Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 20

In the academy salon, the young ladies were once again elegantly enjoying their lunch. The fragrant aroma of tea drifted lightly through the air. Silver cutlery clinked softly, and porcelain plates were served without a sound.

“Feli said, ‘Please take care of your own position’ isn’t that line a bit too gentle?” Via asked while sipping her tea.

“That’s true. But it also sounds like a warning: ‘If you meddle with an engaged prince, you’ll lose your position as the Spirit Princess.’ As expected of Lady Felicia.”

“Now that you mention it, I suppose so. Do you think Lady Beth will behave after this?”

Via smiled mischievously while swirling her teacup.

“Lady Olivia, unfortunately, heroines are only delicate within stories.”

Laila replied with a cool expression. Hehe, they both seem to be enjoying themselves.

“Speaking of which, I heard another new rumor from Clarice and the others.”

Via lowered her voice and whispered softly so as not to be overheard.

“Is it a rumor about me?”

As I asked in return, I quietly placed my fork on the plate.

“Yes. They say Feli is jealous of Lady Beth and is deliberately interfering when she’s with the Crown Prince.”

Via said in a theatrical tone, furrowing her brows.

“Lady Felicia is his fiancée, so wouldn’t the one interfering be the other party?”

Laila’s tone sharpened slightly.

Even so, who could be spreading such rumors so soon after yesterday?

“Hehe. Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to ‘interfere’ a bit more.”

In the gazebo in the courtyard, Lady Beth was sitting next to Lord Lucius, chatting cheerfully about something. Her expression, with cheeks slightly flushed as she looked up at him, was exactly like that of a maiden in love. Surrounding her were Lady Beth’s friends.

Caien, Lord Lucius’s guard and attendant, had a shallower polite smile than usual. He must be bored. I bet he’s thinking, “You’re doing great, Your Highness,” inside. Hehe.

I quietly approached, maintaining a perfect smile as I spoke.

“Lord Lucius, so this is where you are.”

“Oh, Feli. It’s rare to see you alone.”

At his voice, Lady Beth turned around.

“Oh, Lady Felicia. Lately, you’ve been following. I mean, do you have some business with His Highness?”

The surrounding young ladies began whispering among themselves.

“She really is following him, isn’t she?”

“She must be anxious, afraid that Lady Beth will take the Crown Prince from her.”

“I thought she was more noble. I’m disappointed.”

They spoke just loud enough to be heard, but not directly—that’s their way.

I answered with a cheerful smile.

“My education as the future princess has reached a temporary conclusion. Since I have some free time now, I thought I’d spend more time with my fiancé.”

Another wave of whispers followed my words.

“That’s just an excuse. She didn’t have to come here where Lady Beth is.”

“So, she’s tailing His Highness because she ‘has time.'”

Then, one young lady spoke up.

“But His Highness is busy protecting the Spirit Princess, who is unfamiliar with noble society. I fear taking up his time would be a burden on His Highness.”

…You’re from a count’s family, aren’t you? You’re not in a position to speak for His Highness’s burdens.

“Lady Beth. What do you think?”

I turned my gaze to Lady Beth. Taken aback by the sudden question, she blinked rapidly.

“Uh, well… There are still many things I don’t know, and I’d like His Highness to teach me. That’s why I want to spend more time with him, if Lady Felicia would allow it.”

At her earnestly spoken words, several young ladies covered their mouths, murmuring, “Oh my… how gallant.”

“Things you’d like to learn? What kind of things?”

I leaned forward with interest.

“About nobles, manners, and various other things.”

“Is that so?”

I smiled lightly.

“In that case, would it be all right for you to continue being with Lord Lucius as before?”

“Yes, of course. You’ll allow it? Thank you.”

I haven’t said anything yet, though?

I took a step closer to Lady Beth.

“But as that young lady said, taking up the time of the busy Lord Lucius would be a ‘burden,’ wouldn’t it? I know! From now on, I’ll take care of you, Lady Beth.”

“…Huh?”

“I’ve completed my education as a young lady more perfectly than any of those young ladies over there. As the future Crown Princess, I will teach you thoroughly and kindly. Lord Lucius is a man. When it comes to the manners and comportment of a young lady, I believe I am more suited to provide appropriate guidance.”

Lady Beth’s eyes darted around, but she still spoke.

“B-but what I want to know is what Lord Lucius knows.”

“Oh? Specifically?”

I pressed further.

“Um… There’s a debut party coming up soon, so I’d like to learn how to carry myself when meeting royalty and people from other countries. Also, I’d like His Highness to teach me about His Majesty the King.”

“In that case, leave it to me.”

I took another step forward, meeting His Highness’s gaze as I declared confidently.

“I am also a future member of the royal family. Comportment is my specialty. Ah! I’ll also take care of getting permission from His Majesty the King.”

Watching our exchange, Lord Lucius smiled and spoke.

“That’s right. I’d feel reassured leaving it to Feli. It’s a relief for me too.”

At those words, my lips naturally curved into a smile. Nice assist, Lord Lucius.

I’ll be sure to take good “care” of you from now on.