Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 31

In the academy salon, amid the faint aroma of rising tea, I gently returned my cup to its saucer and murmured.

“…What was she trying to accomplish, Lady Beth?”

The soft sunlight streaming through the window suited this elegant afternoon atmosphere perfectly. Yet the topic we were discussing was utterly vulgar.

“Judging from this article, it’s popularity-seeking, I’d say.”

Via said in her flat tone while holding the newspaper. Her slender fingers traced the printed image of Lady Beth.

The Spirit Princess—Lady Beth—with a benevolent smile, placing her hand over a child.

“Performance art—that fits best, doesn’t it? Since she’s been consistently outdone lately, she probably wanted to win over the children from the orphanage Felicia visits, then use her Spirit Princess blessings to capture the public’s attention. That’s about it, right? Creating buzz before her debut.”

Via lifted the corners of her mouth slightly.

I wonder who put her up to it. How sloppy.

“But we can’t necessarily say it’s entirely Lady Beth’s fault. The Head Priest was there too, wasn’t he? There should have been more natural and sincere ways to interact. Like playing with the children, helping with cleaning or cooking. Why did they only choose the ‘special performance’ of blessings?”

Laila said while slightly furrowing her brows.

“Playing with children. well, the only young lady who does things like that is Felicia.”

Via replied in a somewhat thoughtful voice. Just then, Laila suddenly looked up from the newspaper and muttered quietly.

“Even though she seems so scheming, the spirits chose Lady Beth, didn’t they? It’s strange.”

“Yes, indeed.”

Via nodded and continued.

“And her frustration is obvious even to us. But it’s a bit odd that the spirits aren’t getting angry about it. You’d think they’d react more; sudden thunderstorms, dishes falling, that kind of commotion. But there’s nothing at all.”

Spirits are sensitive to emotions. If the Princess’s heart is disturbed, the winds should rage and flowers wither or so I’d heard.

But—

“Perhaps my ‘choice of words’ is simply too exquisite, and the spirits can’t determine who’s at fault?”

I smiled, aware that my voice carried just a hint of pride.

“Hehe. To bewilder the spirits—Lady Felicia, you’re truly remarkable. By the way, have you heard the recent rumors?”

Laila lowered her voice and smiled mischievously.

“Yes, I’ve been looking forward to hearing them. I wonder how much my actions are being distorted.”

“That you ‘used orphanage children to harm the Spirit Princess,’ or that you ‘showed up afterward and stole the Spirit Princess’s achievements’…”

“What?! They can say what they want about me, but to speak of the children like that. That’s unpleasant.”

They could say whatever they wanted about me. But those children were different. Insulting them was the one thing I couldn’t tolerate.

“Yes, I feel the same. But thanks to this newspaper, those rumors don’t seem to be spreading much. Lady Beth appears to be getting a bit impatient.”

Laila pointed to the page.

Alongside the moment of Lady Beth’s blessing, there was a picture of me playing with the children and sharing the snacks I’d brought.

Ah, so I was being watched. That gaze I felt must have been from a reporter. The article’s publication was probably approved by Father.

“Hehe. As Via said, it’s hardly what you’d call noble young lady behavior.”

“But many people seem to view it favorably.”

Via continued.

“There’s also an interview with the orphanage director about how Lady Felicia has been visiting for over ten years. That carries far more credibility and goodwill than a single day’s performance.”

Laila smiled happily.

“That’s what matters most.”

I replied calmly, feeling a slight warmth in my chest.

“Well, it might look like ‘stealing achievements’ to some.”

“Was there even any ‘achievement’ worth stealing?”

I chuckled, and the two also shook their shoulders with quiet laughter.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how she plans to ‘recover’ at her debut.”

Laila said while bringing her teacup to her lips.

“According to Father, the Spirit Ministry is quite enthusiastic about pushing Lady Beth as Crown Prince Lucius’s partner. As if it’s already decided.”

Via let out an exasperated sigh.

“The Spirit Ministry probably doesn’t know she hasn’t even properly completed standard young lady education. It’s ridiculous.”

We exchanged glances and shrugged simultaneously.

“By the way, you’re both coming to the debutante ball, right?”

“Of course. I’m looking forward to it. But with so many guests, you’ll have to tone down your ‘villainess act,’ won’t you, Lady Felicia?”

“What will you do, Feli? In novels, the ‘villainess’ usually heads toward ‘engagement annulment.'”

Oh, Via, really.

“I don’t think Lord Lucius would do anything so foolish. But since it’s such a grand stage, I’d like to do something villainess-like.”

“My, I’m looking forward to it. Yes, I won’t miss it.”

Our laughter overlapped. Mingling with the elegant clinking of teacups, it was as pleasant as the sound of trees swaying in the wind.

I picked up my cup and smiled softly once more.

The day of the debut is coming soon.