Princess’s Struggle for Survival

After pondering for a few seconds, before Astrid could speak, Lyra seemed to recall something. Her hand tightened slightly around the ribbon, and her face, which had only been faintly flushed earlier, now turned completely red.

"N-No... The ribbon is already wonderful..." Her gaze shifted away from Astrid's legs, covered in sheer black stockings, as Lyra whispered softly.

If it had been anything else, she might not have been able to sleep at all tonight.

Hearing this, Astrid glanced at Lyra a few more times, confirming the girl was alright, then nodded and moved the chair beside the bed aside, speaking calmly.

"Then I'll take my leave now. Good night, Lyra."

"Mm..."

"...Good night, Astrid."

With that, the pure black skirt swayed, releasing wisps of fragrance. Two slender, smooth black-stockinged legs crossed and swayed gently, while the familiar click of high heels echoed from near to far, finally vanishing completely after the soft sound of a door closing.

Sitting on the bed with her legs naturally bent, Lyra felt the warmth and softness of the bedding. The girl lowered her head, gazing at the black ribbon now wrapped around her fingertip.

Whenever Princess Astrid tied up her hair, this small strip of black silk became the most eye-catching detail, brilliant sunlight falling upon her head, reflecting her smooth, silvery-long hair like a waterfall. The slender, solid black ribbon was the only contrasting color amidst that silver cascade.

Her fingers rubbed back and forth, the silky smoothness clearly transmitted to her skin. Lyra stared at the ribbon that had just moments ago adorned Astrid's head. Her clear, bright blue eyes softened like water.

It's so nice... Waking up and being able to see Princess Astrid...

And hot milk tea with beef pies...

Not knowing how long had passed, Lyra curled back under the covers, lifting her arm as the ribbon wrapped around her fingers gently pressed against her cheek.

Her delicate nose inhaled lightly, and instantly a sweet, floral scent belonging to the ribbon's owner flooded her nostrils, rose, citrus, and a faint aroma resembling lavender, all mixed together.

Closing her eyes, the only sounds around were the creaking ticks of the clock. The subtle fragrance drifted through the air, as if Astrid was truly lying beside her, sleeping together just like during the trials.

Thinking this, Lyra instinctively curled her body, squeezing her legs together, shifting into a more comfortable sleeping posture.

'I really... really like Princess Astrid…'

Her eyelids shut, her pupils receiving little light. Her other senses, freed from vision, became sharper. Combined with the deep sensitivity that came with the late night, Lyra suddenly felt her neck growing warm.

Astrid... kissed her today...

That kiss, seemingly declaring ownership, hadn't just landed on Lyra's neck, it was imprinted deep in her heart.

The moment her skin was covered by two smooth, soft lips, her mind went completely blank, losing all ability to think. Only in the second before those lips withdrew did Lyra's thoughts barely return.

That intensely intimate atmosphere, along with the kiss's profound meaning, Lyra wouldn't have been surprised at all if Astrid had done something more afterward.

After all, Astrid Calliste, who had embraced her shoulders and leaned over her neck... exuded such overwhelming allure...

She was almost like... a bewitching silver-haired, red-eyed succubus...

The moment she recalled it, the lingering sensation on her neck returned, making her entire body feel weak. If not for the complete absence of magical fluctuations around, Lyra would have suspected Princess Astrid possessed an innate talent for charm magic, perhaps even unconsciously releasing it.

The more she thought, the hotter her body grew, vaguely turning strange. Lyra pressed her lips tightly together, took a deep breath, then, like she did when sleeping alone as a child, rolled once on the hospital bed.

"Ah..."

However, she seemed to have forgotten she was still injured. Such a vigorous movement pulled at her internal organs, causing Lyra to let out a stifled groan from the corner of her mouth.

'Can't move anymore... I'll die from the pain…'

Lying properly on the bed again, the now-wiser Lyra refrained from such childish actions. She simply stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to clear her mind.

'I should sleep earlier. Rest well to be ready for the award ceremony.'

The pain, to some extent, helped Lyra temporarily block out those heart-racing images. The girl focused on the dull ache inside her body while slowly regulating her breathing.

Just as she was trying to calm down, a familiar set of footsteps suddenly echoed through the air, rhythmic, crisp yet not jarring.

The infirmary door opened again. Astrid turned back to repair the barrier before walking steadily to the bedside.

"Astrid?"

Surprised by the other's unexpected return, Lyra asked. Astrid replied calmly.

"I've already informed Elise and Livia. Tonight, I'll stay here in the infirmary to rest."

Walking through the moonlit Elizabeth Academy of Magic, Astrid couldn't help but feel uneasy about leaving Lyra alone in an unfamiliar room.

Although the pink-haired knight was an early tier Magnus and Master Knight with physical strength far exceeding ordinary people, her injuries were serious now. If she needed to get up, having someone nearby to assist would always be better.

After careful consideration, Astrid realized she was undoubtedly the best person to take care of her.

Hearing Astrid's words, Lyra's small mouth parted slightly, her blue eyes shimmering with a dazed confusion, as if struck by something profound.

Staying in the infirmary to rest...

Did Astrid mean... she would stay with her?

Realizing the other's true intentions, Lyra's heart melted instantly. Her mind erupted with countless dazzling sparkles, like countless display fireworks being cast simultaneously.

Nothing could make Lyra happier than seeing someone she deeply cared for showing such concern. The pink-haired girl, overwhelmed by Astrid's gesture, appeared dazed, remaining silent for a long while.

In Princess Astrid's heart... was she really this important?

She wasn't mistaken, the kiss must have been a declaration of ownership... it must have been...

Seeing Lyra lying there, dazed, Astrid roughly guessed what she was thinking and smiled faintly.

"If Lyra feels my presence here will disturb your rest, then I'll leave."

This simple sentence instantly snapped Lyra back to awareness.

"N-No, it won't disturb me at all..."

Of course it would affect her, just not in a physical sense, like noise or movement, but mentally, it would easily keep her awake.

Astrid chose to stay here just for her.

Even if she wasn't the one and only, she was definitely someone extremely, extremely important.

She absolutely wasn't the only one with feelings.

Seeing the overflowing joy and anticipation in Lyra's eyes, Astrid, receiving positive emotional feedback, lifted the corners of her lips and spoke gently.

"Alright then. But please, Miss Lyra, calm your smile a little. Being too excited before bed isn't conducive to falling asleep."

As she spoke, Astrid retrieved a sleeping mat and blanket from her gemstone. She removed her high heels, and her two soft, smooth black-stockinged feet lightly stepped onto the mattress as she walked to a spot very close to Lyra.

"As the injured party, tell me immediately if you need anything. Don't force yourself."

"Otherwise, I won't come to check on you ever again."

Facing Astrid's words that sounded like a threat but were overflowing with concern, Lyra nodded slightly and responded softly.

"I understand, Astrid."

If emotions could be seen with the naked eye, Lyra's surroundings would surely be filled with vast clouds of pink, joyful bubbles.

Astrid nodded upon hearing her, then continued.

"There's still food and drinks in the gemstone. Call me anytime if you're hungry or thirsty."

"Now, rest well."

With that, Astrid bent down, preparing to sit on the mat. Lyra, looking at the makeshift ground bed beside the bed, which seemed less noticeable due to the height difference, asked softly.

"Astrid... will you sleep on the floor like this?"

The infirmary bed wasn't large, but squeezing together wasn't impossible. Having previously shared a bed with Astrid, Lyra trusted the other's sleeping habits fairly well.

"Mm, otherwise I might hurt you," Astrid replied.

In her view, there was no need to leave even the slightest possibility of harming the injured.

"What's wrong?"

"..."

Making a royal princess sleep on the floor while she herself lay on the bed, wasn't that too much?

Seeing Lyra biting her lip, hesitating to speak, Astrid, guessing the reason, timely spoke up.

"When we went on outdoor trials together, the wild environment was far worse than the infirmary."

In the past Astrid might have ordered servants to prepare soft beds wherever she went, covered with velvet blankets and pillows, regardless of whether the situation was appropriate.

The current Astrid wouldn't do that at all. In her view, the delicate habits left over by this body weren't particularly difficult to overcome.

Hearing Astrid say this, Lyra's mood relaxed slightly. Just as she was about to say something, Astrid continued.

"Don't worry about me too much. You're the injured one. Resting well is your greatest respect toward me."

As the words fell, Astrid lay down on the mat, adjusting her sleeping posture slightly to stretch out her long legs.

Looking at the pair of stilettos placed beside the bed, and those two black-stockinged, delicate feet not entirely covered by the blanket, Lyra pursed her lips, ultimately saying nothing.

Sleeping in clothes was also to accommodate her possible need to get up during the night...

Princess Astrid... is truly so kind...

'I must work extra hard in the future to repay Astrid.'

Turning to her side, facing the direction where Astrid lay, although the height difference prevented Lyra from seeing the other's face, simply knowing the person was right there made her inner satisfaction soar.

"By the way... Astrid..."

"Yes?"

"Miss Livia... will she be sleeping alone tonight?"

Hearing Lyra mention Amalia, Astrid blinked several times and replied gently.

"Yes."

"I told her you were injured and needed someone to care for you."

Lyra hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, then her pink lips parted slightly.

"Then... Miss Livia won't be upset?"

In her impression, Princess Amalia was usually very clingy toward Astrid. If their sisterly bonding was disrupted because of her, she felt a slight sense of guilt.

Lyra still hoped to maintain a good relationship with the Fourth Princess, after all, the latter was Astrid's close younger sister. If they truly ended up together in the future, Amalia would become her sister-in-law.

Astrid paused upon hearing the question, then quickly responded.

"She might feel a bit, but I know Livia can adjust."

"She's a very considerate child."

Having spent so much time together, Astrid had always seen Amalia's growth.

Although she still loved clinging to her older sister, that outwardly cold but inwardly warm golden-haired little girl could also manage the growing possessiveness in her heart, understanding the need to find balance between passion and restraint, so her love wouldn't become pressure on the other's progress.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have encouraged Lyra to win before the competition, nor would she have shown understanding and respect toward Astrid's decision to care for the injured.

Under Astrid's long-term influence through both words and actions, Amalia today had matured greatly compared to when she first left the ancient castle. She understood she wasn't alone in this world, and had learned how to properly express love.

Tomorrow, during her nap, she'd spend more time talking with Amalia, and give her a few more kisses.

Receiving Astrid's response, Lyra's heart relaxed slightly. The brief sense of guilt quickly dissipated, transforming into a gentle warmth and joy.

"It's almost midnight," Astrid glanced at the wall clock and reminded softly.

"If you want me to stay here and accompany you again tomorrow night, you should go to sleep now."

Maintaining sufficient sleep was essential for effective physical recovery. Astrid didn't want to see Lyra limping onto the award stage the day after tomorrow.

Astrid would stay here again tomorrow night?

Stunned once more by this delightful surprise, Lyra froze briefly. When she finally comprehended it, at a spot unseen by Astrid, the girl's lips curved into a clear smile, and her beautiful eyes squinted happily along with it.

No one could see it, somewhere, a certain pink-haired puppy's tail could finally wag freely.

"Mm, Astrid too, rest early."

Winning the championship under so many people's eyes, with her favorite person sleeping beside her, this was probably the happiest moment of Lyra's entire life.

Thinking carefully, there were indeed even happier things ahead, but they required time.

She hoped that one day, Astrid could truly accept her.

"Once again... good night," Lyra said.

Astrid replied, "Good night."

"Astrid..."

"Yes?"

"..."

"Um... that is..."

A second before closing her eyes, after hesitating for a long time, Lyra finally chose to speak.

"...Does kissing the neck have any special meaning?"

Still thinking about that, huh.

Astrid found herself inwardly amused, deeply realizing just how powerful that single kiss had been for Lyra.

"Of course it does."

"What is the meaning?"

"Because the way you react is incredibly interesting. Or rather..."

"...extremely cute."

There was no deeper meaning. It was simply Astrid's instinctive choice to kiss slightly lower, on the neck, after confirming she wouldn't kiss Lyra's lips.

And indeed, the result hadn't disappointed Astrid at all.