tina’s face contorted as if about to cry.
“That is, no good…”
“Is that so… That is unfortunate.”
Saying so Lilia once again began to fall into a panic. ‘What bestest result, wasn’t it useless!?’ was what she inwardly shouted at Sakura, but she could only sense the girl laughing frivolously in return. As she was about to tell her to think about this seriously,
“Such a thing… only favours myself too much.”
Lilia’s mind halted for just a moment, then immediately began pondering the meaning behind those words. Questioning what that was about, Lilia tilted her head, so Tina continued.
“I was the one at fault in angering Miss Lilianne. That is why, there should be nothing for Miss Lilianne to apologise for!”
—No, no matter how you think about it Lilia was the bad one. And even looking at the root cause the blame lies with a certain idiot prince who went and got captivated by someone else while already engaged.
—Sakura, I won’t allow you to badmouth His Highness.
—Muu… Okay I get it… But Tina really didn’t do anything wrong here alright? She was just living her ordinary life when the prince started talking her up, drawing your attention, and was bullied for it.
—Looking at things objectively I really was quite an unpleasant woman huh…
Seeing Lilia smiling in self derision, Tina seemed to interpret that as something and her cheeks stiffened as she once again lowered her head. While thinking it to be troublesome, Lilia still opened her mouth.
“Tina. You are blameless. The fault lies entirely with me. Therefore, please do not blame yourself.”
“Why such a thing…!”
“Then let us do this.”
At Lilia’s words, Tina raised her face. Lilia slowly approached her. Lilia seemed to find it somewhat adorable, seeing Tina with such an awfully frightened expression.
“Let us let everything up ’til now be water under the bridge.”
“Eh…? However…!”
“Instead, would you please become my friend?”
Tina’s eyes opened wide, and Alisa noticeably gasped. Sakura as well, with an ‘ooh’ was for some reason surprised. Even though she was the one who said to do things like this.
“But… Umm… Is it alright…?”
Tina looked up at Lilia with upturned eyes. Lilia tried to smile with all her might as she nodded.
“Yes. Please treat me well, Tina.”
“!! Yes…! Thank you very much! Please treat me well!”
Tina gave a vigourous bow. As Lilia was heaving a long sigh of relief in her mind,
—Dayum this girl is seriously too cute! I wish I had haunted her instead!
—……
—Lilia? It was a joke? So hey, please don’t start sulking on me?
—Oh just be silent, I wasn’t sulking.
Pushing away her inner displeasure, Lilia formally held out her hand towards Tina. Tina was looking at the outstretched hand blankly, but soon realising Lilia’s intention, firmly grasped it with both hands.
Seeing the delighted Tina smiling broadly, for some reason Lilia also started to feel happy. Perhaps this was this girl’s charm at work here. At the very least, this was something that Lilia herself was lacking in.
“Well then, Tina. Since we have become friends now, shall we speak to each other in a more comfortable manner?”
“Eh? You mean…”
“It’s fine to use your casual tone okay? I will do the same.”
Tina’s thoughts seem to freeze for a moment as she stiffened, but soon spoke in a small voice,
“O-Okay… I got it. Best regards, Miss Lilianne.”
“There’s no need to address me in such a way. The people around me just call me Lilia.”
“Eh, umm… Miss Lilia…”
“Without the t.i.tle.”
“Li-Lilia…”
“Yes. Very good.”
—Lilia. You’re having fun here aren’t ya.
—Isn’t it fun to play with her, this girl.
—Hey hey now.
Though saying so Sakura also had a hint of enjoyment in her voice. Since there were no instructions from Sakura this should be fine for now. Lilia thought so satisfied with herself, and once again turned her attention back to Tina.
“I’ve just returned, so there are still various things I must prepare. I will have to excuse myself here, Tina.”
“Y-Yes! I’m very sorry for keeping you, during such a busy time!”