Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 183: "Miss Astrid... is indeed very good..."

"Father."

Astrid spoke up at the right moment, explaining for Amalia.

"Livia comes from a village in the north that was destroyed by magical beasts. She used to beg for a living, so she’s not used to socializing and is hesitant to look at people."

Astrid’s original plan didn’t include running into Hibbort. No one expected their first outing to face such a high level of difficulty.

Amalia could fool the servants and maids, but directly interacting with Hibbort was too much pressure. She needed to find a way to escape quickly.

"Is that so..." Hibbort nodded, not doubting Astrid’s explanation.

In the man’s eyes, Astrid had no reason to hide such trivial matters from him.

But... he was still curious about how this girl named Livia had red eyes similar to Astrid’s and where that inexplicable sense of familiarity came from.

At that moment, Amalia slowly raised her head, her crimson eyes reflecting Hibbort’s chiseled face.

The next second, she quickly lowered her head again, as if trying to ease the pressure from the brief moment of courage. Her cream-colored stocking-clad legs also trembled slightly.

Hibbort noticed the curiosity and fear in the girl’s eyes when she looked at him, along with a hint of the probing that normal people would have. The sense of familiarity in his heart gradually dissipated.

"Red eyes are indeed rare. I didn’t expect to find another person like you."

"Since you’ve brought her to the palace, take good care of her. If you need anything, let me know."

In Hibbort’s memory, Astrid’s red eyes were inherited from Lady Fanya. Since the latter disappeared into the abyss, the entire empire had only the third princess with this trait. Now, there was another, Livia Calliste.

"I will, Father."

Slightly surprised by Amalia’s initiative to look up, Astrid quickly took over the conversation.

"Father, have breakfast early. Though state affairs are busy, take care of your health. I won’t disturb you any longer."

"Alright, go ahead."

With that, Astrid performed a farewell gesture and walked away, her leather boots clacking.

Hibbort watched her and Amalia’s clasped hands, his gaze lingering until the silver-haired princess was blocked from view by two maids.

"Your Majesty, breakfast is ready."

Hearing the servant’s words, Hibbort turned and walked in the opposite direction Astrid had gone.

Compared to this black-haired, red-eyed petite girl, he had more important matters to consider, such as the cabinet meeting in two days regarding the future development of magical devices.

Meanwhile, walking in the stairwell, Astrid looked at Amalia beside her and gently stroked the girl’s left ponytail with her free hand.

The shadow from her palm temporarily blocked the sunlight, and Amalia let out a soft sigh of relief.

The panic and fear in her red eyes subsided, replaced by a chill that ran deep into her bones.

Astrid keenly noticed the change in the girl’s mood. She glanced around, her gaze meeting Elise’s in mid-air. The latter nodded slightly, indicating that no one was around, then bent down, her lips close to Amalia’s earlobe.

"It should be fine now..."

A cool, faint fragrance drifted into Amalia’s nose, slightly soothing the irritation and resentment in her heart.

"I didn’t expect Father to suddenly have a whim today, but you did well. No obvious flaws."

"Relax, let’s go back. We won’t stroll around much this morning."

Putting herself in Hibbort’s shoes, if Astrid were him, based on the encounter just now, she would never have recognized the person before her with changed hair and eye color, whom she hadn’t seen in years, as her own daughter.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Amalia’s gaze deepened. After a few seconds, she deliberately maintained a cold tone.

"Astrid... don’t worry about me..."

Seeing is believing. Back in the castle, she could sense Hibbort’s favoritism towards Astrid from her arrogant attitude, but that was only a reflection from the side, not something she had witnessed firsthand.

Now, having been in close contact with Hibbort, Amalia finally let go of the last bit of unrealistic hope in her heart.

This man could lavish affection on Astrid, who had no blood relation to him, and even tell a stranger to "take good care of her," but he wouldn’t spare an ounce of mercy for his own daughter.

"I just..."

Completely sobered up.

Before she could finish, Astrid reached out and hugged Amalia, whispering softly in her ear.

"He doesn’t love you...

"...But I do."

The gentle and low voice of the woman fell into her ears, like drops of water tapping on the surface of a lake, causing ripples.

Amalia felt her heart tremble suddenly, and an indescribable tingling sensation surged from her chest to her limbs.

Unlike the usual embraces in bed, since they were in the stairwell, Astrid didn’t hold her as tightly.

However, Amalia could still feel the fragrant breath of the former brushing against her skin, warm with a hint of rose fragrance.

"So... don’t overthink it..." Astrid’s voice was soft.

"Amalia deserves to be loved by more people."

As soon as her words fell, she heard Elise cough softly, signaling someone’s approach. Astrid released Amalia’s arm but continued to hold her hand, fingers intertwined.

"Good morning, Princess Astrid."

"Mm."

Watching the two petite maids pass by, their black loafers making muffled sounds on the steps, Astrid turned her head to look at Amalia.

The girl seemed to have composed herself, her soft hand gripping Astrid’s tightly, her crimson pupils returning to their usual calmness.

"Let’s go," Amalia whispered.

Hearing this, Astrid glanced at the black-haired girl a few more times, ensuring she wasn’t bottling up too much negative emotion. She smiled slightly, straightened Amalia’s slightly disheveled skirt, and spoke softly.

"Alright, let’s go."

Leave this place that made Amalia unhappy.

Feeling the strength transmitted through Astrid’s hand, Amalia followed her steps, her gaze unconsciously lingering on the dark leather boots at Astrid’s ankles, the ribbon-tied bows swaying gently in the wind.

Just as Astrid had said, Hibbort didn’t like her, but this late-arriving sister had given her a level of care she had never experienced in over a decade.

There was no need to overthink things. She had this, and it was enough.

Exiting the dining hall, the warm morning breeze carried a faint floral scent from somewhere unknown. Amalia saw the passing maids and servants bowing to Astrid, who responded with a cold "mm" or a slight nod.

Recalling the gentle figure who had accompanied her through many long nights in the castle, and now thinking of Astrid Calliste, who had to carefully control her words and actions in front of others, Amalia’s gaze deepened.

She was a caged bird trapped behind high walls and iron bars, and so was Astrid. The only difference was that she faced physical imprisonment, while Astrid endured mental shackles.

As a member of the royal family, no one could truly be free, not even Hibbort’s most beloved princess.

The journey back to the third princess’s chambers was silent. After comforting Amalia for a while, Astrid called in Lyra to study magic together.

They didn’t go to the dining hall for lunch but, as in previous days, had Lyra bring the dishes to their room on a cart.

After the sisters finished their meal, Astrid took a nap with Amalia. When the hottest part of the afternoon passed, she suggested taking Amalia out for a walk outside the palace.

"Sister... won’t it be too conspicuous to go out now?"

Amalia stood in front of the mirror, her hands reaching behind her neck as she looked at her crimson eyes in the reflection, adjusting her twin tails.

Astrid sat on the edge of the bed, one hand propping her cheek, legs crossed, her elbow resting slightly above her knee, the soft flesh of her thigh slightly sinking, the thin black stockings faintly revealing her skin.

"Amalia did well this morning..." Astrid looked at Amalia from behind, her pink lips parting slightly.

"Going out in this state shouldn’t be a problem. It’s also a good opportunity to let those ministers and nobles see that I have no need to hide you."

From the beginning, Astrid had no intention of hiding Amalia. Exposing her early would allow the first wave of curiosity to pass quickly, making things easier later.

Of course, the premise of exposing Livia was that her identity had to be flawless, and Astrid trusted Elise completely in this regard. Elise had never failed in her tasks.

After hearing Astrid’s words, Amalia remained silent for a while before speaking slowly.

"But... it’s not necessary, right..."

Astrid smiled gently. "It’s not necessary."

"But there was an unexpected incident this morning, and we didn’t get to walk around much. Consider this a way to relax and take a stroll outside the palace together."

"And this time, I promise Amalia that nothing like before will happen again."

Was it for her sake that Astrid decided to go out?

Amalia paused slightly, her small fang gently biting her lip.

"Is it because I want to go out?"

"Yes," Astrid nodded, not denying it.

"Amalia hasn’t been outside for a long time, and you’ve been staying in the room recently. It must be stifling."

"I didn’t bring Amalia out just to have you change prisons..."

At least in the old castle, you could go up and down the stairs, wander the gardens and different floors, but now in her chambers, you’re confined to this small room, with even less space to move.

"Don’t you want to?" Astrid asked.

Amalia shook her head, her twin tails swaying.

"...I do."

She had guessed that Astrid was doing this for her, and her question was merely to confirm it, seeking emotional satisfaction.

However, there was one thing Astrid got wrong: she didn’t feel stifled in the bedroom.

In the morning, she could study magic with Astrid in the same room. At noon, she could take a nap with her.

In the evening, after a bath, she could wear a light nightgown and, as if by unspoken agreement, crawl into Astrid’s bed, holding her as she drifted into sleep.

With her sister by her side, time didn’t feel hard to endure at all.

After fixing her hair, Amalia sat on the edge of the bed. Astrid held the lace-up shoes Amalia had worn in the morning with one hand, gently grasping her soft, white-stockinged foot with the other, slightly exerting force to slide it into the shoe.

Perhaps because her body wasn’t fully developed yet, Amalia’s hands and feet felt soft and tender, like a smooth, creamy piece of ice cream, yet still warm with the heat of a living body.

After placing the delicate, white-stockinged foot into the shoe, Astrid helped Amalia tie the laces, then had her stand up and walk a few steps to ensure the stocking didn’t wrinkle inside the shoe.

"Let’s go, Lyra and Elise are ready too."

Amalia softly hummed in agreement, taking Astrid’s hand.

...

For their evening outing, Astrid didn’t have her two personal maids wear their usual maid uniforms but had them change into casual clothes, following behind her and Amalia.

The last time Amalia had walked the streets was when she was six years old.

Dressed in a tattered robe that barely covered her face, she was led into the gilded palace behind her by that woman, and since then, she had never left.

The cacophony of voices on the streets, the hawking of vendors, everything felt like a distant memory to Amalia.

How was the outside world different from what she had read in books?

Fingers intertwined, Amalia walked on the rough stone pavement, her pink lips tightly pressed, resisting the urge to look around.

Seeing the longing and joy in the girl’s eyes, Astrid instinctively curved her lips, but quickly hid the movement by adjusting her gloves, bringing her wrist close to her lips.

"Livia, you can relax a bit."

Hearing this, Amalia narrowed her eyes, and the excitement quickly faded into her crimson pupils.

A beggar shouldn’t show such emotions.

Seeing Amalia instantly return to her acting state, Astrid sighed inwardly, pulling her forward.

"Take me to see where you used to live."

Using this as an excuse, the four of them walked along the street. Amalia felt the cool evening breeze on her face, sensing that even the air outside seemed different from that in the palace.

The scent of plaster mixed with a hint of coarse wheat wasn’t particularly pleasant but had a unique charm.

Looking down at the ground, occasionally glancing around with the corner of her eye, Amalia saw fruit carts on both sides of the street, the vendors in linen clothes standing behind them.

Occasionally, a few people would approach, haggle, and after handing over copper coins, take apples in gray-black sacks, their long shadows gradually disappearing under the setting sun.

Not far away came the clanging of hammer strikes, a burly blacksmith swinging his hammer, sparks flying from the red-hot sword.

Next door, a brick house displayed various garments, with durable deer hide pants and cowhide boots placed outside, while further in were more exquisite silk and cotton fabrics that clearly cost a fortune.

Further down was a tavern with a sign advertising cheap coarse wheat beer. Walking closer, one could see the shadows of cups through the window paper and the distinct smell of alcohol wafting into the nostrils.

Noticing Amalia’s lingering gaze at a bread shop, Astrid cleared her throat and spoke softly.

"I heard you once wished you could eat the black bread here..."

"I want to see if this coarse wheat bread can compare to the palace chef’s craftsmanship."

Calling Elise to pay, Amalia and Astrid each held a bread wrapped in straw. Amalia took small bites, silent.

Astrid, mindful of her status, couldn’t eat like this "wandering girl." She took a small bite, frowned slightly, and handed the bread to the head maid.

Compared to the fine white bread made from refined wheat, this bread was rougher in texture, slightly bitter, and lacked enough sugar, something a noble wouldn’t enjoy.

Standing behind the sisters, Lyra watched their interaction, her eyes flickering slightly.

Princess Astrid and Lady Amalia... their relationship is really good...

Looking at the black bread in Elise’s hand, with the small bite mark Astrid had left, Lyra brushed a strand of pink hair behind her ear, suddenly curious.

"Miss Elise..."

"What is it?"

"Has Princess Astrid always been like this?"

The rumors about Astrid that Laina had told her had been completely debunked after these months of interaction.

Hearing this, Elise fell silent, standing still for a long time without speaking. Lyra felt she might have overstepped and whispered,

"Um... if it’s inconvenient, you don’t have to answer..."

"I was just asking..."

Hearing Lyra’s words, Elise glanced at Astrid, who was watching Amalia eat bread, then turned to look at the pink-haired maid, her hands twisted together, eyes downcast.

Given the relationship between Astrid and Lyra, it wasn’t entirely inappropriate to answer.

After a pause, Elise said, "Miss Astrid has always been like this."

She might have done some foolish things in the past, but looking back now, perhaps it was just a rebellious phase that everyone goes through at a certain stage in life.

"I started serving Miss Astrid when she was very young. Back then, she was very gentle and kind, just like she is now."

Astrid’s personality change mainly occurred after she entered the palace. Before that, in Elise’s mind, Astrid had always been the little girl who would ask for candy behind her back.

Hearing this, Lyra pursed her lips, her sky-blue eyes reflecting Astrid’s silver-white hair.

"So it’s true..."

"Princess Astrid is a very, very good person."

The only thing she couldn’t understand was why such a person would do something like swapping her spot, and then give her such generous compensation afterward.

Could love really make someone so blind?

Seeing the gentleness in Lyra’s eyes, Elise looked away, silently staring at the black bread in her hand.

"Miss Astrid... is indeed very good..."

Lyra seemed to be growing more attached to the princess. Her answer shouldn’t cause any problems.

While the two maids whispered behind them, the main subject remained oblivious. Astrid held Amalia’s hand, feeling the breeze against her ears, gradually relaxing.

Once everything was over, she would find a slow-paced place to live for a few years, no longer worrying about the schemes of the princes or the persona the original owner had left behind.

How wonderful it would be to not have to think about anything and just sleep soundly.

Under the pale yellow sunset, the woman’s face was delicate and gentle, her usually cold crimson eyes now shimmering with a soft light.

Amalia quietly watched Astrid, then looked away after half a minute. This small action naturally didn’t escape Astrid’s notice.

"What? Did the taste not live up to your expectations?" Astrid asked in a low voice, still carrying a hint of deliberately feigned arrogance.

Amalia nodded slightly, her expression complex.

"Yes."

She had indeed gained hard-won freedom, but she couldn’t feel happy about it.

Astrid Calliste’s situation wasn’t much different from hers. She was just in a slightly larger cage with wider bars, but even so, her sister still managed to share her love with her.

Rather than revenge, Amalia now had another reason motivating her forward.

Only by reaching the pinnacle of the empire’s power could she and her sister truly have the freedom they deserved.