Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 24

“Your Highness Lucius, you’re smiling.”

Caien’s voice drifts softly into the silent office.

“Ah, I let my guard down.”

I stop the quill in my hand and give a wry smile.

“No, I understand that feeling. You were thinking about Lady Winchester, weren’t you?”

“Haha, you caught me.”

Caien always sees right through me.

“Thanks to Lady Winchester, the Spirit Princess no longer barges into the office unexpectedly. I’m truly grateful for that.”

Caien’s voice was tinged with genuine relief.

The Spirit Princess would frequently appear in the office, claiming she “had something she wanted to know,” asking questions even her attendants could answer before leaving.

Of course, I could have refused her.

But she was the “Spirit Princess” the one recognized by the Spirit Ministry as bringing blessings and balance to this country. No high-ranking noble could treat her lightly. Not even the royal family.

The method to confirm the Spirit Princess’s identity was a ritual called the “Resonance Ceremony,” conducted as she traveled throughout the lands. The object held was the “Akrum Stone,” a small, deep blue gem passed down since ancient times.

When placed in the hands of someone bearing the presence of spirits, it would glow like ripples.

But that wasn’t all.

While touching the Akrum Stone, the spirits surrounding the Spirit Princess became visible, and their “voices” could even be heard.

This phenomenon wasn’t limited to the Spirit Princess alone. Everyone presents could witness and hear it.

That’s why, when the Spirit Princess was found, the country erupted in joy and was filled with voices of celebration.

But for me, the cost was by no means small.

“Truly, it’s thanks to Feli taking on the role of caretaker.”

I suddenly look up from the documents.

“Yes, Your Highness. The reason is gone now. The excuse for the Spirit Princess to visit so often.”

If she were to cry and anger the spirits, I couldn’t offer direct criticism.

“She must have noticed that you were tired, Your Highness.”

Caien’s calm voice melts into the office’s silence.

“Do you think so?”

About two weeks ago, a letter arrived from Feli. Written in a careful hand, yet somehow straightforward and true to her nature.

“I would like you to watch over my interactions with Lady Beth as much as possible without interfering.”

At first, I didn’t quite understand what she meant.

But I was certain she was acting with some plan in mind. Feli is clever.

“Exactly! At the academy, you’re no longer surrounded by the Spirit Princess and those self-proclaimed ‘friends’ of hers. That time was truly painful.”

A hint of irritation mixes into Caien’s voice.

He, too, had been present on numerous occasions as my guard. The transparent smiles and subtle rivalries among the young ladies gathered around. All of it felt like a meaningless ritual that drained both time and spirit.

“Caien, you couldn’t quite hide your bored expression.”

“Your Highness always maintained a smile, truly impressive. Those ‘friends’ were definitely aiming to become your concubines.”

“It’s troubling. Like my father, I have no intention of taking concubines.”

“Flattering eyes, saccharine words, conversations full of veiled competition. Ah, young ladies are scary.”

Though he said it jokingly, weariness seeped into Caien’s voice.

I was well aware that bad rumors about Feli were circulating. I had a good idea who was spreading them—Lady Beth and those who called themselves “friends” at the time, along with their attendants.

To call my Feli a “villainess” is utterly laughable.

I secretly burned with anger toward those fabricating stories that never happened.

—I will definitely mete out punishment.

But if Feli is planning something, respecting that is also an option.

“You might not have one now, but you’ll have a fiancée someday too.”

I abruptly changed the subject.

“…I know. My father back home is already nagging me about it. Ah, isn’t there a sensible, calm, capable, and beautiful young lady somewhere out there?”

With a wry smile, Caien looked up toward the window.

He is the second son of a marquis house.

Though not the heir by position, after graduation, he will serve as my personal royal guard, eventually receive a title, and be entrusted with a captain’s position. Not a few envy that future.

He alone remains unaware that those “friends” were secretly targeting him. Truly, whether it’s innocence or defenselessness.

“Haha, I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

“You must, Your Highness. Please ask Lady Winchester for help too.”

Suddenly, a memory of the tea party surfaces.

—The aroma of that tart.

The tart Feli made was truly delicious.

“Your Highness, your whole face is relaxed now. You were thinking about the tart, weren’t you?”

“You figured it out.”

“Of course. The tart Your Highness loves was made by Lady Winchester, whom Your Highness loves. Your face is bound to relax.”

When he said that, I smiled self-deprecatingly.

For Feli, a duke’s daughter, to step into the kitchen herself, use fire, and make pastries—that wasn’t something easily permitted in noble society.

“I’m surprised the duke allowed it.”

“Wasn’t it precisely because she desperately pleaded for Your Highness’s sake? I was moved.”

Even the Duke of Winchester, known for doting on his daughter, must have opposed her entering the kitchen. If she were burned or injured, it would become an irreparable situation.

“Imagining Feli standing in the kitchen, working hard to make it, made it taste even better.”

“Since it’s just me here, you can grin as much as you like, Your Highness.”

At Caien’s teasing words, I couldn’t help but smile. No, perhaps it was more than just a smile.

“I wonder if there’s any of Feli’s tart left?”

Though I thought it a childish question, the words slipped out uncontrollably.

“Yes, there are two left. Shall I bring them for your break?”

“Ah, please do. Let’s eat them together.”

At my suggestion, Caien smiled, narrowing his eyes.

“May I really have some too?”

“Of course. Delicious things taste better when shared. Feli will surely make more for us.”

Surely, I felt an unfounded certainty in that thought.

“Then, I’ll gladly accept.”

A rare, innocent smile appears on Caien’s face.

The sweetness of the tart remains in my heart as joy. Just knowing it was made by her hands multiplies that joy. It’s truly troublesome.

—Just what are you planning to do next?

I suddenly thought that. Feli is quietly, yet surely, changing my world.

With just one tart, she lightens my heart this much.

Thinking that, my cheeks relaxed once more.