“Even so, this kind of design is currently in fashion,” Alice replied.
“You could just ignore trends. Besides, we’re at your house right now; fashion doesn’t matter here,” Lambert said, pouting as he leaned on the table in the Marquis’ salon, looking away with a disgruntled expression.
He was annoyed by Alice’s choice of attire, a modest navy-blue dress, which he found thoroughly unappealing.
“As a noblewoman, I’m strictly taught to stay attuned to trends and always be mindful of appearances. Haven’t you been taught the same, Lord Lambert?”
“Me? Well… yeah, I suppose,” Lambert muttered.
“You must have had much stricter education than I did. I truly respect you for that,” Alice said with a gentle smile, as if she genuinely admired him.
“Hmm, well, I guess so,” Lambert replied, puffing up with pride.
As Alice maintained her bright demeanor, she thought to herself how fortunate she was that he was so simpleminded.
By altering her hairstyles and clothing to deviate from his tastes, Alice found that Lambert’s complaints grew more frequent. But she had already steeled herself and wasn’t hurt or discouraged in the slightest.
She deflected his comments with excuses, flattered him, and skillfully redirected conversations as time passed.
* * *
Upon entering middle school, Alice joined the student council almost immediately.
Lambert despised people who were more capable than he was. Although he took pride in himself, his academic performance had faltered in recent years due to neglecting his studies.
The student council was open to students regardless of social rank, but its membership requirements were stringent, accepting only top-performing students.
Alice’s participation in the student council alone was enough to irritate him.
To ensure Lambert’s dislike, she focused her efforts on undermining his pride.
* * *
“Lord Mortade, I’ve finished reviewing all these documents,” Alice said, placing a stack of papers on the desk before a young man who was diligently writing with a pen.
He had long black hair tied at the back, intelligent blue eyes, and a mature, handsome face. His name was Lidio Mortade.
Lidio was a year older than Alice and served as the student council president.
Pausing his work, Lidio looked up and allowed a faint softening of his usually calm expression.
“Thank you. You’ve been a great help,” he said.
“It’s an honor to be of service,” Alice replied.
Three months had passed since Alice joined the student council. Naturally inclined to help others, she found fulfillment in supporting someone she respected as much as Lidio.
Despite being the son of the king’s brother and possessing noble blood, Lidio never flaunted his status or intellect.
He performed his duties as president diligently, completing tasks efficiently and methodically. Though he handled his responsibilities flawlessly, he never raised his voice when others made mistakes and quietly supported them instead.
0 Comments