Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 226: Lyra Asking For Help

After having lunch with Elowen, Astrid boarded the carriage back to the palace, closing her eyes to rest while pondering the conversation she had with the other party before the meal.

Besides catching up, Elowen also discussed with her some topics about changing the monthly magazine to a weekly one, including the procurement of raw materials and a new sales model with a one-year duration.

Astrid had already prepared for such business discussions, and Elowen’s proposals were all reasonable, so she didn’t pay much attention to them.

What really piqued Astrid’s curiosity was the matter that even Elowen’s personal involvement didn’t seem sincere enough.

"My incompetent nephew hopes to have dinner with Princess Astrid at the Wisteria Restaurant at 7 PM next Monday to discuss some topics about deeper cooperation between our two families."

Tristian intends to invite her out for dinner, and it’s a very important business meeting.

It should only be about cooperation in magical devices.

Astrid crossed her arms, the bright red gem resting quietly between her ample bosom. Her long, slender legs, covered in thin black stockings, were seductively crossed, trembling slightly with the rocking of the carriage.

Although Hibbort publicly supports the development of magical devices, it cannot be easily tampered with, especially by the noble forces that both rely on and, to some extent, constrain the imperial power.

In this light, the pressure exerted by those old nobles on the royal family actually helps the emperor better control the magical devices, the bill targeting the development of magical devices has not yet been issued, and Hibbort can make good use of it, cleverly accommodating some nobles while achieving his own goals.

On one hand, he silences the opposition, and on the other, he forces the reformists to rely on him for any development.

Whether it’s developing transport vehicles or the inevitable future magical energy weapons, everything will depend on Hibbort’s mood.

No wonder he sits in that position; even though he advocates iron-fisted rule, he deeply understands the art of balance.

If the Velmont family wants a share in the magical devices sector, they will probably have to pay much more than they do now.

The wheels made a rumbling sound as they rolled on the ground. Astrid leaned back in the carriage, quietly thinking about the business meeting at the Wisteria Restaurant next Monday and how she should discuss related matters with Tristian, and what the maximum chips she could offer would be.

Opposite the woman, Lyra sat with her legs together, hands on her knees.

Lyra silently gazed at Astrid, her sky-blue eyes filled with a hint of confusion.

Perhaps because she was about to leave, she had been staring at Princess Astrid a lot recently, feeling as if each glance was one less.

After a while, the carriage arrived at its destination. As Astrid opened her eyes, Lyra quickly looked away, jumping out of the carriage first, holding the curtain, and extending her hand to the former.

Seeing the sunlight falling at her feet, Astrid gently took Lyra’s hand, and the exquisitely crafted high heels made a sharp, short sound as they touched the ground.

"Princess Astrid, are you still taking a nap today?" Lyra asked.

Since the meal with Elowen took a bit longer, it was already past the usual nap time for Astrid and Amalia.

"Yes," Astrid nodded, steadying herself.

"Remember to prepare the tea on time."

Hearing her master’s command, Lyra softly acknowledged.

Returning to the palace, watching Princess Astrid enter Amalia’s room, Lyra turned and went to her own bedroom. After some thought, she pulled out a piece of drawing paper and an envelope from the drawer.

The drawing paper depicted a silver-haired girl wearing a cream-colored high-necked shirt and a dark black pleated skirt.

This was the first issue of the Empire Monthly, and also Astrid’s debut as a fashion model.

Looking at the lifelike person on the drawing paper, Lyra blinked a few times, her gaze moving from the other’s small leather shoes to the envelope beside it.

......

"Knock knock..."

Hearing the knocking outside, Amalia, who had just taken a nap with her sister and sat down in the hall, was startled, but quickly stood up and walked to the door.

Before she could ask, a crisp female voice came from outside.

"Is Miss Livia here?"

This voice... it’s Lyra...

Amalia opened the door and saw a pink-haired maid standing in the corridor.

Although it was in Astrid’s palace, it was best to be cautious. Amalia let Lyra in first, then closed the door.

"Are you looking for me?" Amalia asked her.

Hearing the somewhat cold tone of the black-haired girl, and thinking of her soft and sweet voice when she was nestled in Astrid’s arms, Lyra couldn’t help but marvel at how close the relationship between the two princesses was.

After some hesitation, Lyra slowly spoke.

"Yes, Miss Livia... I want to ask you for a favor..."

A favor?

Hearing the pink-haired maid’s words, Amalia narrowed her eyes slightly.

"What favor?"

As a bastard child with no real power, what could she possibly help Lyra with?

She should be going to Astrid, shouldn’t she?

After a pause, Lyra, clutching her skirt, whispered, "Miss Livia, your paintings are very good..."

"So... I hope you can help me draw a picture of my current room..."

Originally, Lyra wanted Amalia to draw another portrait of Astrid for her, but it wasn’t appropriate to paint someone without their consent, and Amalia herself had occasionally mentioned that she wasn’t good at portrait painting.

The third reason was an intuition; Lyra felt that if she asked Amalia to paint her dearest sister, this possessive little sister might refuse on the spot without a second thought.

Amalia stared at Lyra for a few moments, her cold tone becoming a bit more serious: "Draw the interior of the room?"

This request was indeed not difficult for her.

"Yes, after I finish my maid duties, I should be saying goodbye to my current residence and moving to the academy dormitory," Lyra nodded, then added.

"I want to record the layout of the room before I leave, as a memento, and later I will also make a copy to send to my family."

In that exquisite little room, Lyra experienced the most unforgettable year of her life, and her mindset transitioned from the initial unease upon arriving in the capital to later familiarity and comfort.

Seeing the hopeful look in Lyra’s eyes, Amalia pursed her lips, remaining silent for a long time.

This was the first person, besides Astrid, who had sought her help.

Her sister used her paintings probably because she loved her, hoping she could feel her own value, thereby alleviating the unease of receiving unilateral gifts. Amalia had figured this out over the past half year.

But Lyra didn’t have those necessities; she really needed her help with this.

The rare sense of being needed stirred waves in Amalia’s heart, making her view Lyra in a much more favorable light.

Just as Lyra thought Amalia would refuse, the latter spoke softly.

"I can help you with this."

Besides realizing her own value, her sister also hoped they could get along harmoniously. Combining these two points, as a good child, Amalia naturally wouldn’t refuse this reasonable request.

Hearing this, Lyra’s sky-blue eyes lit up slightly, and she said excitedly.

"Thank you, Miss Livia!"

"As a reward, if you have any needs, you can tell me, and I will do my best."

Looking at Lyra, who leaned forward, revealing her smooth pink hair, Amalia had to admit that a very selfish thought had indeed flashed through her mind just now.

I don’t want any reward... I just need Miss Lyra to keep her distance from sister...

But this thought quickly disappeared. First, the value of a painting wasn’t that high, and second, her sister wouldn’t want her to do that.

Her sister, or rather Astrid Calliste, was never short of friends around her, whether it was the efficient head maid, the mature and steady countess, or Miss Lydia, who always had pleasant conversations with Astrid, they were all extremely talented people.

If her selfish desire to monopolize her sister led to unnecessary conflicts with these people, it would not only affect her sister’s normal life but also lower her own favorability in her sister’s heart.

Astrid was very gentle, so gentle that as long as she gave a bit of love, the former would return the same emotional value.

Since the people around Astrid would never be few, it was obviously better to use a gentler approach than throwing a tantrum.

She just had to love her sister more than anyone else.

"I don’t need you to do anything for me for now," Amalia said softly.

Before Lyra could speak, Amalia petted the orange cat, then continued.

"If Miss Lyra really feels bad, then keep it for now, and when I need help in the future, you can step forward to help me..."

This request could be kept for the future and might have unexpected uses.

Hearing this, Lyra nodded and said softly.

"Okay, Miss Livia."

As soon as she finished speaking, Amalia asked, "When exactly do you need the painting?"

"It depends on whether Miss Livia is free recently; if possible, try to finish it before I leave."

"...Then take me to your room now to have a look."

"Okay."

Without Astrid’s knowledge, Lyra and Amalia reached an agreement.

.....

A few days later, at the Wisteria Restaurant, Tristian sat at the reserved seat, quietly waiting for the guest to arrive.

It was 6:45 PM, fifteen minutes before the meeting time.

At this point, it was inevitable to feel some indescribable strange emotions. Thinking of the theme of tonight’s dinner, Tristian took a sip of hot tea, his gaze lingering on the men’s bag beside him and the slightly protruding small square.

The family’s craftsmen were not only skilled but also faster than he expected.

To think it would be so quick... to have the ring made...

Recalling the dazzling engagement ring he received from the craftsman, Tristian couldn’t help but frown, his thoughts in turmoil.

Although this ring weighed only a few grams in his palm, it felt no less heavy than a greatsword.

For the sake of family interests, giving up the possible future love and the anticipated beautiful marriage, was it worth it?

Moreover, was he really prepared to be a husband?

Closing his eyes, he touched the square bulge on the outside of the leather bag, the hard texture pressing against his fingertips.

"Astrid..."

Tristian softly uttered her name, his mind swirling with the scene of her pouring red wine on an innocent girl’s head that night. His thoughts shifted, and the silver-haired princess sat across from him at the negotiating table, gracefully discussing with him.

Letting out a soft breath, the sharp sound of high heels interrupted Tristian’s memories. The man opened his eyes and saw Astrid, led by the waiter, entering the room, along with her personal maid, Lyra Beckett.

"Good evening, Lord Tristian."

Astrid curved her lips, smiling as she greeted him.

Seeing the curvaceous Astrid in a black dress, Tristian nodded and politely replied.

"Good evening, Princess Astrid."

Since he was already seated here, with the engagement item by his side, he should no longer be indecisive.

He was the future heir of the Velmont family, the son of Duke Cedric, and he must remain calm at all times, knowing what to do when.

"Princess Astrid, please order first."

Seeing Tristian not directly bring up the matter, Astrid wasn’t in a hurry to introduce the topic either, first ordering a few dishes according to the other’s wishes and handing them to the waiter.

"It was a pity not to dance with Princess Astrid at the last ball."

Tristian straightened his back, calmly looking at Astrid, and continued.

"The great success of the magical devices is inseparable from the efforts of Countess Charlotte and Professor Elandor, and even more so from Princess Astrid’s behind-the-scenes promotion and dedication. Please allow me to congratulate you all once again."

Hearing this, Astrid smiled slightly, thinking Tristian was setting the stage for the upcoming cooperation.

"I only did some trivial work."

As soon as she finished speaking, Tristian continued to talk about the topic of magical energy airships. Seeing the other party so interested, Astrid became more certain that the topic of tonight’s discussion was magical devices.

The Velmont family was indeed quite sensitive to the upcoming market situation.

After a serious conversation, the dishes were served in order, and the two temporarily reduced the frequency of their chat, focusing on the delicious food.

When the dinner was almost over, Tristian still hadn’t mentioned any more substantial trading projects, and even Astrid, who thought she understood the purpose of the meeting, was unsure what the other party really wanted to discuss.

If it was about the investment in the development of magical devices and future market planning, the topic should have been introduced by now, rather than circling around the Fearless.

"Lord Tristian... is there anything else..."

Seeing Astrid put down her napkin, Tristian realized it was time to get to the point.

"Princess Astrid, there is indeed one more thing."

The next second, he took out the item he had prepared for so long from the men’s bag.