4
花壇に戻ると、アリサは命じられた通りにその場で待っていたようだ。リリアの姿を確認して、何故か安堵のため息をついている。
「お父様と話してきたわ。ここにはこの花を植えるわよ」
リリアが早速そう切り出すと、アリサはかしこまりましたと頭を下げた。
「この花壇はお嬢様のものです。ですから......」
「とりあえずアリサ、道具を取ってきなさい。今すぐに」
「え、あ......。はい。かしこまりました」
アリサが釈然としない表情をしながらも、道具を取りに行くために走り出す。リリアはそれを見送った後、そのまま待つことにした。さくらが何かを言いたそうに唸っているが、それは無視だ。
少しして戻ってきたアリサは、両手に小さなスコップなどの道具が入ったかごを持っていた。
「お待たせしました」
「ええ。それじゃあアリサ」
リリアが真っ直ぐにアリサを見つめ、アリサは何かしてしまったのかと緊張した面持ちになる。そんなアリサの内心など分かるはずもなく、リリアは告げた。
「この花壇は今日から私のものよ」
「はい......。そうです」
「でも私は花の育て方なんて全く分からないわ」
首を傾げるアリサに、リリアは花の種が入った紙袋を差し出した。アリサはそれを受け取りながら、さらに困惑を深めてしまう。
「貴方が育てなさい」
「もちろんこの花壇は私のものだし、手伝うわ。だから一緒にここまで来てあげます。私が手伝ってあげるから、貴方はこの花を綺麗に咲かせなさい」
ようやく意味が分かったのだろう、アリサが目を見開く。さくらの忍び笑いも聞こえてきて少しだけ不快になるが、リリアは一先ず言い終えることにする。
「貴方は私専属のメイドよ。私はこの花が綺麗に咲くところを見たいの。できるわね?」
アリサは何度も頷き、そして勢いよく頭を下げた。
「はい! ありがとうございます、お嬢様!」
リリアは少しだけ優越感を覚えながら、それじゃあ、と早速指示を出す。アリサが持ってきた道具からスコップを取り出し、
「それじゃあ植えましょう。教えてくれる? アリサ」
「はい! もちろんです!」
嬉しそうなアリサの笑顔を見て、リリアは眩しそうに目を細めた。
アリサと土いじりを終えたリリアは、もう一度風呂に向かった。アリサに新しい着替えを持ってくるように命じて、リリアは風呂場へと向かう。
途中、さくらの楽しげな声が聞こえてきた。それを無視していると、さくらが続ける。
――自分のプライドとか守りつつ、一緒に育てる方向に持っていきたかったんだね、でも多分、アリサは察してたよ?
――うるさいわよ。指示には従ったのだから文句はないでしょう。
――もちろん。よくがんばりました。
――いちいち頭に来る言い方ね......。
それ以上相手をするのが馬鹿らしくなり、リリアは何も言わずに浴室に入った。
風呂から出て、アリサが用意したドレスに着替え、食堂へと向かう。土いじりに時間を取られてしまったが、そろそろ朝食の時間だ。
――今日はどんな朝ご飯かなあ。楽しみだね。
――食べるのは貴方じゃないでしょう。
――ふふふ。天使さんのすぺしゃるな能力です! 私は貴方と感覚を共有してるんだよ!
えっへん、と得意げに言う。体があれば自慢げに胸を反らしているだろう。その姿が容易に想像できて、リリアは思わず笑みを零していた。
――貴方って本当に天使なの?
――モチロンデス、トウゼンジャナイデスカ。
――どうして片言なのよ......。
本当に何者なのか、と思いながら、リリアは食堂の扉を開けた。
広い食堂の中央にある大きなテーブル。そこにはすでに家族全員が揃っていた。父親ケルビン、母親アーシャ、兄クロス、弟テオの四人。リリアを含めた五人が、この屋敷に住むアルディス公爵家の全員だ。
リリアがテーブルにつくと、使用人たちが朝食を運んできた。テーブルの中央には焼きたてのパンが並べられたかごが置かれ、リリアたちの目の前にはスープの満たされた皿。さらには果実を煮詰めたジャムのようなものも出されている。
王家に次ぐ権力を持つ公爵家にしては質素な朝食だが、この屋敷ではこれが当たり前だった。母が質素な食事を好むので、食べきれないほどのご馳走が並ぶといったことはない。リリアが不満に思うことの一つだ。
――男爵家にも劣る食事だなんて恥でしかないわ。
――まあまあ。美味しいんだしいいじゃない。ご馳走なんて、たまに食べるから美味しいんだよ。
さくらの言葉に、リリアは意味が分からないと首を振った。
全員が手を組み、祈りを捧げる。この世界の神に。
朝食時は誰も喋らない。静かに食べ進めていく。母曰く、食べ物と作ってくれた者に感謝しながら食べなさい、ということだ。リリアにはやはり意味が分からない。
――公爵家らしくないのはアーシャさんが原因だよね。いいことだね。
――意味が分からないわ。当然の権利を放棄するなんて。
――あはは。リリアは根っからの公爵家だね。
どういう意味だ、と思うが相手にすると無駄な体力、というより精神力を使うだけだろう。気にせず食事を済ませるとする。
――うん。やっぱり美味しいなあ。特にこのジャムが美味しいよね。
――本当に私と感覚を共有しているの? ちなみに嫌いなものは?
冗談だと思っていたのだが、嬉しそうな口調からどうやら本当に共有しているらしい。少し驚きながらも、リリアはいたずらっぽく笑む。
――ピーマン。苦いと無理!
――いいわね。覚えておくわ。
――ちょっと待って何をするつもりなの嘘だよ私が嫌いなものはこのジャムだよ!
その後しばらくさくらは嫌いなものは、本当はと叫んでいたが、あえて無視。食事が終わる頃には静かになっており、小さく首を傾げる。どうしたのか、と。
――ごめんなさい......。生のピーマンだけは避けて......。あとは我慢するから......。
完全に涙声だった。思わず飲んでいた水を噴き出してしまう。周囲が驚き、使用人たちが慌てて駆け寄ってくるが、リリアはそれどころではない。
――冗談よ、そんな変なことしないから!
――本当?
――本当よ、約束するわ。
今度は一転して小躍りしていそうなほど嬉しそうな声だ。調子が狂う、と思いながらも、そこまで悪い気はしなかった。
汚れてしまったテーブルなどを使用人たちが素早く綺麗にしたところで、父がおもむろに口を開いた。
「リリア。今朝のことだが......」
何だろう、とリリアは父と向き直った。悪いことはしていないはずだと父の顔をしっかりと見ると、父は気まずそうにしながらもリリアの目を見つめ返してきた。
「アリサから話を聞いた」
「そうですか。何か問題ありましたか?」
さくらからは問題ないということを聞いているが、父の判断では違うのかもしれない。不安になりながら、父の言葉を待つ。
「いや、問題はない。これからはアリサと一緒に育てるらしいな」
「はい。ああ、そうだ、お父様。アリサは私がもらいますが、よろしいでしょうか?」
父の目に困惑の色が浮かぶ。だがそれは父が首を縦に振った時には、すでに消えていた。その代わりに浮かんでいたのは苦笑だった。
「アリサはもともと、お前専属のメイドなんだがな......」
「はい? すみません、お父様。よく聞き取れなかったのですが......」
その時だけ父の声はとても小さなものだった。よく聞き取ることができなかったのでもう一度、と言うが、父は今度は首を横に振った。
「気にしなくていい。アリサのことだが、構わない。リリアの専属のメイドにあげよう」
「本当ですか? ありがとうございます、お父様」
――リリア! そこで笑顔!
さくらが突然そう言って、リリアは思わず怪訝そうに眉をひそめた。別にいいことがあったわけでもないのに笑顔は不自然すぎるだろう。それでも、と催促してくるさくらに、一先ずは従うことにした。
「ありがとうございます、お父様」
もう一度礼を言って、笑顔を見せる。笑顔の作り方は幼い頃より教え込まれているので問題はない。しかし父は苦笑を濃くしただけだった。
「無理して笑顔を作る必要はない。気にしなくていい」
――ちょっと......。失敗じゃないの?
どうやらさくらも万能ではないらしい。自分で判断することも必要か、とさくらの評価を少しだけ下方修正。父が咳払いをしたのですぐに視線を戻した。
「話を戻すが、アリサと花を育てると聞いた。正直なところ、お前は自分のことしか考えていないと思っていたから驚いた」
「まあ、ひどいですねお父様。私はいつだって周りのことを気に掛けていますよ?」
父の頬がわずかに引きつり、母と兄が小さくため息をつく。弟だけがそんな皆の反応にきょとんと呆けていた。
「まあ、うん。いいか。リリア。周囲の人も大切にするように」
父はそう言い終えると、では戻る、と食堂を後にしてしまった。母がそれに続き、兄と弟もそそくさといった様子で部屋を出て行く。最後に残されたリリアはただただ首を傾げるばかりだった。
Haunted Duke's Daughter Chapter 4
Returning to the flowerbed, it seemed that Alisa was obediently waiting there as commanded. Confirming Lilia's return, for some reason the maid let out a sigh of relief.
"I've spoken with Father. He allowed me to grow flowers here."
At Lilia's abrupt declaration, Alisa gave a bow in agreement.
"This flowerbed belongs to Mistress. So..."
"For now, Alisa, bring me tools. Immediately."
"Eh, ah... Yes. Certainly."
Though she was looking somewhat dissatisfied, Alisa still ran off to retrieve the tools. Looking on as her maid departed, Lilia simply stood there waiting. Sakura made a sound in protest as if she had something to say, but it was ignored.
Alisa returned shortly, and in her hands she carried a basket filled with a small spade and other various gardening instruments.
"Thank you for waiting."
"Yes. Well then Alisa."
Under Lilia's intense gaze, Alisa held a panicked expression, unsure if she had done something to displease her master. Probably completely unaware of Alisa's inner thoughts, Lilia continued.
"From today on this flowerbed belongs to me right?"
"Yes... That is so."
"However, I have absolutely no idea about how flowers are raised."
Towards Alisa with her head tilted in confusion, Lilia presented the paper bag containing the seeds. As she received it, Alisa's bewilderment only deepened.
"You, will raise them."
"Of course since this is my flowerbed, I will be helping. That's why I've come this far together with you. I'll be giving you my a.s.sistance, so you'd better make these flowers bloom beautifully when the time comes."
Finally seeming to understand her intentions, Alisa's eyes widened. The m.u.f.fled snickering coming from Sakura was a little bit unpleasant, but Lilia still had one thing she wanted to say.
"You are my personal maid. It is my wish to see these flowers bloom brilliantly. You can make that happen, yes?"
Alisa nodded repeatedly, and gave a vigorous bow.
"Yes! Thank you very much, Mistress!"
While feeling a little thrill from giving commands as a superior, Lilia immediately began her instructions. Bringing out the spade from the tools Alisa brought,
"Well then let's get planting. Will you teach me how to do this, Alisa?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Lilia had to narrow her eyes a little at the overwhelming brilliance of Alisa's beaming face.
Finis.h.i.+ng her gardening with Alisa, Lilia once again went for a bath. Having ordered Alisa to bring her a fresh change of clothes, Lilia headed towards the baths.
On the way, Sakura's cheerful teasing voice came out. At being ignored, Sakura simply continued.
--You did things in such a way to raise the plants together while maintaining your pride as the master, but Alisa probably already has you figured out you know?
--Oh shut up. I followed what you said so you should have no complaints right?
--Why of course. You did very well.
--Your tone just always has to be so irritating, huh...
Lilia was well aware by now that trying to retort any more than this would simply be foolish endeavor, so she stepped into the bathroom without another word.
Finished with the bath, Lilia changed into the dress Alisa had prepared for her and headed to the dining room. With the time spent working in the dirt, it was almost time for breakfast.
--I wonder what's on the menu today~. I'm looking forward to it.
--It's not like you're the one that's going to be eating here.
--Fufufu. Behold, one of my special angel powers! All of your sensations are shared with me!
Sakura boasted with an "Ahem!". If she had a body she would certainly be puffing out her chest in pride. At being able to easily picture such a sight, Lilia couldn't help but let out a smile.
--So, you're not really an angel, are you?
--0F C0UR53, 13N'T 1T 0BV10U5. (monotone)
--Why are you talking like that...
While wondering what kind of existence Sakura could really be, Lilia opened the door to the dining room.
A large table stood at the center of the wide dining room. The rest of the family were already seated there. Lilia's father Kelvin, her mother Ascha, her elder brother Klaus, and younger brother Theo made up the four currently sitting at the table. Together with Lilia, these five were the Aldis Duke family that resided in this estate.
With Lilia arriving at the table, the servants brought in the food for breakfast. With the center of the table lined with fresh bread, bowls filled with soup were placed in front of the diners. A jam-like substance made from mashed fruits was also brought out.
Though it was quite a simple breakfast for this Duke clan who's power was second only to the royal family, this was normal at this mansion. Alisa's mother preferred to have modest meals, so big feasts that couldn't be finished in one sitting were foreign to this house. This was one of the things Lilia was dissatisfied about.
--How embarra.s.sing it is to have your meals be inferior even to the barons of this country.
--Well, hey. It's delicious so isn't this fine. The taste here is better than what you'd get at the occasional banquet you went to right?
Lilia shook her head, unable to comprehend Sakura's point of view.
With everyone now gathered, they began to give their prayer. To the G.o.d of this world.
No one spoke during the meal. The silence stretched on as they ate. According to her mother, this was the best way to show appreciation towards the people who made them the meal. In the end, the reasoning behind this was incomprehensible to Lilia as well.
--So the one behind all the un-duke-like things here was Ms. Ascha. Isn't that great.
--I can't understand it at all. To not use the privilege bestowed upon you.
--Ahaha. Lilia sure is a natural born aristocrat.
Though Lilia felt like making a comeback, it would just be wasted effort, or rather pointless emotional exertion against Sakura. Without minding it she made to finish her meal.
--Yep. It was quite delicious after all. This jam was especially nice, wasn't it.
--Are my senses really shared with you right now? By the way, what kind of things do you hate?
She had thought it was just another joke, but their senses really did seem to be connected from the delighted tone of Sakura's voice. While being a bit surprised at this, Lilia showed a mischievous expression.
--Green peppers. No way to that bitterness!
--Very nice. I'll remember that well.
--Wait wait what are you gonna do no way hold up really the thing I hate is that jam you know!
After that point Sakura kept on insisting about her "real" hated food, but it was all ignored. With the silence around the time that the meal was finished, Lilia tilted her head slightly, pondering her next move.
--I'm sorry... If anything, please just stay away from raw green peppers... I'll deal with anything else...
It was an absolutely tearful voice. Hearing it Lilia reflexively spat out the water she was drinking. Astonis.h.i.+ng her surroundings, the servants hastily rushed over, but Lilia's mind was completely preoccupied with something else.
--It's just a joke, I'm not going to do such weird things alright!
--Really?
--Really, really, I promise.
This time it had completely flipped over to a voice so happy it was dancing for joy. Though it almost felt mad with enthusiasm, it didn't have that much of a bad connotation to it.
With the dirtied table quickly cleaned up by the servants, Lilia's father slowly opened his mouth to speak.
"Lilia. About what we talked about this morning..."
Wondering what it could be about, Lilia turned to face her father. Since she had done nothing wrong, looking closely at her father's face he seemed to be returning an awkward gaze towards her.
"I heard the story from Alisa."
"Is that so. Are there any problems?"
While Sakura deemed that there should be no problems here, her father's judgement might differ. She nervously waited for her father to continue.
"No, no problems. It seems that you will be raising those flowers together with Alisa from now on huh."
"Yes. Ah, that's right, Father. I would like to personally have Alisa as my maid, would that acceptable?"
Confusion appeared in her father's eyes. Though, as he straightened his neck, it had already disappeared. In it's place her father had a wry smile.
"Though in the first place, Alisa was supposed to be the personal maid a.s.signed to you..."
"Huh? My apologies, Father. I didn't seem to quite catch your words..."
It was only with these words that her father spoke in a small voice. It wasn't heard clearly the first time, but, well her father simply shook his head this time.
"Don't worry about it. Regarding Alisa, there's no problem. You can take her as your personal maid."
"Really? Thank you very much, Father."
--Lilia! Smile time!
At Sakura's sudden exclaimation, Lilia's expression reflexively turned into a dubious frown. It wasn't as if anything really good happened, so it seemed out of the ordinary to smile here. Even so, at Sakura's urging, she would just follow along for now.
Thanks you very much, Father.
Expressing her thanks once again, she showed a smile. She had been trained on how to smile from a young age so there were no problems. However, Her father's wry smile only got deeper.
"There's no need to for a smile. Don't worry about it."
--Wait a sec... Was it a failure?
It seems that Sakura wasn't omnipotent after all. It seems like her own judgement was also required, Lilia thought as Sakura's evaluation was lowered just a little. She quickly returned her sight to here father as he cleared his throat.
"Back to the topic but, I heard you're going to raise the flowers with Alisa. To be honest, since you've only ever thought about yourself I was quite surprised."
"My, that's horrible Father. I am always concerned about my surroundings though?"
As her father's face twitched ever so slightly, her mother and elder brother let out small sighs. Only her little brother had a blank expression as he gazed at everyone else's reactions.
"Well, yep. Alright. Lilia. Do take care of the people around you."
At her father's conclusion, taking his leave, he departed from the dining room. Her mother followed, and her two brothers also left the room in a hurry. Alone in the dining room, Lilia was simply left there, with her head dubiously tilted to one side.
Haunted Duke’s Daughter
取り憑かれた公爵令嬢
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/haunted-dukes-daughter/
Comedy Fantasy Romance School Life Shoujo Slice of Life Supernatural
Broken Engagement Character Growth Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Female Protagonist Friendship Hard-Working Protagonist Heartwarming Loyal Subordinates Maids Nobles Otome Game Possession Royalty Second Chance Servants Sharing A Body Sword And Magic Unrequited Love Villainess Noble Girls
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n5708cr/
龍翠