Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 26

“Princess Spirit, lower your shoulders and raise your chest. Oh my! You mustn’t lean so heavily on His Highness the Crown Prince!”

Lady Crawford, their instructor, raised her voice to near-shouting levels.

Though she had maintained her elegance at first, Lady Crawford now had deep wrinkles between her brows and couldn’t hide her exasperation.

“Huh? L-like this…?”

Princess Spirit tilted her head innocently.

But that “cuteness” seemed to be testing Lady Crawford’s patience.

“Now you’re leaning back too far, Princess Spirit! Oh, what should I… Ah! I know!”

Lady Crawford spun around to face the others.

“Lady Winchester, might you please show Lady Beth an example?”

At those words, I saw Lady Beth’s mouth twitch. A shadow fell across her brow, and her movements froze completely.

“His Highness the Crown Prince and Lady Winchester are always perfectly in sync. To help Princess Spirit form the correct image, could you demonstrate once, please?”

Hehe, I knew Lady Crawford would say that.

Quietly but unmistakably, the color drained from Lady Beth’s face.

Her chin, usually held high, lowered slightly, and I could clearly see her desperately suppressing her pride.

My, how unfortunate.

I turned my gaze toward Lord Lucius. With his usual natural grace, he approached leisurely.

“Very well, Feli. Your hand, please.”

He bowed lightly and offered his hand. A gesture that was unaffected yet flawless.

“With pleasure.”

I responded and took his hand.

The moment his hand enveloped mine, a soft warmth spread through my fingertips.

—Even at times like this, my heart stirs just a little.

Suddenly feeling a piercing gaze, I casually glanced back. There stood Lady Beth, staring intently at us.

A smile played on her lips, but her eyes alone were cold. Her gaze, filled with suppressed jealousy, frustration, and impatience, pierced through me.

Her eyes said, that is my place.

But unfortunately, this place is mine.

The prelude to the dance music began to play softly, as if taking control of the space.

With every step we took gliding across the center of the ballroom, I saw over Lord Lucius’s shoulder how Lady Beth’s hands clenched tighter and tighter.

I couldn’t help but smile.

This piece was composed of basic steps, but I wouldn’t cut corners.

One step forward. Two steps back, then a spin. Our gazes intertwined, our breaths synchronized, and Lord Lucius and I let our steps drift along the waves of the music.

With every turn, the hem of my skirt billowed softly, elegantly scooping the air. Every movement was reflected in the mirror-like floor.

Lord Lucius’s lead was light, gently guiding me. As long as I followed his hand, I felt I could dance anywhere with peace of mind—that kind of sensation.

Even amidst that blissful flow, I noticed.

At the edge of my vision, Lady Beth was glaring at us.

That frustration, of course, isn’t an act.

Hehe, please, do burn this example firmly into your eyes.

As the music ended, we stopped perfectly in sync and exchanged graceful bows.

Lady Crawford applauded with a smile.

Without a single breath out of place, I coolly turned to face Lady Beth.

“How was it? Lady Beth. Was it of some reference to you?”

Lady Beth’s throat moved slightly.

“…Yes. Thank you. Well, before I forget, Lord Lucius. This time, with me.”

Just as Lady Beth began to reach out her hand.

“My apologies. It’s time already. I must take my leave. What about you, Feli?”

At the Crown Prince’s words, Lady Beth’s hand cut through empty air. Her outstretched fingertips seemed left behind in the void. For just a moment, her eyes widened. But she quickly composed her expression.

Still, I didn’t miss it. The sound of something quietly breaking inside her.

“I’m a bit concerned about Lady Beth’s dancing, so I’ll stay a little longer as her attendant.”

I responded with a light bow. But in my line of sight, Lady Beth’s face had stiffened slightly.

“Is that so? Well then, I’ll come see you when Feli is about to leave.”

Saying this, Lord Lucius gave me a glance before elegantly turning on his heel.

A thin voice reached out to his back, almost involuntarily.

“Huh, are you really leaving?”

Lady Beth’s voice seemed to have escaped her lips faster than she intended. Looking up at the Crown Prince with pleading eyes, the surrounding air grew slightly restless.

Lord Lucius smiled gently and said,

“Instructor Lady Crawford and Feli are here. With two teachers, you’ll improve quickly. Do your best.”

It was a textbook example of gentle encouragement.

Lady Beth’s expression wavered for just a moment.

Her crafted smile cracked.

“…Yes.”

That reply no longer contained any spirit or pride.

Her lingering gaze continued to follow Lord Lucius’s retreating back.