Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 2

“So, you’re saying you want to become the villainess?”

Via stared at me intently, teacup still in hand. The soft afternoon sunlight made her hair appear even more translucent and radiant.

“Yes, exactly.”

I smiled quietly.

“I’ve watched countless stage performances since I was a child. I’m confident I can play any role. Though I’ve certainly never seen a ‘villainess’ before. Don’t you think that makes it all the more worth challenging? We have three months left until graduation; this adds some excitement.”

“Are you sure about this, Lady Felicia?”

Laila wore a troubled expression.

“Yes, Fel. I had already considered the possibility of my engagement being broken off anyway.”

“Me too. I was planning to leave my family after graduation regardless. There are things more important to me than family name.”

“So even if our reputations suffer somewhat, it won’t really affect us. But Fel, you’re different. You’ve lived bearing everyone’s expectations as the Crown Princess. After all your hard work, if your reputation were to suffer.”

Well, it’s not that I have doubts about becoming Crown Princess.

“Hehe, it’s fine. My relationship with Lord Lucius is good, and all I need to do is become the ‘villainess’ for the heroine, right?”

That calculating glint in the clear eyes of Lady Beth, the so-called “Spirit Princess.”

I never understood the reason for it until now, but it finally makes sense.

If I leave things as they are, it might affect my reputation.

“If she wants to confront me and write her own success story, wouldn’t it be my role to gladly provide that ‘stage’ for her?”

If she manages to splendidly defeat me, I’ll even give her a round of applause.

“My, what bold thinking. In that case, let’s do it! I’ll teach that girl the harsh reality of the ‘stage’ called life. Hehe, this is getting interesting.”

Laila clapped her hands together. The shadows of her long eyelashes shimmered.

“Hehe, then I’m in too. The heroines act ‘adorable’ while knowing all the rumors. As if it were their innate purity. But in reality, they’re just trying to bring us down and position themselves at the center of the story. If they had just a little humility, they might be somewhat charming.”

Via let out a small sigh, her breath filled with exasperation and pity. But soon, Via’s lips curved slightly.

“Then, shall I go first? To be honest, there are parts I’ve been putting up with for too long. I’ll settle this quickly.”

Her narrowed eyes held a somewhat mischievous glint. It’s unusual for Via, who usually steps back to calmly assess situations.

“I have no objections, Lady Olivia. I need some preparation myself. There’s someone I want to consult with, so I’d prefer to go later.”

Laila smiled gently, but her eyes were sharp and clear. Behind her usual adorable demeanor, it was obvious she was hiding careful plans.

“I have no objections either. It’ll probably take me time to read the novels I’m borrowing from Laila, so I’d prefer to be last. I want to properly understand my ‘role.’ Since we’re performing, every single line should have meaning, right?”

I brought my cup to my lips and smiled quietly.

I’m looking forward to it. What kind of story will this become? My heart is already racing.

Just then, Via suddenly turned to Laila and asked.

“Hey, Laila? About the rumors you’ve heard about me. I’d like you to tell me everything in detail, if possible.”

“That’s true. One’s own rumors are surprisingly hard to know about, aren’t they?”

Laila paused thoughtfully before speaking slowly.

“From what I’ve heard, the story is that Lady Olivia is secretly organizing the fiancés who gather to protect the Baron’s daughter. And that you may or may not be ‘harassing’ those young ladies and the Baron’s daughter.”

Via frowned.

“Secretly organizing? I’m just listening to their complaints. And those girls aren’t harassing anyone either. If anything, I admire how well they endure their fiancés’ cold attitudes.”

“I think so too. Their disregard for their fiancés is quite something. I’ve even clicked my tongue inwardly, wondering if they have no shame as nobles.”

Neglecting one’s fiancé shows such lack of common sense. But so.

“Via is considered the root of all evil, is that it?”

“That’s right!! Lady Felicia”

Laila suddenly leaned forward and continued in an overly sweet, mimicking voice.

“‘I just want to be friends, but Lady Olivia ignores me when I talk to her, and I’m sure she’s speaking ill of me behind my back’ I’ve heard her ‘complaining’ in such an artificial voice.”

The overly theatrical tone nearly made me burst out laughing. Via was shaking her shoulders while making a pained face.

“‘It might be my misunderstanding, but things go missing or get broken. Maybe Lady Olivia… no, that’s not it. I must just be clumsy’ apparently she’s spreading that around.”

My my, calling herself ‘clumsy’ at this age. That’s a matter of life and death.

Via looked up at the sky in exasperation.

“Jealous of the Baron’s daughter, manipulating other young ladies to attack her. Who would believe such ridiculous nonsense? But even for acting, breaking things seems a bit much. This is troubling.”

“I got so angry once that I said something to her, but that girl immediately cries. After making sure there are people around to see it, of course.”

The Baron’s daughter playing the “heroine” role must have acting skills good enough to deceive those around her. I can’t afford to lose.

“Lady Olivia. There are even rumors circulating about life-threatening behavior such as pushing someone down the stairs. I recommend you be careful in your actions.”

My!!

“That’s a crime! Via”

“…I didn’t do it.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Via glaring at me in exasperation.

We, as characters in this story seem to have quite turbulent roles to play.

“Well, as long as it counts as harassment from her perspective. In that case, yes, I’ll give it some thought.”

Via smiled elegantly.