I'm not making illicit schemes, I'm planning for success

Lyov's cousins were, surprisingly, not very impressive in the competition.

They both lasted longer than the weaker competitors, but neither was in the top half. Lyov had seemed somewhat disappointed by their showing, and she had a suspicion his family might be disappointed, as well.

They'd looked unimpressed with the cousins' performance when the two collapsed. Though, as they looked unimpressed by her existence, and Snowball, and her husbands, she didn't exactly think much of their opinion on anything. But, still...

She'd. Hoped Lyov's family would have at least some pride in Lyov's cousins, but. Maybe they didn't, or maybe she was misinterpreting the look of vague contempt and superiority. Perhaps they were simply smug out of how impressive they felt the cousins were.

But then she'd imagine they'd be a little more put out than 'disappointed' when the two cousins they'd be watching performed so poorly compared to the winners.