After all, Lucas had been in frequent contact, and Astrid's partiality wouldn't have been surprising.
Now, it seed there was indeed a rift between Astrid and Lucas, and the forr was not as aligned with him as she once appeared.
"I see."
Charlotte nodded, her arm wrapped around Astrid's waist.
The unique perfu scent on her body was carried away by the wind, leaving only the lingering sandalwood base notes.
"Then where do we go next, the manor or the imperial capital?"
Astrid glanced at the setting sun in the distance and parted her pink lips slightly.
"It's getting late. I'd like to have dinner with Lady Charlotte at the manor."
Hearing Astrid's response, the corners of Charlotte's lips lifted slightly, her mood visibly brighter.
"Alright, let's head back to the manor then."
Charlotte had always dined and rested alone since adulthood. Only when Ms. Fanya was too busy or away from the imperial capital would she stay with Astrid, fearing the young girl might have nightmares.
They would occasionally sleep together until Astrid was recognized as Emperor Hibbort's goddaughter and moved to the palace, after which their interactions gradually lessened.
Astrid's stay at the manor the previous night had brought a touch of life back to Charlotte's bedroom.
Sensing the joy in Charlotte's tone, Astrid remained silent, though a wave of complex emotions surged within her.
From creating perfus to sharing a bed, and even inviting Charlotte to investigate the deactivation of the land, nearly everything she had done had a clear purpose.
Yet, Charlotte never seed to mind, always showing her tolerance and affection.
Compared to Charlotte's pure and heartfelt care, Astrid's concern felt utilitarian, always tinged with a sense of exploitation.
Thinking about it this way... she felt a pang of reluctance...
Astrid gazed at the fading sunset, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing Astrid bury her head in her chest, Charlotte tilted her head and asked softly.
"Nothing," Astrid replied. "I just realized how inconsiderate I was before, always making Lady Charlotte worry."
What Astrid truly wanted to say was that, regardless of Charlotte's thoughts, she felt guilty for having previously manipulated their relationship.
Feelings should be mutual, and she shouldn't have treated Charlotte's kindness as a tool for political gain.
Charlotte paused, then inhaled softly, offering Astrid a faint smile.
"I don't bla you..."
In the end, she hadn't been attentive enough. How could she place all the bla on the younger girl?
After speaking, Charlotte gently patted Astrid's head, her delicate eyelashes fluttering as her tone softened.
"You're the most important person right now... We don't need to dwell on the past..."
If she could ever see Fanya again and talk about Astrid, now grown up, Charlotte could proudly say she had fulfilled her promise to care for the girl.
After a while, the two returned to the manor.
Charlotte instructed the maid to prepare a lavish dinner, while Astrid took it upon herself to cook sothing using the ingredients available in the kitchen.
"Little Astr can cook?"
Charlotte picked up a rib with her fork, placing it on the edge of her plate.
She eyed the dish, with mild surprise.
"I usually cook for fun, and it turns out quite well," Astrid replied.
Charlotte brought the steak to her lips, took a small bite, and murmured softly, "It's delicious."
Steak was tender and flavorful, enhanced by unique spices that made the dish truly special.
Noticing a smudge of oil at the corner of Charlotte's lips, Astrid leaned forward and gently wiped it away with a silk handkerchief.
"If Lady Charlotte likes it, I can cook for you as often as you'd like, until you grow tired of it."
This ti, it wasn't to gain any favor or advantage.
Astrid simply wanted to say it, that was all.
As the candlelight flickered in Astrid's eyes, and the soft touch of the handkerbrush lingered on her lips, Charlotte's gaze wavered montarily before regaining its clarity.
"Then it's a promise, little Astr," Charlotte said calmly, her legs shifting gently beneath the table.
She hadn't expected such words to co from her junior.
And suddenly... it felt rather thrilling…
~~~~
In the evening, Charlotte wanted Astrid to stay in the manor for one more night, but Astrid ntioned that she had other matters to attend to upon her return.
Seeing her resolve, Charlotte did not insist, though she made sure to send her to the palace gate, repeating her reminders several tis.
"I'm not too worried about Elise taking care of your food and clothing..."
"But little Astr, rember that the weather in spring changes quickly, and the temperature difference between day and night is quite significant. Make sure to wear an extra layer when you go to bed at night, just in case you kick off the blankets and catch a cold."
"Also, don't overexert yourself when practicing ntal strength. Take breaks and avoid overusing it, or you might strain your foundation."
Watching Charlotte fuss over her like a mother sending her daughter off to school for the first ti, Astrid's eyes softened slightly.
"I understand, Lady Charlotte."
With a gentle smile, she reached out and tucked a loose strand of Charlotte's black hair back into place, her voice soft and warm.
"You should take a few days off for yourself every now and then."
After all, she was Countess of the Valeria Empire.
Others of similar status would host birthday banquets lasting three or four days, filled with guests and festivities.
Yet here was Charlotte, who had just celebrated her birthday the day before, already heading back to work at the academy the next morning.
Hearing the concern in Astrid's words, Charlotte's lips curved into a graceful smile, and she gently tapped Astrid's forehead with her fingertip.
"Understood, my dearest little princess."
After exchanging a few more casual words, Charlotte bid Astrid farewell and stepped into her carriage, which soon disappeared into the night, the sound of hooves fading into the distance.
Astrid turned to the group of maids left behind, her voice cool and composed.
"Follow . Don't look around."
"Yes, Your Highness Astrid."
They replied in unison.
Passing through the grand palace hall, they entered a serene and quiet garden.
The maids' small leather shoes made soft tapping sounds on the cobblestone path.
Outside, the crescent moon hung high in the sky, its pale light mingling with the faint fragrance of flowers carried by the cool evening breeze.
As Astrid approached the dormitory, she noticed that the windows of Lyra's room were still lit, the warm orange glow standing out against the darkness.
Elise, who was always prepared to attend to Astrid's nightti needs, usually fell into a light sleep around midnight.
Lyra, on the other hand, made it a point to turn off her lights before 10 p.m. to ensure she was well-rested for the next day's training.
It was already past ten. Why was she still awake?
Entering the dormitory, Astrid first found Elise and instructed the experienced head maid to settle the new maids into their rooms.
Then, she made her way to Lyra's bedroom and knocked lightly on the door.
After a few seconds, the door opened. Lyra stood there, one hand on the doorknob and the other resting at her side.
She was still dressed in her dayti maid uniform, her slender legs clad in white silk stockings pressed neatly together.
Seeing Astrid at the door, Lyra's voice carried a note of surprise.
"...Has Her Highness Astrid returned?"
Her tone lifted slightly, betraying a hint of happiness at Astrid's return.
Astrid pursed her lips, her expression neutral. "From the sound of your voice, it seems you were eager for to co back sooner?"
Dinner hadn't waited for Astrid.
Lyra had originally assud that Astrid would spend the night at the manor, so she was surprised to see her return to the palace so late.
"Yes... Your Highness," Lyra replied softly, stepping aside to let Astrid enter the room.
Seeing Lyra's earnest deanor, Astrid didn't press further.
She walked into the room, her black silk-clad legs gliding gracefully, the sound of her slender high heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.
Activating her elental vision, Astrid noticed faint fluctuations of magical energy in the air.
Her gaze fell on the desk, where a half-open magic book lay beside a small, lit wooden branch and a bucket of water that had been moved from sowhere.
"You're still studying magic?"
Astrid walked over to the desk and sat down gently, crossing her tender legs naturally. Her movents were elegant and unhurried.
Glancing down, she saw that the open page of the spellbook contained beginner-level knowledge about Ignition spell.
Hearing her question, Lyra nodded and replied softly, "Yes, I wanted to read a little more before going to bed. By the ti I wake up tomorrow, my ntal strength should be fully restored."
After realizing the gap between herself and truly powerful individuals, Lyra had been working harder to learn magic.
She hoped that one day, she could beco the sword and shield that Princess Astrid needed.
Astrid frowned slightly, her tone still cool. "Are you in such a hurry?"
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