Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 14

“Sister, Father is calling for you.”

You’re not even hiding that ugly expression, Lilith. You should act a bit better.

“Do you know what it’s about?”

“Who knows? Hehe.”

I’d already heard that Dario visited early this morning. And that he hasn’t left yet.

I see. So, they’re finally going to end this farce. I head to Father’s study. Opening the unnecessarily luxurious door without making a sound.

There’s Father, my stepmother, Lilith, and Dario. Well, just as expected. What obvious actors.

“You called for me?”

“…Yes, well, sit down.”

Naturally, Dario was sitting next to Lilith.

“Your fiancé will now be Lilith’s fiancé.”

Oh my, that was unexpectedly quick. I thought they’d drag it out a bit longer.

“W-what?! Dario is my fiancé!! Why would you do such a thing!”

I let out a cry that sounds like sobbing.

“I’m sorry, Sister. But I, Lord Dario…”

…Yes, yes.

Your timing for moistening your eyes is perfect. But your mouth is smiling, Lilith.

“Lilith isn’t at fault. While listening to her troubles, I came to want to protect her.”

“Lord Dario…”

I see. So your chivalry has awakened, has it? What a conveniently timed awakening. May I proceed? With this farce.

I take a deep breath and furrow my brow.

“What are you saying! Dario may be from a Count’s family, but he’s the second son. Lilith isn’t the second daughter either. Do you plan to become commoners together?”

Lilith deliberately shrinks back.

“That won’t be a concern.”

Father sighs and says sharply.

“I’ve decided the title will be inherited by Lilith.”

Oh my. I thought you’d say that. But—

“Father! I’m the eldest daughter. I should inherit this house.”

A natural protest, wouldn’t you say?

“You’re not fit to succeed this Marquis household!”

“That’s right, bullying your younger sister Lilith. And you never once accepted me as your mother either.”

Stating the obvious.

I never had any intention of kneeling to that woman wearing my mother’s mask. And you never treated me as your daughter either.

“Exactly! Do you think someone who doesn’t value family can inherit and protect this Marquis household?! And that spending of yours, I’ve reached my limit!!”

Does it not matter that Lilith has spent more than twice what I have?

“The matter of the title is also a condition for the change of fiancés. We’ve already settled it with the Count’s family too.”

“Such…”

I deliberately widen my eyes, make my shoulders tremble, and quietly sink to the floor. I can feel the cold floor, but it’s nothing special.

Playing the “despairing older sister” who collapses here is the correct move, right?

And then—

“F-Father, what about my marriage?”

“We’re considering it now.”

“Graduation is just around the corner. There are no remaining households of eldest sons, how troublesome for you.”

You’re not hiding your happy face at all, Stepmother.

“…Yes, that’s right. We can’t just send a Marquis’s daughter anywhere. Was Count Villaflor looking for a second wife?”

What a wonderful suggestion. You think a second wife is suitable for me.

“Well, that would be fine. Oh! That’s right, the chairman of Monlevan Commerce was also looking for a second wife. That person was from a Baron’s family, wasn’t they?”

…All of them second wives. Well, for someone who’s had her title and fiancé stolen, only second wives remain, I suppose. If none are found, do you think sending me to a convent would look better for appearances?

“Young lady, let’s return to your room.”

Oscar gently supports me and helps me stand.

“Oh! That’s right. What about Oscar? He’s close in age to Sister, and though he’s a common-born child, he is technically the second son of a Viscount’s family. How about them marrying, with Oscar as the butler and Sister as my maid? Right, Mother?”

“Lilith. What a wonderful idea!”

Dario shows a troubled expression. How rare—it seems his rationality has surfaced.

“That’s going too far, making my sister a maid or such. What would other nobles say?”

“No, if we send Laila to the territory for recuperation and secretly bring her back without letting her appear publicly, that might work.”

Father ponders.

The fact that you’re seriously considering it shows how hopeless you are. I can see you’re trying to make me do your work.

“Sister is excellent, so I’d love to have her support me.”

“That’s fine. As an opportunity for atonement for everything until now.”

How selfish of you both.

I stand up. I keep my back turned and don’t look back. The laughter echoing in the hallway.

Even that is according to plan.

When we reach my room, Oscar is preparing tea with practiced hands. The tea set in my room is one he carefully maintains. The amber liquid poured from the pot sways gently in the cup.

“Earl Grey is acceptable?”

“Yes. Right now, that scent is calming.”

My nerves gradually unwind with the softly rising fragrance. As if the curtain has finally fallen on the noisy stage.

“Sigh… I wonder if my intuition is good or bad.”

Oscar immediately responds to my murmured soliloquy.

“Regarding Lady Lilith?”

“Yes, a little. I was shaken.”

To bring up Oscar’s name.

“It didn’t appear that way. Your acting was wonderful today as well.”

“Hehe, falling for me all over again?”

“All over? I’ve been continuously in love, so there’s no need for ‘again,’ I think.”

His words remain light. But the seriousness floating in the depths of his eyes didn’t sound like a joke. Oscar quietly offers the cup.

“Thank you, Oscar. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’ll always be here. By Lady Laila’s side.”

My heart loosens at the sound of him saying my name. Now then, I must prepare for the next stage.