Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 29

“How wonderful, Princess of Spirits… You look like a goddess from a storybook.”

At my attendant’s admiring voice, I allowed a slow smile to form.

My pure white dress was as pristine and noble as the first snow. The silver thread embroidery along the hem caught the light and shimmered gently, tracing patterns with every movement. In my hair, an emerald hair ornament sparkled amidst my wavy chestnut locks, as if a forest spirit dwelled within.

—Yes. This is the appearance that truly suits me.

I never knew my mother’s beautiful face. But if she were to look at me from within a mirror now, her eyes might contain jealousy. Because I am that beautiful now.

Back in the village, no one ever called me beautiful.

But of course, they wouldn’t. Those shabby clothes, sunburned cheeks, unkempt hair. That wasn’t the “real me.” Just a temporary disguise.

My poverty and drunken father had been hiding my beauty.

Now is different.

Now I am the chosen one, the Princess of Spirits. More beautiful than anyone, more noble than anyone, and more blessed than anyone.

From now on, I will illuminate this world. Everyone will look up to me, respect me, envy me. That future is already within reach.

“You’re scheduled to visit the orphanage affiliated with St. Elmina Church today. But are you certain that’s the appropriate location?”

My attendant asked in a cautious tone, confusion coloring her brow.

“Yes, though it’s rather regrettable, I’ve been informed it’s the most suitable location due to security arrangements.”

I replied without changing my expression.

In truth, that was just the formal reason. But my true purpose lies elsewhere.

That woman frequently visits that place.

Just playing at charity by leaving gold coins at the orphanage, I suppose? Spreading “kindness” with nothing but a smile.

Hehe, no matter how much money that woman spends, she can never become a “holy being” like me. It’s the perfect place to show the difference.

What children need isn’t mere charity. They need true blessings, heart-stirring “miracles”—and only I, blessed by the spirits, can provide that.

“Regrettable? The children will remember meeting the Princess of Spirits for the rest of their lives!”

My attendant’s words sounded like mere common sense now. Yes, of course. Because I am the “real thing.”

I’ll show them how I differ from that “duke’s daughter.”

I’m not like her, just giving things away. My very existence becomes “hope” itself.

“Then, let us proceed.”

Announcing this quietly as I stood, my dress hem whispered across the floor. The silk waves traced an elegant arc, spreading nobility along with my perfume. Graceful as a goddess, mysterious as a spirit, the curtain rises on today’s stage.

As the carriage door opened, a faint breeze caressed my cheek.

It felt like a completely different world from the city’s noise.

St. Elmina Church’s white tower glowed softly in the sunset. The attached orphanage building was much better maintained than I’d expected. The stone walls were kept clean, with seasonal flowers gently decorating around the doors.

—Not a bad stage.

“Princess of Spirits, welcome!”

An elderly woman bowed deeply. Probably the headmistress. I returned the greeting with perfectly crafted elegance and a manufactured smile.

“Now, this way. The children have been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

In the courtyard we were led to, small children stood in lines. Awkwardly clutched bouquets in tiny hands spoke of their heartfelt welcome. Some biting their lips nervously, others shyly looking down.

—Well now, aren’t they adorable.

“Princess of Spirits, please take this.”

“Oh my, thank you. This makes me very happy.”

I bent my knees, crouching down to accept the flowers. I didn’t miss the newspaper man quickly taking notes. I smiled at the perfect angle, slightly lowering my gaze.

—Good. Tomorrow’s headlines should read “Incarnation of Mercy and Mystery.”

Now, the real performance begins.

“Then, Princess of Spirits…”

“Yes, I understand. —Spirits, please grant your blessings to these children with bright futures.”

Raising both hands to the sky, I closed my eyes in prayer. A breeze swept past, caressing my cheeks, perfect for the performance.

“Oh… how divine!”

“The wind, it felt like a holy wind.”

“I never thought I’d witness a blessing ceremony.”

The surrounding adults voiced their admiration. The children, still not fully grasping the situation, looked up with blank expressions, but when the headmistress clapped her hands to prompt them, small applause finally erupted.

Hehe, you could be more grateful, you know?

“Then, perhaps we should return soon.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Nodding at the chamberlain’s words, I turned to retrace my steps.

“Eh? Are you leaving already?”

The headmistress exclaimed with surprise.

“The Princess of Spirits is extremely busy. The fact that she could visit at all is a great honor.”

My attendant answered in my place. I modestly lowered my chin and nodded.

“Y-yes, I suppose so.”

Beside the still-confused headmistress, a small voice reached my ears.

“But Feli-neechan always stays until evening.”

At that moment, my eyebrow twitched.

“Feli, meaning?”

“That would be Lady Winchester, the duke’s daughter. She’s been coming here since long ago. Just recently, she replaced all the beds for us. And clothes too…”

—I see. So, she’s buying affection with money, that woman.

Hah! Maybe she’s making the children entertain her for hours in return? Unbelievable. I would never do such a thing. Don’t worry, I’ll leave right away.

Crouching down, I took a young child’s hand. The small fingers felt slightly cold. Smiling, I said:

“After the presentation is over, I’ll come again. Next time, I’ll show you real spirits.”

“Really? I can’t wait! The spirits!”

The child cheered and threw themselves at me. The sudden impact threw off my balance.

“Kyaah…!”

I landed squarely on my bottom.

In that moment, my white lace dress spread across the muddy ground. The delicate embroidery became miserably stained with brown dirt.

“Terrible! Princess of Spirits, are you injured? Let’s return immediately!”

The chamberlain and attendants rushed toward me in panic.

—This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Putting strength into my knees, I stood up gently. The murmuring orphanage children’s gazes were all focused on me.

—The one who made me, of all people, wallow in mud.

—The one who humiliated me, of all people.

“This is why I hate children.”

The small voice that reached no one else rang out cold and clear.