Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 9

“Then, it really wasn’t you who called the Duke, was it, Via?”

From the teapot, an amber liquid was quietly poured, and a refined aroma wafted up. As I gently placed my cup back on the saucer and asked, Via, sitting across from me, shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“That’s right. I was a bit surprised when he suddenly appeared. I was planning to enjoy it a little longer.”

However, there was no hint of shock in her voice; rather, there was a calmness as if she had anticipated everything.

I wondered what she would have done if he hadn’t shown up.

“Well, as expected of you, Lady Olivia.”

Laila said, a smile playing on her lips as she set down her fork.

“You certainly didn’t look surprised at all. And the Duke was just like a ‘guest performer’ who suddenly appears in a theater.”

At that metaphor, a small laugh spilled among the three of us.

“But I was surprised that Father got so angry. I thought he never doubted that ‘getting married and going to your husband’s house would bring happiness.’ Since my brother is the heir, I was planning to gather evidence of Lord Elliott’s infidelity right up until graduation and break off the engagement all at once.”

Via lightly tilted her cup and sipped her tea, speaking as if it were someone else’s affair.

“Finding a new marriage proposal right after graduation isn’t that easy, and I was aiming to become a diplomat or Fel’s maid afterward.”

“Does that mean the Duke was aware of everything?”

At Laila’s question, Via smiled meaningfully.

“Yes, it seems so. He even gave me permission to do as I please for a while after graduation.”

As I watched Via smile gently, I suddenly felt inspired to speak.

“So, Via, what happened with Lord Elliott?”

At my question, Laila leaned in with interest.

“Father immediately sent a messenger to the Marquis’ house. Since he spoke those insulting words to me himself, it seems that was the final straw for Father. The engagement was annulled the same day. Lord Elliott is under house arrest until graduation and won’t be attending the graduation party. I doubt we’ll see each other again.”

“There might even be a chance of disinheritance.”

“Well, who knows? It’s no longer my concern.”

Via quietly set down her cup and lowered her gaze. For just a moment, it seemed a shadow crossed her profile, but it quickly melted away into the aroma of the tea.

Still, I was glad that Via would likely stay close to me even after graduation.

“I absolutely want you to be my maid, Via.”

At my suggestion, Via narrowed her eyes and smiled.

If capable Via were to be by my side in my public duties, how reassuring that would be? Even if I became a diplomat, I would definitely want her to accompany me on visits abroad. I look forward to it.

Such thoughts gently warmed my heart.

“By the way, I heard that Lady Ally, despite being suspended, was expelled early by the head of the Baron family?”

“Will she be sent to a convent in the countryside?”

As I murmured, Via let out a small sigh.

“It seems the head didn’t know anything about his daughter being exploited or about trying to disgrace a high-ranking noble lady.”

That’s fatal. A head of a family without any information-gathering ability.

“Even if Lady Ally was looked down upon by the Duke’s family, what does that matter? To act so boldly and stake her fate on such a trivial matter is nothing short of reckless. That she is still alive is already a miracle. Rather, she should be grateful.”

Laila’s voice was laced with disbelief. In the suddenly quiet atmosphere, the aroma of tea gently swayed.

“By the way, what happened to the other young ladies, Via?”

I had heard rumors that discussions between the two families were still ongoing.

“Well, their faces seemed somewhat bright, so I think things are progressing in a good direction.”

“I’m curious about how the family contracts will turn out… but at least, the positions of those young gentlemen are definitely shaken now. It’s the same as being glared at by Lady Olivia’s father.”

No one disagreed with Laila’s calm words.

The conversation paused, and silence spread for a moment.

“Even so, Lady Olivia, you were impressive, but when it comes to being called a ‘villainess,’ I felt it was a bit different.”

“Do you think so? I felt like the ‘evil’ part was lacking.”

That’s right! The depths of the villainess are profound.

“Hehe, in that case, as someone who has read countless novels, I will show you an example for the next Lady Felicia!”

As Laila declared proudly, I couldn’t help but smile.

Her usual lively spirit and a touch of adorable confidence.

“Well, Laila, you certainly have confidence.”

When I said that, Via also relaxed her mouth into a smile.

“I’ll be looking forward to it. By the way, was the person you wanted to consult okay?”

At Via’s question, Laila nodded slightly.

“Yes, there were no problems. In my case, the ‘heroine’ is at home, so I can’t guarantee that I can show everything, but I think I can provide plenty of topics for everyone to enjoy.”

“That sounds exciting.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it too.”

Sunlight danced by the window, casting delicate patterns on the table.