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さくらですらリリアのこの一連の行動には驚いている。まさかさくらが何も言っていないにも関わらずアリサを専属のメイドにすると言い出すとは思わなかった。何かしら思うところでもあったのだろうか。そう不思議に思うのと同時に、おかしくもあった。
専属のメイドにする、と言われた時のアリサの表情。喜んでいいのか悲しんでいいのか分からないといったものだった。それもそのはず、アリサはもともとリリアの専属のメイドとして雇われている。そのようにリリアにも紹介されている。それを覚えてもらえていなかったことに悲しみ、同時に改めて本人から専属のメイドにすると言われ、喜んでいるのだろう。
その時の反応を思い出し、また笑いそうになるのを耐えながら、さくらはこれからのことに思いを馳せた。
簡単にだが湯浴みを終えたリリアは、アリサが用意してくれたドレスを着て、彼女を伴って屋敷の外に出た。一人で大丈夫だから仕事に戻れと言ったのだが、アリサは絶対についていくと譲らなかった。どうやら自分は信用がないらしい。
屋敷の周囲には花壇が並んでいる。これはメイドたちが育てているもので、それぞれで受け持ちがあるらしく、花壇によって違う花が咲いている。花壇そのものの並びは整然としているのに咲いている花には統一性がない。中には季節が違うのか、芽だけが生えているものもある。
「改めて見たけど......。これ、どうにかならないの? お客様が一番最初に見るものなんだから、もっと見栄えを気にした方がいいと思うのだけど」
リリアがそう言うと、アリサは困ったような笑顔を浮かべた。
「旦那様が私たちに与えてくれたものでして......。旦那様曰く、気にしなくていいから好きに使え、とのことでした。見栄えとか、そんな些細なことは気にしなくていい、と」
「ふうん......。それはつまり、私はそんな些細なことを気にする心の狭い女だと言いたいの?」
「え? そ、そんなこと思っていません! 本当です!」
どうだか、とリリアは顔を逸らすと、庭の奥へと歩いて行く。その後ろを、肩を落としたアリサが続く。
――リリア。優しく。優しくだよ?
――分かっているわよ。ちょっとからかっただけ。
今まで気にもしていなかったのだが、このアリサという少女は喜怒哀楽がはっきりとしているようだ。話していてなかなかにおもしろい。
「アリサ。貴方の花壇はどれ?」
「私の、ですか? 見てもつまらないですよ。見ない方が......」
「いいから案内しなさい」
「うう......。分かりました......」
何故かアリサは自分の花壇をリリアに見せたくないらしい。不思議に思うが、見られたくないと態度で示されると逆にどうしても見たくなってしまう。さくらが呆れているのが分かるが、そんなものは無視だ。
アリサがリリアを先導して歩いて行く。途中、何人かの他の使用人とすれ違ったのだが、誰もがぎょっと目を剥いてリリアとアリサを見ていた。中にはアリサを心配してかすれ違った後もこちらを盗み見る者までいた。
そしてアリサに案内された場所は、屋敷の裏口の側だった。主に使用人や商人が使う出入り口だ。その側に小さな花壇があった。
「なにこれ。何もないじゃない」
アリサがこれだと示した花壇にあるのは、土のみだ。雑草すら生えていない。説明を求めてアリサに視線をやると、アリサは頬を引きつらせながら答える。
「いえ、その......。時間がなくて、ですね......。何も植えていないんです。以前はがんばってみようと思ったんですが、枯らしてばかりで......」
「どうして時間がないの? 貴方だけ仕事が多いとでも言うつもり?」
別にアリサを助けようとは思わないが、もしそうなら彼女の上司に意見ぐらいしてやってもいいだろう。なにせ自分の専属のメイドだ。それぐらいはしてもいいと思える。
だがアリサは首を振ると、小さな声で告げた。
「私が遅いから、です。もっと先輩たちみたいに動けたらいいんですけど......」
どうやらアリサ自身の問題らしい。思わずリリアはため息をついてしまった。さらにアリサが言うには、先輩たちはアリサの花壇が雑草だらけにならないように手入れまでしてくれているそうだ。いつでも何かを植えられるように、ということらしい。
「それで? 何かを植える予定はあるの?」
「いえ......。まだないですね......」
「そう」
そこで会話が途切れてしまう。何もない花壇をじっと見つめるリリアが何を思っているのか不安なのだろう、アリサはそわそわと挙動不審になっている。もっとも、リリア自身は本当に何も思っておらず、ここで花を育てるのか、程度のことしか考えていない。
――リリア。
さくらの声。リリアは無言で先を促す。
――アリサと一緒に花を育ててみよう。きっとアリサは喜んでくれるよ。
それを聞いたリリアが渋面になり、それを見ていたアリサの表情は見る間に青ざめていく。
――嫌よ。面倒くさい。
確かにリリアはアリサを専属のメイドに据えたが、別に彼女に尽くそうなどとは思っていない。はっきり言ってしまえば、年が近い者を確保しておいた方が今後のことを考えると便利そうだからだ。それ以上でも以下でもない。
そのことをさくらに告げると、どこか落胆したようなため息をつかれてしまった。
――きっかけは何でもいいよ。リリア。従って。
今度はリリアがため息をついた。何の意味があるかは分からないが、さくらの指示には従うと言った自分の言葉を曲げたくはない。仕方なくリリアはアリサへと振り返った。すっかり萎縮してしまっているアリサへと告げる。
「この花壇、しばらくは使う予定はないわね?」
「あ......。はい」
「じゃあ私がもらうわ」
突然放たれたその言葉に、さくらがなぜと息を呑み、アリサはぽかんと呆けてしまった。徐々に意味が分かってきたのか、見ていておもしろいほどに狼狽え始めた。その様子をしばらく見つめていると、やがてアリサは短く嘆息して、分かりましたと頷いた。
「私には使う予定がありませんし、この花壇はお嬢様に差し上げます。旦那様には私の方から伝えておきますね......」
「いいえ。お父様にはお願いしたいことがあるから私が言うわ。お父様に会ってくるから、ここで待っていなさい」
怪訝そうに眉をひそめるアリサを残し、リリアは裏口から屋敷へと戻った。
――リリア。どういうつもり?
――何が? ちゃんと指示には従っているわよ。
――むう......。まあどう従うも従わないも、貴方の自由だけど......。
父の元へと廊下を歩く。この時間なら、父は執務室で書類に目を通しているはずだ。朝食の前に今日の仕事を確認するのが父の日課となっている。二階にある執務室のドアをノックすると、果たして父の声が聞こえてきた。
「誰だ?」
「私です、お父様」
「リリア......? 部屋から出てきたのか。入れ」
無愛想な言い方だが、とても嬉しそうな雰囲気がある。あまり人に感情を悟らせない父だけに、父の様子にリリアは少なからず驚いた。そして少しばかり反省する。それほどまでに心配をかけていたのかと。
リリアが執務室に入ると、部屋の最奥、執務机のいすに父は座っていた。リリアを真っ直ぐに見つめる瞳は冷たいもののように見えるが、頬がわずかに動いている。笑顔を堪えるかのように。
「おはようございます、お父様」
「ああ、おはよう。それで何の用だ?」
嬉しそうな雰囲気とは裏腹に、会話を急いでいる。父が貴族の中でもかなり多忙な方だと知っているリリアは、すぐに用件を切り出した。
「父様はメイドに花壇を差し上げているそうですね」
「ああ。気晴らし程度になるだろうと思ってな。それがどうした?」
「一つお願いがございまして。アリサの花壇をいただきたいのです」
父の表情が失望のそれへと変わった。父が首を振って、リリアを見つめる目を細める。それだけで室温が一気に下がったような気がしてしまう。
「リリア。お前はまだ、そんなことを言っているのか......」
父は自分が何をしようとしているのか分かっているのか。さすがお父様と感心しながら、リリアは告げる。
「何かおすすめの種はございませんか? あれば譲っていただきたいのですが」
父は何も言わず、静かに立ち上がると、壁際にある棚へと向かう。棚を開くと、その中から小さな紙袋を取り出した。どうしてあんなところに花の種をしまっているのかと不思議に思うが、父がそれを持ってこちらへと歩いてきたのでその思考は放棄した。
父がその紙袋を差し出してくる。リリアはそれを、恭しく受け取った。
「リリア。あまり度が過ぎると、私も庇いきれなくなるぞ」
「まあ、おかしなことを言うのですね。私は何もやましいことはしていませんよ?」
父が大きくため息をついて、下がれ、と短く告げて部屋の奥へと戻っていく。リリアはその場で深く一礼すると、部屋を退室した。
Haunted Duke's Daughter Chapter 3
Sakura was the one amazed at Lilia's recent actions this time around. It was unbelievable that even without any intervention from Sakura, Lilia had made the young maid Alisa into her personal attendant. One had to wonder how this came to be. Such a thing happening was perplexing, as much as it was odd.
At hearing about becoming Lilia's personal maid, the expression on Alisa's face could only show that she was at a complete loss as to whether she should be overjoyed, or saddened at this fact. In fact, Alisa was originally hired to be Lilia's personal maid. Though, Lilia being how she is, this fact had completely left her mind immediately after Alisa's first introduction. Lilia having so easily forgotten about her brought Alisa some sadness, but she also felt happy that Lilia would now personally establish her as a personal maid.
Thinking back on Alisa's reaction back then, Sakura endlessly tried to bear with her urge to laugh out loud, and turned her mind towards the things to come.
Finis.h.i.+ng with her bath, Lilia donned the dress Alisa had readied for her and set off outside the mansion accompanied by her maid. Even though Lilia said that she would be fine going alone, Alisa wouldn't budge in her decision to always accompany her master.
The grounds around the mansion were lined with flowerbeds. It was the maids' responsibility to raise the flowers here, so all around, the flowerbeds were blooming with diverse blossoms reflecting the tastes of their various caretakers. The flowerbeds themselves were by no means organised in uniformity of any kind. Among them were plants of different seasons, and ones just sprouting their buds in the soil.
"Looking at it again... This, isn't there anything we can do about this? It's the first thing visitors will see upon entering the estate, so I think it's better if we pay attention to the appearance a bit more."
At Lilia's words, Alisa showed a troubled expression.
"This is something the lord here bestowed upon us... "Don't worry about it and just do as you like. Don't bother worrying about something trivial like its appearance." was what he said."
"Hmmm... So in other words, someone like me who actually pays attention to "trivial" matters such as appearance is just a narrow-minded woman right?"
"Eh? Tha, that's really not what I meant! Really!"
Really now, thought Lilia, as she turned her face away and proceeded into the garden. Behind her, Alisa followed along with her shoulders drooped.
--Lilia. Kindness. Did you suddenly forget how to be nice again?
--As if. I was just teasing her a little.
Even though it wasn't something that would bother her now, this girl named Alisa displayed such strong reactions to her emotions. Conversing with her became quite the amusing activity.
"Alisa. Which one is your flowerbed?"
"My, flowerbed? It'd be boring even if you see it. It's better if we don't..."
"Never mind that just lead me to it already."
"Uuu... I understand..."
For some reason, it seems that Alisa was hesitant to show Lilia her flowerbed. While thinking it strange, pointing this out would only make her more averse to showing Lilia. Sakura was surprised but understood this, so she decided to keep silent.
Alisa showed Lilia the way as they advanced. Along the way, the numerous other servants they pa.s.sed by were all wide eyed in surprise at the sight of Lilia and Alisa. Among them some were glancing back in worry for Alisa. It wasn't as if Lilia had intended to devour the poor girl for lunch, but she made no move to explain the situation.
And so Alisa led her to their destination, near the back entrance of the estate. The entrance was mostly for the coming and going of servants and merchants. A bit to the side, was a small flowerbed.
"What is this. There's nothing here."
The flowerbed Alisa pointed to was filled with plain dirt. There weren't even weeds growing there. Trying to explain, Alisa had a cramped expression as she responded.
"No, that is... I didn't have any time, for it... Nothing was planted. I've thought to give it my best shot in the past but, everything always wilted..."
"Why don't you have time for it? Are you saying that you're the only one getting extra work?"
It wasn't as if she was trying to help Alisa or anything, but if that was true then she would at least raise an objection with Alisa's superior. She thought it would be fine to do at least that much.
But Alisa shook her head, and replied in a small voice.
"It's, because I'm too slow. If only I could work skillfully like my seniors here..."
Somehow it seems like the problem lies with Alisa herself. Lilia couldn't help but let out a sigh. What's more, Alisa even said that her seniors were maintaining the flowerbed for her, preventing it from being overrun by weeds. So that it was ready to receive plants at any time, they took care of it for Alisa.
"Well then, do you have any intention of planting something?"
"No... I can't say that I do..."
"Is that so."
The conversation was cut off at that point. Uncertain about what Lilia was thinking as she stared at the empty plot, Alisa was restless as she fidgeted nervously. Though in the first place, there was no deeper meaning to Lilia's observation of the flowerbed, as she was simply wondering whether something should be planted here after all.
--Lilia.
Sakura spoke. Lilia prompted her to continue through her silence.
--You should try raising some flowers together with Alisa. I'm sure she would be thrilled.
Lilia grimaced at the prospect, while the observing Alisa turned pale at seeing her master's sudden displeasure.
--No way. Seems like a pain.
While Lilia did appoint Alisa as her personal maid, she wasn't under the impression that they had become friends or anything. To put things frankly, it was simply convenient that from now on she'd have someone about the same age as her around. Nothing more, nothing less.
Having this thought conveyed to her, Sakura sighed in disappointment.
--To h.e.l.l with the reasoning. Lilia. Go with it.
This time it was Lilia's turn to sigh. She had no idea what good it would do, but she didn't want to go back on her word after promising to listen to Sakura's instructions. Reluctantly, Lilia turned to face the maid. She spoke to the intimidated Alisa.
"This flowerbed, there are no plans to use it anytime soon right?"
"Ah... Yes."
"Then I'll be taking it under my care."
At those sudden words, Sakura's breath got caught in her throat, while Alisa's mind went numb from astonishment. Coming to process those words little by little, Alisa started to become fl.u.s.tered in an amusing reaction. Simply staring at Alisa's condition, a while pa.s.sed before the maid finally calmed down with a short sigh, and nodded in understanding.
"Since I have no plans to use it, this flowerbed will be entrusted to Mistress Lilia. I will take care of informing the Master."
"That will not do. I have something to ask of my father so I will go to speak with him. Wait here until I return."
Leaving a dumbfounded Alisa, Lilia returned to the mansion from the back entrance.
--Lilia. What are you trying pull here?
--Pull what? I'm properly following your directions.
--Muu... Well, I suppose how you accomplish my instructions, is for you to decide...
Lilia was walking down the hallway heading towards her father. If it's now, he should be working in his office going through doc.u.ments. It had become his routine to confirm all the paperwork for the day before breakfast time. Knocking on the door of the second floor office, sure enough her father's voice came in response.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Father."
"Lilia...? So you've come out of your room, huh. Enter."
Though the words were blunt, he was wrapped in a happy atmosphere. For her normally unemotive father, Lilia was considerably surprised at his current disposition. And so she reflected on her actions a little. To think that he had been this worried.
Lilia entered the office. At the very back of the room sat her father at his desk. Though the eyes that stared straight at her father shone in a cold light, the side of her face moved ever so slightly. As if she was suppressing a smile.
"Good morning, Father."
"Ahh, morning. So, what do you need?"
Overturning the happy mood from before, the talk proceeded quickly. Lilia who was aware that her father was a busy person even amongst the n.o.bles, quickly cut to the chase.
"It seems that Father had bestowed the flowerbeds here to the maids."
"Ahh. I thought that it would be a good past-time for them. What about it?"
"I one request regarding that. I would like to receive the flowerbed allocated to Alisa."
Her father's face fell in disappointment. With a shake of his head, he gazed at Lilia through squinted eyes. With just that the temperature in the room plummeted all at once.
"Lilia. So you're still saying such things, huh...."
It was her father's way of ascertaining her own actions. With admiration towards her reliable father, Lilia responded.
"Do you happen to have any seeds you would recommend? If you have any suggestions I'd very much like to receive them."
Without a word, her father silently got up, and went to a shelf at the corner of the wall. Opening the shelf, from inside it he produced a small paper bag. She wondered why in the world he had flower seeds kept in such a place, but those thoughts were dispelled as her father approached with the bag in hand.
Her father presented the paper bag, and Lilia respectfully received it.
"Lilia. If you overdo it too much, even I won't be able to protect you anymore."
"My, what a strange thing to say. I'm not doing anything to be ashamed of right now you know?"
Heaving a large sigh, her father gave a short "you may go", and returned to the back of the room. Lilia gave a deep bow on the spot, as she took her leave and exited from the room.
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