Princess’s Struggle for Survival

After finishing breakfast and resting up, the two of them joined Elise and Amalia who had arrived to meet them, heading together towards the award ceremony venue. Due to the overwhelming number of spectators attending the closing ceremony of the Magic Exchange Competition, Elizabeth Academy of Magic had not chosen a relatively enclosed hall for the awards, but instead reused the competition stage and spectator seats where Lyra and Iris had fought their final match.

Upon second thought, it made sense, aside from the arena where the winner was decided, where else would be more suitable to present this year's champion with their prize?

Hardly had they found their familiar seats and sat down when Lyra, before she could even warm her seat, was led backstage by staff members to prepare for her upcoming award acceptance.

"Let's go, Champion."

Returning the Sword of Light she had been temporarily holding onto, Astrid crossed her legs and placed her hands gently on her knees, speaking softly.

"Go accept the glory you've rightfully earned."

Hearing Astrid's words, Lyra nodded slightly and softly murmured her acknowledgment, then followed the staff behind, carrying the sword.

Along the path toward the backstage area, even before the official ceremony began, many students who spotted Lyra began tossing flower petals toward her. Thunderous cheers followed the footsteps of the pink-haired girl, wave upon wave of sound rising like a tide.

She was the knight who had triumphed against overwhelming odds, the pride of Elizabeth Academy of Magic, and the glory of the Valeria Empire, no amount of praise or cheers could ever be excessive.

Walking along the paved path with petals, Lyra breathed in the fragrant air. Turning back, she saw smiling faces in the audience, scattered blossoms drifting beneath the sunlight, like willow catkins showering the capital city at the end of spring and beginning of summer.

.................

An hour later, at the closing ceremony, hostess Evelyn concluded her speech and gracefully stepped down from the stage, carrying with her a gentle breeze of perfume, leaving the space for the award recipients.

First was Sentos, the winner who emerged from the losers' bracket in the semifinals. As the third-place finisher, he will receive a large quantity of precious magical materials, wealth enough to last an ordinary person hundreds of years of extravagant living.

Next, Iris Kroyd, the runner-up, received a horn of Deep Blue Giant Whale , the crystalline stone of the eighth-rankbeast Sunset Scythe Dragon, and a defensive scroll capable of withstanding attacks from Arcanist-level mages several times over.

Even though she was the princess of the Kingdom of Velys, this was still an extremely valuable prize.

As for Lyra...

"Congratulations, Miss Lyra..."

"Your outstanding performance throughout this journey will be recorded in the official history of Elizabeth Academy of Magic, to be read and admired by every student."

Under countless watching eyes, Academy Head Anthony almost slowly, regarding the vibrant young successor before him with an appreciative gaze.

"As the champion, this prize belongs solely to you. Please keep it safe."

With those words, the man handed Lyra a magic crystal card engraved with special magical runes, his voice calm yet powerful.

"With this card, you may claim the crystalline stone of the ninth-rankbeast Dim Shadow Flame, along with all the magical materials listed in the prize register from the Academy's collection room."

"The remains of the Frost Dragon hatchling are currently not in the capital. If Miss Lyra requires them, you may contact the Academy at any time for retrieval."

Before he finished speaking, Anthony smiled, a white light flickering from the ring on his finger, and a classic, ancient-looking staff materialized in his palm.

"Lastly, this is the proudest creation of my friend, an Arcanist-level blacksmith, the [Staff of Eternal Magic]."

"It requires no infusion of mental energy. Simply holding it increases the caster's magic intensity, and it also possesses the special effect of hurried mental energy recovery."

Taking the staff, Lyra felt its cool, iron-like texture in her hands. She instinctively murmured her thanks, only to hear Anthony speak.

"This honor belongs to the champion. Lyra needs to thank no one."

After a few more glances at the young genius with extraordinary affinity to light elements, Anthony inwardly marveled at the remarkable new generation, then shifted his gaze toward a sturdy figure behind the stage, speaking slowly.

"Beyond these prizes, His Majesty the Emperor has additional rewards."

Anthony's voice carried through the amplification enchantment to every corner of the audience seats. Even Astrid, hearing it, couldn't help but narrow her eyes slightly.

Father... is giving Lyra further rewards?

'No wonder I haven't seen him since entering.'

As Hibbort, dressed in a splendid robe, stepped onto the competition stage, the noisy chatter beneath faded gradually. Everyone suppressed their cheers, each breath rising and falling in rhythm with the footsteps of the empire's highest ruler.

At the center of the award platform, Lyra watched Hibbort approach slowly, carefully recalling the maid etiquette Elise had taught her, knowing she should bow at this moment.

Just as she began to lower her body, Lyra suddenly remembered she was wearing a short skirt today and that a full curtsy would be inappropriate. When she was hesitating, Hibbort spoke in a calm tone.

"The one basking in glory need not bow to me."

Hearing this, Lyra stopped her movement. After a brief pause, she gently raised her eyes to meet Hibbort's gaze.

The man wore a brown robe embroidered with golden thread, his figure strong and imposing, golden hair and blue eyes, his slightly curled locks shimmering under sunlight like waves rippling across a golden sea.

In her past life as a maid, she had accompanied Astrid to meet this emperor who ruled the entire empire. However, due to the special nature of their relationship as father and daughter, Hibbort rarely cautiously exuded the overwhelming aura of a supreme ruler during those private moments, so Lyra had never felt that intense suffocating pressure.

Now, standing before Hibbort as an ordinary citizen, Lyra truly felt the immense pressure common subjects experienced when facing the emperor.

He merely stood there, his expression naturally dignified, his voice soft yet penetrating, as though even a whisper would clearly reach the listener's ears.

Being looked at by him felt like being scorched by the midsummer sun, every point his gaze touched seemed to sting like needles.

Finishing his words, Hibbort's eyes lingered briefly on Lyra before he slowly spoke.

"The last time I witnessed such an exhilarating match was over twenty years ago..."

Back then, he was still a prince, watching the true rise of a legend. He never expected that, after so many years, the Valeria Empire would be another genius of such dazzling brilliance.

At such a crucial moment, someone of common birth yet extraordinary talent had emerged.

"Even I was deeply moved by your battle."

The gemstone on the imperial scepter refracted dazzling light. The man raised his hand, making a slight gesture in midair. Amidst holy radiance, he took hold of a pale blue metal medal adorned with golden and silver patterns.

Looking at the medal in his hand, Hibbort's gaze passed through his fingers, falling upon the Lyra before him.

"Lyra, your resilient and pure will have brought supreme honor to the empire."

"And at the same time, secure for yourself an extremely valuable position."

The deep male voice echoed through the venue. Astrid, realizing Hibbort's intention, instinctively uncrossed her legs and straightened her back, her red eyes fixed tightly on the two figures on stage.

"As you can see."

Hibbort raised his hand, turning the medal to face the sun. Everyone can clearly see its material and patterns on the projection screens.

This was not merely an ordinary metal medal, but a symbol of the holder's transcendent social status within the Valeria Empire.

"Due to Lyra's outstanding performance in the Magic Exchange Competition, I hereby grant you the title of Baron."

As he spoke, Hibbort handed over the pale blue medal to Lyra. The girl refocused her gaze, her mind rapidly recalling the noble etiquette taught by the head maids.

Finally, she slightly bent her knees, her right hand covering her chest along with the magic crystal card she had just received, her left hand rising into a receiving gesture.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The status-symbolizing baron medal fell from the emperor's hand into Lyra's palm, marking the moment she ceased to be the lowest-ranking commoner in the empire, and became a baroness of higher standing.

Even though "baron" was merely the lowest rank among nobility, and she didn't even have a fiefdom of her own, it still placed her far above ordinary people.

On another side of the audience seats, Lucas watched the two on stage, glancing sideways at Alistair on his right who seemed barely able to contain himself, a faint upward curve appeared on his thin lips.

In the eyes of this naturally arrogant crown prince, Lyra's rise was the result of Astrid's long-term investment. There must be a deep bond of interest or emotion between them, meaning that in the near future, Lyra will become Astrid's powerful right-hand.

Considering that in the succession struggle, Astrid could only choose and rely on her elder brother, no matter how powerful Lyra became, she would merely add more chips to their side. Lucas couldn't help but feel secretly pleased.

There was another point: Hibbort certainly couldn't be unaware of Astrid's political leaning toward his faction. Following this logic, the emperor's act of personally bestowing a title upon Lyra at this moment was clearly quite thought-provoking.

In the Valeria Empire, very few nobles received titles bestowed directly by the emperor's hand; these individuals without exception had made exceptional contributions to the empire. To find an example, the most recent one was Countess Charlotte, no, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call her Marquise now.

Charlotte was the leader of the reformist faction and had indeed achieved great results in magical devices. The emperor's bestowal was natural and justified. But Lyra had merely won a competition, offering little substantial benefit to the entire empire, and the title she received was only that of baron.

For the emperor to personally bestow baron title, anyone with even a modicum of political sense would know this matter wasn't simple. There must be some deeper meaning behind his actions.

Perhaps it was a subtle expression of support for Astrid, and thus, the crown prince's faction. Even if it wasn't, Lucas intended to ensure Astrid properly publicized this event.

The noble circles were never short of those who fancied themselves shrewd opportunists and fence-sitters. There was no need to over-interpret Hibbort's intentions; simply announcing this event to the world will naturally make them reconsider their allegiances and weigh the risks and benefits.

"Brother, haven't been feeling well lately?" Lucas speaks with his usual tone, yet his words carry a hint of smugness and provocation.

"You seem to have poor complexity."

Alistair narrowed his eyes upon this, his blue gaze reflecting Hibbort's figure.

"Brother should pay more attention to himself."

"Indulging in women harms the body. Living too extravagantly won't grant you a long life."

He had learned from several noble ladies that Lucas's recent performance had greatly declined.

This kind of lecherous waste of space would surely die between a woman's thighs sooner or later. How could he possibly qualify as a nation's ruler?

"No need for my younger brother to worry about that."

Lucas remained outwardly calm, secretly cursing Alistair for overestimating himself.

Even after losing again, he still had to talk big.

At that moment, he suddenly began to feel less repulsed by Astrid's newfound intelligence.

When he ascended the throne, he would certainly lavish affection on that good sister known as the Jewel of the Empire.

Unaware of the undercurrents stirring in the audience, Lyra, having received the medal, stood up at Hibbort's gesture, looking at the emperor whose bearing resembled a majestic lion.

"I hope Baroness Lyra will bring even greater honor to the empire in the future."

With those words, Hibbort turned around, scanning the surroundings, then withdrew under everyone's gaze.

Hearing the cheers instantly erupt from the audience, Lyra turned her head to watch the emperor retreating back. His wheat-colored golden hair hung behind his robe, resembling scattered gold spread beneath the light.

After a few seconds, she clenched her fingers, tightly gripping the medal, then raised her eyes toward the distant Third Princess.

.................

As the subsequent display magic performances ended, the award ceremony finally concluded. This Magic Exchange Competition, jointly hosted by the Kingdom of Velys, Valeria Empire, and Pan-Human Alliance, came to a complete close.

No one knew whether the next competition could be held as scheduled, but at least this year, every spectator who came to Elizabeth Academy of Magic to watch the matches would remember that pink-haired girl clad in shining silver armor, wielding a light sword beneath holy radiation.

After the ennoblement ceremony ended, Lyra returned to her dormitory and slept soundly. When she woke up again, Astrid was no longer in the room. Amalia said she had gone to meet the crown prince.

"Is that so..."

Just as they finished speaking, they heard the keyhole of the dormitory door gently turning. The door quickly opened, revealing smooth, delicate legs covered in sheer black stockings with delicate patterns stepping into the room.

Astrid looked at Amalia and Lyra sitting at their respective desks, bent down to grab her heels, took off her high heels, and softly spoke.

"Rest a bit longer. We have a banquet to attend later."

"This time, Lyra must go too."

The pink-haired girl let out a puzzled "Huh?" upon hearing this, pointing at herself in confusion.

"Me?"

"Mm."

Astrid nodded, her tone calm.

"This banquet to bid farewell to the exchange students from the Kingdom of Velys and Pan-Human Alliance, Baroness Lyra, as champion, is a key figure."