Princess’s Struggle for Survival

It took a long time before Lyra could finally calm her heartbeat, which had gone wild from Astrid's kiss. She straightened her legs, her hand unconsciously hovering over the spot where the other girl had kissed.

How exactly did Astrid think... to kiss here...

In the library of Elizabeth Academy of Magic, Lyra had read various extracurricular books and learned many secrets about other races.

Legend has it that long, long ago, before the Valeria Empire was established, the world was home to numerous humanoid races, the most famous of which were the Vampires.

These creatures, who feared sunlight and lived nocturnally, were once the sworn enemies of humanity. Their favorite activity was drinking human blood, typically done by baring fangs at the neck and then pursing their lips to suck deeply.

Besides feeding, they sometimes did this for another purpose: to recruit more members, turning ordinary humans into members of the Vampires.

This process was called the "Embrace."

Now that the Vampires had long disappeared into the annals of history, kissing the neck had gained another layer of meaning.

It was a way to express possession, to declare ownership.

Lyra didn't know whether Astrid was aware of this knowledge, or if she had simply chosen this spot just to tease her.

As if marking her prey, leaving a trace that belongs solely to herself.

Even as she told herself not to think about it, Lyra couldn't help but ponder, trying to convince herself with evidence that Astrid really did want to express possessiveness.

Possessiveness over Lyra Beckett, like that of a lover.

But... Princess Astrid didn't seem like that kind of person at all...

Most likely, she was just teasing her again.

As for directly asking Astrid why she chose to kiss her neck, Lyra currently lacks courage.

Just moments ago, her legs had gone weak, she needed more time to recover.

Seeing how deeply affected Lyra was, Astrid curved her lips into a smile, her fingers tapping lightly on her thigh, wisely shifting the topic.

"So, Lyra, have you decided what reward you want?"

"You only get one chance. Think carefully."

She'd already kissed her, surely she wouldn't demand another promise tied to herself. This time, Astrid's tone was noticeably more normal, no longer deliberately teasing Lyra.

Hearing this, Lyra gathered her scattered thoughts and her gaze instinctively followed the only movement in her immediate view.

A slender, pale finger gently prodded soft thigh flesh. The smooth, delicate skin, like a perfectly glazed black forest cake, dimpled slightly under the fingertip, revealing just the right curve, while the elastic fabric silently emphasizes the graceful softness of its owner's limbs.

After a moment of silence, Lyra spoke softly.

"Can I... not be in such a hurry to ask for my reward...?"

Aside from that one kiss from Astrid, she hadn't actually decided what she truly needed.

Winning the Magic Exchange Tournament championship, aside from a magic wand and some extremely rare magical ingredients, Elizabeth Academy of Magic will also give her a substantial cash prize, enough to ensure a comfortable life for an average imperial family of three for the rest of their days.

Actually, to be more accurate, it would be more than sufficient.

In other words, Lyra could not only repay all her tuition fees but also fulfill her longtime dream, buying a very, very large house and bringing her family to live in the city.

Under these circumstances, aside from love that couldn't be forced, Lyra had nothing else she particularly desired.

Hearing this, Astrid gently fluttered her eyelashes and spoke slowly.

"So, Lyra hasn't decided what she truly wants yet?"

"Mm-hmm."

Lyra nodded, her voice gentle.

"I want to wait until I really know, then tell Astrid."

This request wasn't unreasonable at all. Astrid gazed at the pink-haired girl before her and nodded with a light smile.

"Alright. Then I'll hold onto your reward for now. Ask me when you need it."

Since Lyra wasn't in a hurry, there was no need to rush her.

"By the way, in a couple of days is the award ceremony for the Magic Exchange Tournament, followed by the closing performance."

Astrid stopped tapping her thigh and crossed her arms, her pretty face bathed in the soft light, her pink lips parting.

"According to protocol, as the winner, Lyra should attend. But since you're injured, if you really can't make it, I'll negotiate with the Academy."

"The representatives from the Kingdom of Velys and the Pan-Human Alliance must leave on schedule after the tournament, so the ceremony can't be postponed. Most likely, the outcome of my negotiation will be that I'll accept the award on your behalf."

Hearing this, Lyra blinked, her voice soft.

"Astrid, I'm not injured that badly."

She only felt a bit of internal discomfort and sore wrists, most likely, it wouldn't affect her attending the ceremony.

Astrid nodded upon hearing this, her tone was calm.

"I know. I'm just saying, in case."

Immediately after, Astrid looked at Lyra's cheeks, which still hadn't fully lost their blush, and her voice lifted slightly at the end.

"Though... Lyra's heartbeat just now was so fast..."

"I almost thought I'd hurt you."

When she kissed her, Astrid had deliberately supported Lyra's shoulders to avoid putting pressure on her. Now, saying this was just another way to tease their future Holy Light Knight.

Teasing an innocent girl really did bring a lot of joy.

Hearing Astrid bring it up again, Lyra's ears warmed slightly, but she stubbornly held her gaze, glaring fiercely at Astrid.

Of course, in Astrid's eyes, being stared at by a blushing, pure-hearted girl didn't bring any sense of danger at all, instead, it only stirred up more mischievous urges to tease her.

"What's wrong, still uncomfortable somewhere?"

Astrid said as she gently pinched Lyra's rosy cheeks. The tip of her high heel accidentally tapped against the bed leg, producing a crisp sound that seemed to strike directly at the young girl's heart.

"...No."

Knowing the other girl was implying her face was too red, Lyra could only reply sullenly, her gaze falling onto the hand just inches away. Suddenly, an impulse surged in her mind.

She wanted to bite it, just so Princess Astrid would know she wasn't someone easy to mess with.

But such childish thoughts disappear in an instant. Lyra blinked her eyes rapidly and continued to stare at Astrid with her large, watery eyes.

After pinching Lyra's cheeks for a while, Astrid remembered something and released her hand, channeling spiritual energy into the ruby pendant at her neck.

A few seconds later, a flash of white light filled the infirmary. A small meal box and two cups of milk tea appeared out of thin air on the nightstand.

"Come to think of it, Lyra hasn't eaten in nearly ten hours."

"Even though an early tier Magnus' body can endure hunger, recovery will definitely be slower without eating."

As she spoke, Astrid carefully shaped her spiritual energy. Once the fire-element magic took form, the cooled tea gradually warmed, thin wisps of white steam began to rise.

"Here."

She handed Lyra a cup. The girl gently reached out, and their knuckles briefly touched at the handle. Once Lyra had a firm grip, Astrid pulled back her hand and continued resting her cheek on her palm, watching.

"Considering you'll probably eat in bed, I didn't ask Elise to prepare anything inconvenient to eat. The meal box just has some beef patties and washed fruit."

"Should be somewhat to your liking."

Amalia and the head maid prefer sweet flavors, while Lyra leans toward spicy, stimulating tastes. But keeping in mind that the latter had just been injured, Astrid had only asked Elise to add a slight hint of chili seasoning.

"Okay, I'll eat now."

Lyra obediently took a sip of tea. The warm liquid gathered in her mouth, the faint milky aroma blended with the fragrance of tea leaves.

Previously distracted by various events, Lyra hadn't realized she was hungry. Now, as she calmed down, her stomach instantly sent out a hollow sensation of hunger.

After finishing her tea, Lyra took the beef patty Astrid handed her, opened her mouth, and began chewing in small, careful bites.

As the food went down, a mild spiciness spread from her tongue to her brain, and Lyra suddenly had a random thought.

Now she really couldn't kiss Princess Astrid.

The next second, she realized how illogical her thoughts were, she chewed pausing briefly before she resumed eating with renewed focus.

Astrid watched the pink-haired girl in front of her, carefully holding the patty with both hands, eating with such caution that not a single crumb would fall onto the bed, and her smile grew even more pronounced.

She'd always thought Lyra resembled a little pink-haired puppy. Now, seeing her eat, she got the impression that Lyra was more like a plump little hamster.

The common point was probably, both were extremely cute?

When Lyra had nearly finished her dinner, Astrid thoughtfully helped clean up the dishes, then pulled out a silk handkerchief, gently wiped the glossy, oil-stained lips of the girl in front of her.

"Full now?"

"Mm-hmm."

After receiving the reply, Astrid handed Lyra some cleansing herbs for oral hygiene.

"I feel like... I've become Lyra's personal maid."

Helping Lyra bring over a trash bin to spit out the chewed herb residue, Astrid teased softly.

"To be served personally by the Third Imperial Princess, Lyra is the first one~"

That said, compared to what Lyra had done during her time as a maid, the little work Astrid was doing now was barely a fraction.

Hearing Astrid's teasing, Lyra didn't know how to respond and could only whisper quietly.

"Thank you... Astrid..."

It wasn't just this time. The princess had truly treated her very well.

Astrid gasped at her words and reached out to lightly poke Lyra's cheek.

"I was joking. No need to be so nervous."

So obedient. Lyra.

Now she wanted to tease her even more.

After spending a little more time with Lyra, Astrid, who hadn't slept all day, began to feel a slight drowsiness. She glanced up at the wall clock, it was already past eleven at night.

The infirmary had no extra beds, and Lyra's bed was a bit small. It wasn't feasible for two people to sleep together, especially since the latter had internal injuries and needed to avoid any pressure or collisions.

It was about time to head back.

"I'll leave it here for today. Lyra, rest well. Don't stay up late."

Gathering the manuscript for the Empire Weekly, Astrid stood up and spoke softly.

"If there's nothing else, I'll head back to my dormitory now."

Lyra, hearing this, froze for a moment, then replied blankly.

"Ah... oh..."

"Then... good night, Astrid."

Just having awakened from unconsciousness and finding herself in an unfamiliar environment, it would be a lie to say she didn't wish Astrid could stay a little longer.

But Lyra also clearly understood that a mage's constitution wasn't as robust as a knight's. It truly was getting late, and the delicate Imperial Princess should rest.

Sensing the lingering reluctance in the air, Astrid moved her legs slightly, her heels clicking against the floor with a crisp, pleasant melody.

"Lyra... don't want me to leave?"

"Ah?"

Slightly surprised that Astrid had noticed, Lyra instinctively voiced her confusion.

How did she know?

Reading Lyra's expression, Astrid spoke slowly.

"Your longing is practically spilling out of your eyes."

Even without paying close attention, she could clearly see Lyra's desire for her to stay a little longer.

Sometimes, Astrid truly felt a bit guilty.

Lyra lowered her head upon hearing this, her voice barely audible.

"I... do miss you a little..."

She'd always been self-aware about being clingy.

If possible, she even wanted to be with Astrid every single moment, just like Princess Amalia.

After her words faded, she waited a long time without receiving a reply. Lyra lifted her head and saw Astrid's thoughtful expression.

After a brief silence, Astrid opened her lips.

"Here's an idea."

Her voice was gentle. Her hands moved behind her head, her fingertips lightly threading through her hair, skillfully loosening the silver strands.

A few seconds later, Astrid's long, waterfall-like silver hair cascaded entirely down her back. She raised her hand and handed Lyra the black ribbon she'd removed.

"Not sure if it'll help, but think of it as me staying with you."

Lyra took the ribbon. The silk felt smooth in her hands as she gently wound it around her fingertip, as if through the ribbon, she could feel Astrid's soft, cool hair.

This was the Wind Blessing Ribbon Charlotte had given Astrid. It possessed self-cleaning abilities, so she wore it every day, making it one of her most representative personal items.

Seeing Lyra holding the ribbon yet staring blankly, Astrid spoke again.

"Do you think it's useless?"

"Or... do you want something else instead?"

After speaking, Astrid glanced over the things she could give to the other girl. Aside from the ruby pendant left to her by her late mother, Fanya, there didn't seem to be anything better.

But that was a legacy nominally passed from mother to daughter, lending it out casually would definitely be inappropriate.

The pendant wouldn't work. The ribbon wouldn't work. Her outer dress certainly wouldn't work either.

She couldn't possibly... give Lyra the socks on her legs, could she?