Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 22

I lifted the cup by pinching its handle, slowly bringing it to my lips. The aroma of the tea gently tickled my nose, leaving a subtle astringency and elegance in my mouth.

Of course, my movements were deliberate. The angle of my elbow, the curve of my fingertips, even where I cast my gaze. Every gesture followed etiquette designed to be observed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lady Beth mimicking me as she brought her cup to her mouth.

I almost let out a sigh.

Does she even realize? As a lady, she should feel honored by such attention.

Well, while the aftertaste of the tea still lingers.

“Now, Lord Lucius. Shall we try the cookies Lady Beth made?”

“Ah, let’s do that.”

Lord Lucius reached out, took a cookie, and brought it to his mouth.

Lady Beth’s eyes followed the movement of his fingertips as if drawn by a magnet. Her gaze, a mix of anticipation and anxiety was almost prayer-like.

One bite.

And then, a gentle smile.

“It’s not overly decorated, but it has a nostalgic, warm taste.”

In that moment, Lady Beth’s face lit up brightly.

“Oh, I’m so happy!! Thank you!”

She placed her hands on her cheeks, expressing her joy like a young girl.

Watching her, I quietly returned my teacup to the saucer and smiled.

“Lady Beth.”

My voice remained perfectly calm.

“You must not touch your face. You will be handling the palace’s cups and cutlery with those hands. Cleanliness and decorum must always be kept in mind.”

“…”

“Please refrain from any gestures I do not make. This is, after all, a learning opportunity.”

At my quiet correction, Lady Beth’s face stiffened. The way she bit her lip was likely unconscious.

“Feli, you should have some too. Is that alright, Lady Beth?”

At Lord Lucius’s words, Lady Beth hurriedly straightened her posture.

“O-of course. Please do!”

“Then, I won’t hesitate.”

I also picked up a cookie. It was modest in thickness, with a simple baked color, carrying a certain handmade warmth. When I took a bite, a crisp texture gave way to a soft wheat aroma.

Lady Beth, again matching my movements, brought one to her mouth as well.

“The quality of the ingredients really shines through. It has a very sincere flavor.”

“Thank you?”

Her mouth was smiling, but her eyes alone looked confused.

Her expression seemed to say, “Is this praise or not?”

Hehe.

“How about the tart, Lord Lucius?”

I suggested with a smile.

Beside the gold-rimmed tea set, a small tart rested on a white porcelain plate. The red of rhubarb and raspberries colored it adorably, like flowers.

“This is a rhubarb and raspberry tart.”

Lord Lucius’s voice rose slightly.

“It’s my favorite tart.”

At those words, Lady Beth’s profile twitched. A faint expression, somewhere between surprise and bewilderment crossed her face.

“Yes, that’s right.”

I replied with a cool smile.

Of course, Lady Beth wouldn’t know. That this tart is “His Highness’s secret favorite.” That only a limited few are aware of this. And—

“I made this one.”

“Feli did!?”

Lord Lucius’s voice jumped unintentionally. At his reaction, the color drained from Lady Beth’s face.

“Eh… no way…”

Her soft murmur was faint, like ripples on tea, but I heard it clearly.

“I never imagined our handmade sweets would overlap.”

I said with deliberate surprise.

“I heard baking is popular among ladies lately. I wanted to try it myself.”

“Feli, for me?”

Lord Lucius’s eyes seemed to glisten slightly. I could feel the surroundings beginning to stir.

“She just scolded Lady Beth, yet she’s causing trouble for the servants herself!”

“She probably had them make most of it. And yet she acts like it’s her own achievement.”

Hehe, I can hear you, you know. But you’re missing the mark.

I went through numerous trial batches to perfect this tart. I can’t have people thinking I’m a lady who does nothing, relying solely on my family name.

Besides, our servants were practically fighting over the trial versions and misshapen pieces—do you really think they found it troublesome?

Well, I won’t say that here.

“Of course, I’ve submitted documentation certifying its safety on behalf of the ducal house, and it has passed the royal taster’s inspection.”

I smiled sweetly.

Naturally.

“Feli, can I eat it now?”

Lord Lucius fidgeted like a child.

“Yes, please. Go ahead.”

The silver fork moved silently, carrying a bite-sized portion of the tart from His Highness’s hand.

“Mm!! It’s delicious, Feli!”

With those words, the atmosphere shifted. His voice was affectionate, slightly heated.

“The crust crumbles lightly and crisply, with an elegant butter aroma layered with a hint of raspberry sweetness. It harmonizes gently with the sharp tartness of the rhubarb. It’s perfect.”

Hehe, I’m glad.

I took a bite as well. The subtly sweet tart crust, the faint astringency of the raspberries, and then the sudden spread of the rhubarb’s acidity.

Of course, Lady Beth also ate hers while mimicking me.

“Lady Beth, how is it?”

When I asked, there was a slight pause.

“…It’s delicious.”

Her voice carried a tone of reluctant admission.

“Hehe, I’m happy.”

I took a sip of tea. The fragrant aroma passed through my nose, the blissful aftertaste tickling my throat.

“Feli, may I have another?”

Lord Lucius looked at me with boyish eyes.

“Of course. I made it for you, Lord Lucius.”

Lord Lucius’s face brimming with joy, and Lady Beth’s face, as if chewing on frustration.

Ah, the tea is truly delicious.