Chapter 387: Near Future
Thirty minutes later, in the Imperial Palace of the capital, Lyra returned to her old maid quarters and sat down by the bed, her blue eyes gently fluttering as she gazed at the evening gown Elise had prepared for her.
She had learned a bit about noble social etiquette while accompanying Astrid, but never expected to personally participate so soon.
Recalling her last attendance, it was at the third imperial princess coming-of-age ball, invited by Lina. That night marked the official start of her acquaintance with Astrid.
A naive village girl and a noble imperial princess, two individuals who should have had nothing in common, were connected by an invisible force. One could hardly call it anything other than fate’s choice.
Meanwhile, in the bedroom next door, Astrid sat on a soft stool in the walk-in closet, holding Amalia in her arms as she gently brushed the girl’s hair. Her fingers moved deftly, tying a slender red ribbon into an elegant bow among the dark locks.
In the mirror, the black-haired, crimson-eyed little girl wore a pale pink long dress. The cotton skirt bore lotus-leaf-like pleats, and the sweet pink tones greatly softened Amalia’s uniquely icy aura.
Amalia stared at her reflection, then at the woman behind her, the crimson-eyed beauty in a pure black evening gown, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall, and her delicate, doll-like features softened slightly.
"Sister, is tonight’s banquet particularly special?" Amalia asked softly.
Although her public identity was Livia Calliste, Astrid’s adopted little sister, there was no issue with Astrid frequently taking Amalia to social events. Yet in everyday life, Astrid almost never let her attend such highly social balls.
There were two reasons: one was to drastically reduce Amalia’s visibility and prevent others from growing suspicious; the other was that this golden-haired girl deeply hated the Valeria Empire’s royal family. Until she can fully control her emotions, Astrid dared not let her frequently interact with those bearing the surname Valeria.
"..."
After a brief silence, Astrid wrapped her arms around Amalia’s waist from behind, burying her nose in the girl’s hair, her voice infinitely gentle.
"It’s not that special, really. It’s just that I think Amalia should start interacting more with the noble circles."
The Emperor was the empire’s greatest noble. Even for Hibbort, and even more than for the future Amalia, this fact couldn’t be entirely escaped.
Better to understand it early.
Amalia blinked her eyes in response.
"I understand, Sister. I’ll be careful with my words and actions."
She disliked wasting energy on unpleasant socializing, but that didn’t mean Amalia wouldn’t learn.
Everything Astrid had taught her was essential knowledge for becoming someone in power.
"...Has Hibbort figured something out...?"
Without using the respectful title "Father," yet not resorting to anything more venomous, Amalia spoke the name of the man who had brought her years of misery, someone better off dead, in a flat, emotionless tone.
Hearing the Emperor’s name spoken by Amalia for the first time, Astrid was slightly startled, then quickly marveled at Amalia’s growth and perceptiveness.
She hadn’t intended to burden Amalia with this pressure so early, it would only push the girl into anxiety faster.
But since Amalia had brought it up, there was no need to hide it anymore.
"I can’t say I’m a hundred percent certain, but lately, the way he’s been treating me feels... off." Astrid’s voice was low, her arms tightening around Amalia.
"The private audience seat reserved for Livia Calliste, the award ceremony held for Lyra, and the lingering gaze he cast upon you. Everything is somewhat... intriguing."
The reason Astrid had chosen to bring Amalia out of the castle in the first place was not only emotional but also a calculated decision.
On one hand, her frequent late-night visits to the castle, after all, even the most careful could slip, risked exposing her movements over time; on the other, it was to cultivate her successor early, so that when Amalia eventually ascended, she wouldn’t be constrained by the great dukes.
And the consequence of that decision was that no one knew when, during one of Hibbort’s breaths, he might remember he had such a daughter.
No matter how capable Astrid was, she couldn’t rival the Emperor of the Valeria Empire. There was no way to quietly take Amalia away. Their only chance was that Hibbort had never once noticed Amalia’s existence.
The same reason applied to sparing that greedy maid, killing her would only draw attention to the castle. Leaving things as they were was the best choice.
Amalia narrowed her eyes upon hearing this, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"...Is there anything you need me to do, Sister?"
"..."
"Just maintain your usual state."
These were old, familiar issues. Some things couldn’t be avoided.
After the political reform, the Emperor of the Valeria Empire held supreme authority. If Hibbort’s stance was truly that firm, no amount of effort on their part could change the outcome.
As long as he stood there, he was absolute authority.
Gazing at Astrid’s tender expression in the mirror, Amalia lowered her eyes, placing her slightly smaller hand gently over Astrid’s.
"Mm, Sister."
Astrid didn’t really need to rescue her so early. Yet because of a promise once made, "I’ll take you out of the castle", she now finds herself in such danger.
This was her sister’s love for her, the only light ever cast into her life.
Unfortunately... she was still too small, too weak...
Still far from possessing the ability to protect her sister.
Sensing the girl in her arms fidgeting uneasily, Astrid loosened her embrace slightly, turning Amalia to her face.
"What’s wrong, Amalia?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, a snow-white hand climbed up Astrid’s back, which wasn’t fully covered by the dress fabric. Amalia leaned forward and lightly kissed Astrid’s neck.
"I just want to hug my sister a little longer."
If the future remains uncertain, then at least she could hold onto present happiness.
For now, a simple embrace was solace enough for the two sisters.
.................
Hearing a knock, Lyra, already dressed, touched her shoes and stood up to open the door.
Outside, Astrid stood in the corridor, wearing a form-fitting long dress.
Tonight, the silver-haired princess was again dressed entirely in black, black dress, black veil, black stockings, black high heels, her skin and hair appearing even more snow-white in contrast.
Seeing Lyra, rarely dressed in noble attire, Astrid couldn’t help but look at her over a few times before softly praising her.
"I can’t tell if it’s Elise’s impeccable taste in clothing or if Lyra simply has such a good foundation. Either way, you look beautiful."
In her view, Lyra wore an off-the-shoulder creamy-white evening gown. Delicate white-silk straps hugged her rounded shoulders, gently pressing into her flawless, snow-white skin. The chiffon overlay accentuated the girl’s slender waist and perfectly developed, perky curves.
Noticing Astrid’s gaze, Lyra placed her hands beside her legs, standing straight with slight nervousness.
"R-really?"
Because the heels were higher than her usual Mary Janes, Lyra struggled to adapt, her body involuntarily swaying, only to be quickly stabilized by her physical coordination.
"Mm, it’ll be hard not to become the center of attention tonight, my Baroness Lyra." Astrid replied softly.
Hearing her sister speak, Amalia, holding Astrid’s hand, also turned to look at Lyra, her gaze briefly lingering on the girl’s chest before shifting back to herself.
"..."
That outfit... seemed only suitable for someone who could properly fill it out.
After a brief chat, Astrid reminded Lyra of noble etiquette for the banquet, then turned and strode toward the hall, her long legs carrying her forward.
"Tonight’s banquet includes many imperial elites. If you’re unsure what to say, just smile, nod, and behave appropriately."
"Also, Iris and the others will be there. If you get bored, Lyra, you can chat with your former rivals about the competition."
Astrid didn’t think Lyra would enjoy the nobles’ hypocritical socializing. Giving her something to do would at least make the time pass less painfully.
"Yes, Astrid." Lyra gently touched the strap on her shoulder, replying softly.
The three left the chambers together, walking through the wide corridor. The air was warm, infused with incense and the soft golden glow from the walls.
Listening to the crisp sound of her heels clicking against the floor and glancing at the dignified, noble princess beside her, Lyra recalled the night they first met, when she had struggled to wear even a slightly shorter skirt, feeling out of place among the crowd.
Now, she could carry off such an evening gown. Although the bare shoulders made her a bit shy, with Astrid by her side, that feeling wasn’t as strong.
...............
"Good evening, Princess Astrid, Miss Lyra, and Miss Livia."
Ten minutes into the banquet, Astrid had just taken a sip of red wine when Monica, wearing a backless gown and looking alluring, approached them voluntarily.
"Good evening, Miss Monica."
Having expected Monica to seek her out, Astrid gently swirled her wine glass, the liquid shimmering and refracting faint glimmers of red light.
"How has your stay in the empire been, Miss Monica?" Astrid asked softly.
"Thanks to Princess Astrid’s concern, the empire’s hospitality has been exceptionally warm, so much so that I’ve even considered extending my stay."
As Monica spoke, her lips curled into a slight smile, then her tone shifted.
"Of course, my departure is imminent. No matter how reluctant I am, I must leave tomorrow."
This trip hadn’t brought Monica much tangible benefit, but after witnessing Lyra’s dazzling performance in the arena and seeing how the imperial nobles lived in stark contrast to the kingdom’s upper class, Monica now has a bit more confidence.
In Astrid, she sees a possibility to break the kingdom’s stalemate, and a path suitable for easing post-war tensions and healing wounds.
Astrid nodded gently upon hearing this, her voice soft.
"In the future, should the opportunity arise, Miss Monica is always welcome to visit the empire again."
As to how distant that "future" might be, both speaker and listener had a rough idea.
Monica’s beautiful face remains smiling, her orange-gold eyes reflect Astrid’s gaze.
"I gratefully accept Princess Astrid’s kind invitation. Should circumstances allow in the future, I will certainly come in person."
With that, Monica turned her head towards Lyra, speaking in a calm tone.
"Miss Lyra looks stunning tonight."
Hearing Monica’s compliment, Lyra wasn’t as nervous as she had been when Astrid praised her. She politely nodded in response.
"Miss Monica looks beautiful as well."
As the public face of the Church of Light, Monica’s appearance was naturally flawless.
"Though I already told Miss Lyra during my visit, please allow me to express my congratulations once more."
Monica raised her wine glass towards Lyra.
"Congratulations on your victory, Miss Lyra. I will forever remember your outstanding performance."
That single sword strike, as if parting heaven and earth, remains unforgettable even to this day.