Working at a Haunted Mansion Chapter 53

‘So annoying, seriously.’

Lily pouted her lips as she looked for her hat in her room.

‘It’s not like I’m roasting beans with lightning—why is everything happening so fast?’

This was her first relationship, and she had some dreams about it. A love that grew sweetly over time, the thrill of fingertips brushing, a romantic kiss…

And the reality? If she took her time growing the love, the estate might fall apart. Instead of a thrill from a touch, she felt a chill deep in her soul.

And that romantic kiss, that damn kiss!

‘Forget romance! I’m practically having to poke His Grace to wake up and kiss me already!’

Was there any love story as unromantic as this? It felt like the whole world was pushing her forward with a whip. She was a racehorse, sprinting toward the finish line.

Lily shoved a wide-brimmed hat onto her head. Beneath the brim, her eyes peeked out—eyes that held more than just displeasure; they held a touch of sorrow.

‘They say romance novels are fiction, but come on. I wasn’t even dreaming that big!’

Grinding her teeth, she took a deep sigh and adjusted her hat properly. Then, she practiced smiling naturally a couple of times before stepping out of her room.

Aiden, waiting outside the door, smiled gently when he saw her.

Ever since she’d called him by name, the man had been giving her eyes as soft and gooey as melted sugar syrup.

‘Cold-hearted, my foot. If he keeps this up, people will start calling him Mr. Loverboy.’

Lily secretly felt a little regretful that she was the only one who got to see this side of him.

She picked up her necklace and, like last time, requested a guard to accompany them. Then, they made their way to the garden. Unlike before, when they had gone to the pavilion, this time they walked along the garden path.

Ignoring any rumors that might label her mad, she took Aiden’s arm.

It was technically an escorting posture, but honestly, it was more tiring than just walking normally. She was simply determined to at least look like she was in a romantic relationship.

“I’ve passed by here before and saw that when the roses bloom, it’s really beautiful. I always wanted to walk through them, and now I finally am—kind of.”

[Let’s come back when the flowers are in bloom.]

“I’d love that.”

Lily smiled softly. The flowers would bloom next year, and by then, they might be in different places—but it was an easy lie to tell.

[What kind of flowers do you like?]

Aiden asked out of the blue.

“I like roses too, and—ah, I think lily-of-the-valley is cute. Actually, I don’t know much about flower types, but I think all flowers are pretty.”

If it were about cleaning tools or tableware materials, she could rattle off care instructions all day. But she didn’t really know the names of flowers. A noble lady could probably recite their names and meanings one by one…

Lily felt embarrassed by her ignorance, but Aiden just looked pleased.

[Then how about we look through a plant encyclopedia together sometime? I want to decorate the garden with flowers you like—so our walks will be even nicer.]

She half-jokingly replied:

“That sounds so good, I might end up walking here every single day.”

[That’s exactly what I want.]

His sincerity made her ears tingle. His voice was so dependable, it made her feel like their future together could really happen. Like they’d stay together from now on…

She joined in the mood and rambled on.

“But actually, more than the garden, I want to visit the library. I’ve never seen that many books gathered in one place. Would you believe me if I said I was drooling every time we passed it? Walking between flower beds is nice, but I think strolling between bookshelves would be just as lovely.”

If she asked, Aiden would surely let her borrow books freely even now. But that felt like overstepping.

No matter how much her position had improved, touching the Duke’s personal property wasn’t right. Unlike Julia, she had no excuse of “needing them for translation.” So the library remained a tempting mirage just out of reach.

Aiden tilted his head slightly and commented:

[You’ve got a unique taste.]

“I’m serious. If I went in, I wouldn’t want to leave until I read every book in there.”

[In that case, I’ll have to bring in new books each time you finish one. So you can’t leave.]

“You’d better not forget that promise.”

Access to the library and an endless supply of new books? She felt like she should get that promise in writing, just in case.

“I’m already excited.”

[Shall we go right now?]

“No. I’d rather save it for later—it’s something to look forward to.”

Lily smiled faintly. Just a few visits were enough for her. She didn’t want to build up too many regrets.

After chatting about lighthearted things for a while, the two took a break at a pavilion. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the well-tended garden, their minds felt calm and peaceful.

‘When everything settles down and I get properly rewarded by His Grace, maybe I’ll try keeping a garden like this? …Nah. Just the thought of weeding makes me tired already. Or—wait—if the gardeners are included in the reward package…’

[Lily.]

When she turned her head, Aiden was looking at her with a furrowed brow. But after calling her name, he only moved his throat in silence.

In the stillness, Lily wondered if she should crack a joke to ease the tension. Aiden Kashimir was visibly on edge.

But soon, Lily sensed something from him. She became tense as well, infected by his seriousness. She couldn’t say a word.

At last, Aiden spoke with determination.

[I like you. Please accept this confession from the depths of my soul.]

Lily swallowed hard.

‘So it’s finally come to this. And yet… it’s more complicated than I expected.’

The start of love also meant the beginning of an inevitable parting, so Lily had hoped this “in-between” phase could last a little longer. Maybe not a whole month, but at least a week—or even just a few more days.

Her longing was so great she almost felt crazy enough to ask him to give her three more days.

But it was just a wish—there was no way she could say that out loud. She didn’t want to be selfish in front of a man baring his soul.

If she could just hear him call her cute ten more times, she’d have no more wishes left. If only she could call his name confidently in front of others, or at least hold his hand just once…

‘Ah. Holding hands—I can probably do that. That much time, I’ve got.’

Lily mentally listed all the things a couple could do within about five minutes.

Holding hands, hugging, a kiss… Even if it seemed too fast by usual standards, no one should judge—they were in a special situation!

[Whatever you’re worried about, it won’t happen. I swear.]

His voice came urgently as the silence dragged on.

[This isn’t a feeling born from circumstance. No matter when or how we met, I would’ve fallen for you. Please, let me speak of a future with you.]

There were plenty of things she could’ve argued with in his words, but Lily let it go. She set aside the complications and simply wanted to enjoy his confession—to feel her heart swell with joy.

As she focused only on her pounding heart and the man before her, she felt herself slipping into bliss.

Until now, Lily had thought the most charming Aiden was the one who smiled softly at her. But now, the Aiden narrowing his eyes and looking only at her was just as beautiful—beyond description.

Raw emotion poured out from his soul to hers.

Lily wanted to make a promise about the future, just as he had. But what she said aloud was simple, pure truth.

“I like you, too. I really do.”

Just that was enough to make Aiden’s face light up. Only then did Lily realize he’d been carrying a faint shadow all along.

Had he been anxious about confessing? He really didn’t need to be. Even if he’d brought the most awful love lines in the world, her answer would’ve been the same.

[I didn’t think I’d be this happy.]

Aiden mumbled, turning his head. If he had a physical body, she would’ve seen his face turn red. In fact, she wouldn’t have to wait long.

Lily suddenly stood up.

“Let’s go.”

She spoke firmly, like a ship captain giving an order.

[Where to?]

“To your bedroom, of course.”

[Now? Right this minute?]

“Yes! What’s the point in hesitating? Let’s get it over with!”

A soldier keeping watch glanced back at her in surprise at her sudden outburst. But Lily moved without a care.

[Lily, get it over with…?]

As Aiden followed behind, Lily deliberately avoided looking at him. She swung her clenched fists as she walked, not hesitating one bit.

She couldn’t give herself time to hesitate. Her arms and legs sometimes moved out of sync, but that only made her stride look more forceful.

Watching her awkward movements, Aiden laughed, saying: [Are you nervous? You’re so cute…]

Then he placed his hand over her fist and began swinging in rhythm with her. This foolish man looked absolutely overjoyed that his confession had succeeded.

‘Nice. That’s one. Nine to go.’

Lily kept track carefully. If she played it right, she might hit all ten by the end of the day.

‘Wait a sec. If I just flat-out asked him to say I’m cute ten times, he’d probably do it, wouldn’t he?’

Aiden started poking at her ribbon with his free hand. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes made his feelings perfectly clear—and Lily burst into laughter.

The weather was so bright and clear, it felt almost unfair.