Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 189: Drunken Charlotte

After three rounds of drinks, Astrid looked at the black-haired woman across the table, who was propping her cheek with one hand, her face flushed a rosy hue. Astrid’s voice was gentle as she spoke.

"Aside from these, Lady Charlotte, have you made any new academic exchanges?"

Hearing Astrid’s words, Charlotte pondered for a moment, her fair legs, which had been neatly together, slightly crossed. She took a sip of wine and softly replied.

"I just had a casual chat with the new professor of magic array studies at Velmora Knight Academy. We discussed the structure of three-dimensional complex magic arrays and some variations under special circumstances."

"I initially thought that due to the different teaching focus, the Knight Academy might not invest much in magic-related subjects. However, after these days of academic discussions, my opinion of them has slightly changed."

"Regarding some obscure magic arrays, that newly promoted Arcanist level mage professor’s understanding might not be worse than mine."

Charlotte specialized in wind magic. Although she was proficient in other elemental magics, it was difficult for her to surpass mages who specialized in other elements. It was normal for her not to understand some magic arrays.

Astrid nodded slightly upon hearing this, her pink lips parting.

"For Lady Charlotte to say this, it seems the other party indeed has substantial talent."

The term "three-dimensional complex magic array structure" was both familiar and unfamiliar to Astrid.

She had indeed seen related concepts in books before, but to actually use them, one’s strength needed to reach the level of a Peak Magnus or above.

Otherwise, not to mention the understanding of magic array studies, the mental energy alone couldn’t withstand the loss caused by such multiple particle arrangements.

Suddenly thinking of something, Charlotte lowered her eyes, her fingers lightly swirling the stem of the glass, her gaze following the liquid inside as it swayed up and down.

"What a pity..." Charlotte said.

Hearing this, Astrid retracted her gaze from Amalia and slowly asked.

"What’s the pity?"

"It’s a pity that Velmora Knight Academy only newly established two subjects: potion studies and magic array studies."

As a newly emerging subject in recent decades, magical devices have always been lukewarm.

Except for the Elizabeth Academy of Magic, other magic academies in the empire rarely offered related courses. Some even suggested that magic array studies could directly replace magical devices.

As a professor of magic array studies and a promoter of magical devices, Charlotte knew there was some truth to their words.

However, in practical application, the two still had significant differences and couldn’t be lumped together.

Knowing that bringing magical devices into ordinary households had always been Charlotte’s wish, Astrid’s fingertips gently rubbed the tablecloth. After half a minute, she stared into those lowered tea-colored eyes and said.

"The empire’s nobility has already enjoyed the convenience brought by magical devices but is unwilling to share it with those below. Moreover, the functions of magical devices are relatively complete now, so naturally, they won’t push for its development and popularization."

Besides fearing that the lower classes might access magic and use the convenience of magical devices to harm them, some old nobles considered magical devices a luxury equivalent to gems and tea, something only they deserved to enjoy.

To some extent, the high usage and maintenance costs of magical devices indeed matched the term "luxury." But if they remained as luxuries circulating only in upper-class society, it would go against the original intentions of Fanya and Charlotte.

"To make the empire’s upper class accept it, besides showing results, we need to subtly change their inherent views."

Astrid spoke softly, one hand holding the cup, the other resting on the table, her pink, delicate fingernails glowing warmly.

Hearing this, Charlotte raised her head, her slightly drunken eyes looking at the silver-haired girl before her.

"Little Astr, are you thinking..." ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Guessing what the other party intended to do, Charlotte pursed her lips, her thin, translucent eyelashes fluttering slightly.

Astrid straightened her posture slightly upon hearing this, her silver-white hair sliding over her ample chest and naturally falling to her waist.

"I’ve been considering recently whether to add a knowledge popularization section to the monthly journal to increase its overall length and attract more potential readers."

"Lady Charlotte, I want you to help me write an article related to magical devices for the next issue of the Empire Monthly."

Although it was framed as asking for help to increase the journal’s length, combined with Astrid’s earlier words, Charlotte quickly understood what her junior was planning.

Since she was the author of the article, it would naturally contain many of her subjective views. Readers would easily be influenced by the content, and this influence would be extremely subtle, something normal people would hardly notice.

This wasn’t her helping Astrid; it was Astrid helping her with promotion.

"Little Astr, are you planning to shake their views from an ideological perspective?"

Charlotte’s tone carried a rare seriousness, though due to the alcohol, her voice remained seductive, like a small brush lightly tickling the listener’s ear.

"Yes, that’s the plan," Astrid replied softly, the silk fabric on her legs making a seductive rustling sound.

"After all, the main purpose of my founding the journal is this."

Using information and public opinion to achieve goals without bloodshed, this invisible sword was about to make its debut, even if no one might notice it at first.

Carefully considering the feasibility of this plan, Charlotte took small sips of her wine. Her spirit, which should have been drowsy, seemed to revive, becoming clearer.

Meanwhile, outside the dining room, Elise heard low footsteps in the corridor. A slender maid approached, carrying a tray.

"I’m here to replace the etiquette napkins for Princess Astrid. There were two missing earlier..."

Elise remained unmoved, still standing at the door, her voice low as she scanned the surroundings with her mental energy.

"Princess Astrid is dining with Countess Charlotte. No one is to disturb them."

"But without the etiquette napkins... after the meal..."

Looking at the silk napkins on the maid’s tray for cleaning lips after meals, Elise’s voice turned slightly cold.

"Princess Astrid does not wish to be disturbed while reminiscing with Countess Charlotte."

"You may leave."

Seemingly intimidated by Elise’s efficient aura, the maid’s eyes flashed with panic. After hesitating for a moment, she nodded.

"Understood, Lady Elise."

Watching the maid leave, Elise stood upright until the surroundings fell silent again. The head maid touched the porcelain plate in her hand, the crisp sound of collision particularly noticeable in the evening breeze. After two or three seconds, two more maids approached.

"Add the person from earlier to the suspicious list. Record her every move in detail," Elise said.

Both replied simultaneously, "Understood."

After giving her instructions, the two maids, who were actually intelligence personnel, left. Elise continued to stand guard, the silver moonlight falling on her thick, black hair, smooth yet with a hint of coolness.

Inside the dining room, after carefully considering Astrid’s words, Charlotte’s lips curved into a smile, her tone filled with a bit of relief.

"I didn’t expect Little Astr to become like this in just a few months."

"Not only has she tempered her original temperament, but she’s also achieved such success."

It used to be her helping Astrid, but now, in such a short time, the latter had transformed from a child who needed care into a mature adult who could now help her.

Her mood was inexplicably complex, a mix of happiness and an indescribable melancholy.

Perhaps it was the psychological change every parent feels when their child grows up. While it was good for the other to stand on their own, as a senior, one couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss when they no longer relied on you.

Taking another sip of wine, Charlotte heard Astrid speak.

"Currently, whether a magical device gains support from all sides depends on my father’s opinion."

"As for the future..."

Before the girl could finish, Charlotte’s gaze turned to Amalia, who had been quiet since the meal began. Astrid also looked at the ebony-haired girl.

"I will act according to my sister’s wishes," Amalia said, sensing their gazes.

Without Astrid, she might have spent her entire life in the castle, without even the right to glance at the throne, let alone sit on it.

Astrid was both her benefactor and her beloved sister. These two points were enough for Amalia to do anything for her.

Hearing Amalia’s response, Astrid didn’t show any joy but instead bit her lip slightly. However, she soon relaxed and sighed, turning to Charlotte, saying softly.

"For now, we can only take it step by step."

Charlotte smiled gently upon hearing this. "Little Astr seems to have misunderstood..."

"...I was never that impatient."

Having endured for so many years, there was no need to rush. Having a relative who understood her and a feasible path was already precious enough.

The rest could be taken slowly.

Finishing the wine in her cup, Charlotte had Lyra pour her another. She then took out a piece of green pepper, a former ornamental plant stuffed with meat filling and mixed with a spicy-sweet sauce by Astrid, making it exceptionally delicious.

Watching the bright red transparent liquid swirl in the goblet under the light, Astrid had lost count of how many glasses Charlotte had drunk. Glancing at the empty bottle behind Lyra, she was prepared to have Charlotte stay overnight in her palace.

"Clink!"

Another crisp clink of glasses, the cool wine going down. Astrid looked at the alluring drunkenness in Charlotte’s eyes and knew she was about done.

After eating a few more bites, Astrid picked up a silk napkin to wipe her mouth, her voice soft.

"Lady Charlotte, let me take you to rest."

The sound of high heels clicked in her ears. Charlotte wiped her lips briefly, her starry eyes slightly narrowed, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s.

"Alright..."

"...Thank you, Little Astr."

This special brew, exclusive to the palace, wasn’t like the coarse barley wine sold in taverns. It didn’t feel very intoxicating while drinking, but it had a strong aftereffect and was hard to stop.

Charlotte wasn’t particularly good with alcohol. When she drank alone in her estate, five or six glasses of regular red wine would get her drunk, after which she would mindlessly continue drinking until her body couldn’t take it.

If it weren’t for her strong constitution, Charlotte’s health would have deteriorated long ago with her drinking habits.

Gently holding one of Charlotte’s arms, Astrid helped her stand. Charlotte had almost no strength left, her soft, fragrant body leaning against Astrid, a seductive musk mixed with roses wafting to her nose.

Charlotte’s evening gown didn’t have much fabric on the sides, only a layer of decorative gauze and some light purple ribbons. As Astrid supported her, she could clearly feel the warmth from Charlotte’s side.

That smooth, delicate touch, like silk or warm jade, had a magic that made one reluctant to let go.

It must be said that the perfume specially tailored for this countess indeed matched her temperament, low-key, mature, with a growing feminine charm over time.

Even Astrid, who had lived nearly half a century in her previous life, found it hard to resist the allure of this gentle, drunken older sister.

"Amalia, are you full?"

"Yes."

Amalia stood up from her seat, noticing Astrid’s arm wrapped around Charlotte’s back and the hand pressed against her fragrant shoulder.

With no free hands, Astrid couldn’t hold her anymore.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Amalia’s eyes, but considering Charlotte’s current state, she obediently walked to the side without saying a word.

The dining room wasn’t far from Astrid’s palace, just a short walk away. Declining the head maid and Lyra’s offers, Astrid supported Charlotte all the way back to her bedroom, gently removing the hollowed-out high heels from her feet. She then cast a lightening spell and carried her to the soft bed.

Although a simple sobering spell could solve the issue, since Charlotte hadn’t cast one, Astrid wouldn’t disturb her rare moment of drunkenness.

In the original Astrid’s memories, Charlotte had taken care of her many times. Now, it was her turn to take care of Charlotte.

After smoothing out the slightly wrinkled skirt under Charlotte’s legs and tidying her hair, Lyra brought warm tea, asking if Astrid needed her help.

"You go rest. I’ll handle it here."

"Your Highness, are you sure... alone..."

"..."

Receiving Astrid’s gaze, Lyra lowered her head and whispered.

"As you command, Princess Astrid."

"If anything happens, I’ll be here tonight."

With that, the maid left the room, leaving only Astrid and the drunken Charlotte.

Reaching out to touch the countess’s hair scattered over her collarbone, Astrid carefully arranged the strands, tucking them behind her ear. As her fingers brushed Charlotte’s earlobe, the woman opened her hazy eyes.

Catching a glimpse of the iconic silver hair and crimson eyes, Charlotte let out a soft hum, pulling Astrid’s hand down to cover a certain place not fully concealed by her dress.