Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 33

The day of the debut ceremony.

This was the grandest stage for a debut, with the nation’s prestige on the line. Not a single mistake could be permitted. The days of preparation had been far busier than I’d imagined.

To greet the endless stream of guests, I had to memorize the culture, customs, and proper honorific usage of each country in advance. Not only must I avoid any discourtesy, but I was also being judged for the “dignity” expected of the Crown Prince’s fiancée.

The previous morning had been spent hosting a tea party. While listening attentively to others, I had to respond gracefully when needed, occasionally guiding the conversation. Even maintaining the perfect smile required constant vigilance. I’d realized anew that such perfection couldn’t be achieved overnight.

From the afternoon, Lord Lucius and I conducted final checks of the ceremony’s detailed arrangements. The guests’ movement routes, royal family positions, the Spirit Princess’s stage timing, transitions between music and dance. We repeatedly coordinated with staff to ensure everything proceeded flawlessly.

Between these, I visited the venue several times for inspections. Yes, I wasn’t merely a guest. As the Crown Prince’s fiancée, my role involved both being observed and providing support.

Even costume discussions required careful attention. Every dress, every hair accessory had to reflect my awareness of representing the nation beside the Crown Prince. I mustn’t appear frivolous, yet neither too plain. The balance had to be modest yet splendid, a delicate equilibrium.

And most crucially, “remaining calmer than anyone else.” As a future member of the royal family, I couldn’t lose composure. No matter how surprised, angered, or flustered. I must never show such emotions on my face.

Yes, precisely.

Thus, even during these dizzyingly busy days, I couldn’t relax.

Today, since Their Majesties were ceremonially restricted in movement, Lord Lucius and I had to survey the venue, constantly watching and remaining alert for any unforeseen incidents.

Needless to say, this was my natural duty. Merely a fraction of the responsibilities daily shouldered by Lord Lucius.

But…

“In novels, ‘Crown Princes’ in such formal settings often make outrageous moves. It’s practically a tradition,” I muttered with a sigh.

Suddenly announcing the annulment of an engagement before everyone, then embracing the weeping heroine.

It’s entertaining enough as a reader.

But what would happen to national prestige if such a Crown Prince existed in reality?

Glancing at Lord Lucius beside me who must have been many times busier than I. He smiled serenely without showing a trace of fatigue. Impressive, as expected.

“Now, shall we go, Feli?”

I immediately placed my hand over his gracefully offered one. As we did, the venue doors slowly opened.

Before my eyes lay decorated chandeliers and guests in resplendent attire.

Oh? Via and Laila are here too.

And of course, Lady Beth, the main attraction.

But Lady Beth was glaring unhappily in our direction. Heh, understandable. I haven’t forgotten what happened three days ago either.

“Eh… Lord Lucius won’t be escorting me?” Lady Beth had exclaimed with a stunned expression.

Naturally. How could Lord Lucius, who has me as his fiancée, escort anyone else? Dancing together and being escorted are entirely separate matters.

Perhaps everyone assumed she knew, so no one explained?

No, surely they did tell her. Inconvenient information often fails to reach people.

She must be frustrated. But to make such a face during today’s closely watched debut.

Heh, once the ceremony begins, my opportunities to shine as the “villainess” will be limited, so let me grant Lady Beth a triumphant smile here.

Just then, the venue doors opened wide again as Their Majesties entered.

The atmosphere grew more solemn, a heavy silence descending.

And finally—

“We shall now commence the debut ceremony for the Spirit Princess, Lady Beth.”

The voice echoed through the hall.

“Today, you shall witness the illustrious power of the Spirit Princess. When Lady Beth touches this Akrum Stone, spirits present in the vicinity will manifest visibly. You may even hear their voices!”

A stir rippled through the crowd.

“We can see spirits?”

“Truly? Even hear their voices?”

“How mystical! I heard it’s been nearly a century since the last Spirit Princess was discovered.”

“I heard Lady Beth once conversed with spirits about sweets. ”

“How adorable!”

“I wonder what stories we’ll hear today?”

Amid the excited, expectant murmurs, the chamberlain called for order.

“Silence, please. Now, Lady Beth, if you will.”

“Yes.”

Lady Beth stepped forward quietly.

Since ancient times, it’s been said that humans beloved by spirits, blessed with their favor, appear in lands of abundant nature, bringing peace and prosperity to the nation.

Yet these spirits remain invisible even to their chosen ones. Thus, the selected might never realize their own special nature.

In the distant past, before the Akrum Stone’s discovery.

Legends tell that when those beloved by spirits were mistreated, the spirits’ wrath shook heaven and earth, summoning calamities.

Once the Akrum Stone became known, people finally gained means to identify and protect Spirit Princesses. All cherished children were called “Princess” by the spirits.

Though from unfortunate circumstances, Lady Beth was protected before any cataclysms occurred. One could call this tremendously fortunate.

Lady Beth touched the large Akrum Stone on the central platform with her fingertips.

In that instant.

A soft glow began drifting around her.

The light shimmered, dancing mid-air, gradually transforming into tiny, adorable forms.

“My…!”

Bodies small enough to fit in a palm. Translucent wings on their backs, blinking as they fluttered through the air. Exactly like the spirits depicted in picture books.

But that wasn’t all.

With the gentle breeze from the windows, more spirits came floating down, one after another.

Particles of light fluttered along air currents, gathering as if drawn toward Lady Beth—

Hm?

The spirits only appeared within arm’s reach of the Akrum Stone, yet their flight patterns…

Yes, their movements had a distinct “flow,” as if aiming toward something other than Lady Beth.

Passing right by the Spirit Princess, continuing onward.

Eh? They’re flying straight toward me?