Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 37

We begin to dance to the rhythm, slowly and gracefully.

My dress skims the floor, swirling and billowing as it catches the air. Guided by the waves of fabric, a soft light dances upward.

—The spirits had appeared, as if responding to our dance.

“Fwoosh~! Feli, so pretty~!”

“Shall we make flowers fall~!”

The tiny spirits dancing in the air, clad in golden and silver threads of light, spin round and round.

From their small hands spill particles of light and multicolored flower petals.

They form gentle whirls encircling us, creating a scene as if we had wandered into a dream.

The light reflecting off the ceiling chandelier merged with the sparkle of the spirits’ magic, like stars falling from the night sky.

Wrapped in the blessings of music, light, and flowers, I feel a sensation of clarity deep within my heart.

Amidst it all, Lord Lucius’s voice reached me quietly.

“But for spirits to appear nearby twice. Even if she wasn’t the princess, I believe Miss Beth had potential as well.”

His words held a faint sarcasm and, even more so, a deep sorrow. I lowered my eyes.

“—It must have been a mistake, then. Power can be so terrifying, sometimes leading one to misjudge a person’s true worth.”

We danced while exchanging quiet words. The surrounding spectators were captivated by the spirits, and a murmur spread through the fantastical atmosphere.

“That’s the Spirit Princess, the real one.”

“Her dress is glowing.”

“The spirits are making it shine.”

Whispers spread like ripples. People’s gazes turned into looks mixed with awe and admiration, directed at us.

It was an illusion, as if actors on stage were receiving applause.

Bathed in light, Lord Lucius whispered again.

“If I were to drown in that power, what would you do?”

For a moment, time seemed to stop. But I found myself smiling naturally.

“In that case, I, the ‘villainess,’ will not allow you to have your way.”

“Haha, I’m counting on you.”

The dance ended, and we slowly met each other’s eyes, looked around the hall, and bowed.

Surrounding us were light, flowers, music and unstinting applause.

“Just when my education as the crown princess finally ended, it seems I’ll be busy again.”

I unintentionally let slip my true feelings.

“I’ll speak to His Majesty the King on your behalf, so it doesn’t become a burden on Feli. Of course, I have no intention of forgiving those the spirits pointed out. Leave it to me.”

Lord Lucius’s voice from beside me was, as always, calm and filled with kindness.

“That would be a great help. Thank you.”

I smiled softly.

Soon, the ball approached its end, and guests invited from various countries began gathering one after another toward the center. Though the dance was over, the “curtain” of this night had not yet fallen.

What was about to begin was the “second act”—the stage of diplomacy, weaving politics and trust.

“Spirit Princess. Would you please visit our country as well?”

The moment the prince of a neighboring country spoke, Lord Lucius stepped forward lightly and responded without a moment’s delay.

“Ah, when that time comes, I shall accompany her. She is my precious fiancée.”

With those words, the atmosphere in the room softened gently. The surrounding envoys and knights exchanged smiles, and light laughter spread like waves.

“There is a region struggling with poor crop growth. Could you please bring the spirits with you?”

At that voice, the small spirits floating in the air suddenly shone brightly.

“You want them to grow big and strong, right? I’m good at that!”

As they flitted about, scattering sparkling light, smiles spilled from those around.

Adorable, yet reliable. With the spirits alone, it felt as if hope was shining into the future.

And then, the music announcing the end of the ball quietly resounded.

Low, solemn, yet somehow soft.

Urged by Lord Lucius, I quietly took a step forward. Lifting the hem of my dress with my fingertips, I adjusted it and advanced toward the center of the light.

That was the place where I would stand before the people as the future crown princess and as the “Spirit Princess.”

The stage where I must bear responsibility.

I bowed deeply, steadied my breath, and quietly opened my mouth.

“Thank you all very much for coming today.”

I poured my feelings into each word.

“As the future crown princess, I am deeply honored to have this day to greet all of you.”

I straightened my back and raised my face.

“And one more thing. As the ‘Spirit Princess,’ I have become one who receives the guidance of the spirits. From now on, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to listening to the small voices and becoming a light for the people’s lives.”

It was at that moment.

Soft particles of light gently descended from the ceiling.

A soft breeze wafted through, and the spirits began to dance quietly, spinning round and round.

They had responded to my words.

“If there are regions in need, please send word. The spirits will gladly lend their power. I will be the bridge.”

Pale light danced, and from the blossoming flowers of light on the ceiling, petals drifted down softly.

It was as if it were a blessing itself.

“Please, bless the future of this country and its spirits from now on.”

Finally, I bowed deeply and quietly.

The venue fell silent for a moment, as if holding its breath.

And then—

A storm of applause erupted. Cheers, admiration, tears—all directed at me.

I simply accepted it all, quietly and directly.

As the future crown princess.

And as the Spirit Princess.

That was my duty. Bathed in light, I smiled quietly.