Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 487: Travel through Airship

A crisp metallic clink roasts out across the dining table. Amalia’s silver fork slipped slightly, its sharp tip tapping against the plate, causing the two neatly crossed white silk-clad legs beneath the table to instinctively draw together.

Going to inspect the front lines... Is Sister going alone?

No, judging by her usual habits, she’d definitely bring Elise, the head maid, along too.

Although the border situation was generally stable now, a new offensive from the Kingdom of Velys was still brewing, and the Church’s Knight Order was regrouping its forces. If her sister went to inspect the front, what if she encountered danger?

Compared to the relatively peaceful capital, the Liya Tower Fortress was undoubtedly fraught with peril.

In an instant, Amalia’s heart twisted with conflicting emotions, reluctance at the thought of Astrid leaving, and deep concern for her safety.

Before Amalia could speak, Astrid softly began.

"The late Emperor has been laid to rest in the royal mausoleum. All remaining arrangements are progressing steadily. The situation within and beyond the capital is relatively stable, and the majority of nobles have acknowledged Amalia’s leadership."

"If I continue staying in the capital, my presence won’t serve much purpose."

Over this period, she had actively courted both major and minor nobles, signing numerous agreements to firmly tie the interests of the Four Ducal families to the new Empress. The most unstable period of Amalia’s reign was now behind them. As long as they proceed steadily, consolidating imperial power step by step without overreaching, the new Empress’ rule will remain unshakable.

In contrast to the clear situation in the capital City, the volatile border troubles Astrid far more. Although in this timeline, the Valeria Empire’s overall strength was significantly higher than in the original story, it was still far from sufficient to completely repel the full-force assaults of the Kingdom of Velys at the frontier.

Moreover, with her presence changing so many plot points, who could say what new variables might emerge in this war?

For instance, perhaps the side to first deploy a Arcanist mage would shift from the Valeria Empire to the Kingdom of Velys. Or, seeing things go awry, Brennild, the so-called "Divine" whom Lady Gemini had mentioned, might once again stir up some new chaos. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Right now, the Empire has both a Regent and an Empress. There’s no need for us to crowd together, that will only reduce efficiency."

Amalia wasn’t a child or ailing ruler requiring a Regent’s constant guidance. After their joint efforts over this time, Astrid firmly believed Amalia was fully capable of handling state affairs independently.

This would free Astrid to go to the frontlines and serve as a stabilizing banner for the troops. With the Empress managing internal affairs and the Regent handling external matters, their mutual trust would prevent wasted energy and lingering inefficiency.

Whether viewed emotionally or logically, Astrid’s inspection of the border defenses was far from a bad idea.

Taking small bites of the fried egg on her plate, Amalia silently acknowledged the truth in her words. After a brief pause, she spoke softly.

"If Sister has made up her mind, I’ll arrange everything after breakfast."

On a personal level, Amalia didn’t want Astrid to leave the capital, to leave her side. But if she tried to stop her out of mere attachment, that would be too narrow-minded.

How could an Empress with such short-sightedness maintain control over the entire Empire? Or bring to life the ideal nation Astrid envisioned?

Hearing this, Astrid gave a slight nod and replied gently.

"There’s no need to send someone specially. No need for such a grand spectacle."

"I can use wind magic to form wings, and Elise can project her mental energy to levitate our bodies. Both methods are faster than ordinary carriages."

During wartime, there was no need to assemble a lavish escort just for noble elegance. As for personal safety, the combined combat power of a peak tier Magnus and a peak tier Master Knight was such that, across the entire Empire, only a tiny minority could even challenge them. And those few were backed by powerful family interests, they had no reason to attack the Regent, who was at the peak of her influence.

Regardless, of course, they were utterly irrational madmen.

Still, logic was logic. Amalia didn’t see it that way. Even the slightest possibility of danger was enough to make her unwilling to expose the silver-haired beauty before she took any risk.

"At the very least, a basic guard unit must accompany you. No matter what Sister says, this is non-negotiable."

"Speed isn’t the priority, safety is most important."

Her knife sliced through the steak. Amalia pursed her lips, forcefully suppressing her inner reluctance. Suddenly, she thought of something and moistened her lips before speaking.

"Or better yet, why not take the capital’s mana airship?"

"There happens to be a shipment of crystals and construction materials needing urgent delivery to the front in a few days. The airship will have to make the trip anyway."

During Hibbort’s administration, the previous Emperor had considered the possibility of the Kingdom of Velys breaching a secondary fortress and severing the land-based supply line between Liya Tower Fortress and another stronghold. As a result, mana airships capable of carrying massive cargo became a key focus of Professor Charlotte’s research and improvements.

They had modified the airship’s hull structure based on the Fearless, discarding unnecessary designs like observation decks, making it more suitable for transporting supplies or troops, while also conserving a certain amount of magic crystals. Although each launch still consumed vast resources, it was no longer as prohibitively expensive as before.

Upon hearing this, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes, finding Amalia’s compromise quite reasonable.

Unlike the fatal air disasters of her previous life, where accidents either didn’t happen or result in 100% deaths, she now had powerful mental energy at her disposal, and the upper atmosphere was perpetually rich in wind element particles. Even if an accident occurred, she could easily escape unharmed.

"When exactly?" Astrid asked.

Amalia took a sip of tea and replied softly, "In three days."

That would give her enough time to choose a group of elite Imperial Guards to accompany Astrid, ensuring her safety.

Hearing this, Astrid pondered for a moment. She couldn’t think of a better method of travel and nodded.

"Then it’s settled."

"Before I leave, I’ll prepare a briefing on matters the capital needs to watch for. Once Amalia reviews it and confirms there are no issues, I’ll depart."

Although her heart was with the empire’s border, Post City was equally important. Astrid didn’t want to be inspecting the frontlines only to hear news of a crisis erupting behind her.

"Mmm." Amalia gave a slight nod, her emerald eyes fixed on her teacup.

"Sister needn’t worry too much about the capital."

"I’ll maintain stability and handle logistics, becoming the strongest support for Sister and the frontline troops."

With Astrid’s final decision, this was the only thing Amalia could do for her now.

At the very least, she wouldn’t let Astrid board the mana airship burdened with anxiety.

Hearing this, Astrid looked at the well-behaved white-stockinged girl sitting beside her. She knew that even if Amalia didn’t show it, her heart would still be ache at her departure.

But there was no helping it. Even Astrid, with her partial foresight, couldn’t guarantee that every event would unfold as she predicted.

Pinching Amalia’s cheek gently, Astrid spoke slowly.

"You’ve been so strong, Amalia."

Even though you’re clearly heartbroken, you still put on such a calm and composed front to set my mind at ease.

So good... my little sister...

Feeling the warmth of Astrid’s fingertips, Amalia nuzzled her cheek against them.

"I only ask that Sister always remember, your own life comes first."

"I’m not Lyra. I can’t remain fully rational, nor will I stay kind in the face of hatred."

’I don’t possess such broad-mindedness. If anything were to happen to Astrid because of some underhanded move by the Kingdom of Velys, I would stop at nothing to exact revenge.’

’At that point, it wouldn’t just be the Kingdom of Velys’s leadership, I’d drag even innocent civilians into the Emperor’s wrathful purge.’

This was simply Amalia’s nature, and she knew Astrid understood this perfectly.

Gazing into the girl’s glistening eyes, Astrid gently tapped her eyelid with her fingertip and replied in a soft voice.

"Alright, alright, I understand."

"I won’t let you down."

After all, from the very beginning of Astrid Calliste’s memory awakening, her goal had been to live better, cultivating herself when in adversity, benefiting all under heaven when prosperous.

In the future, she still wanted to truly see the world, to find a peaceful place to settle down. Naturally, she would value her life all the more.

After finishing breakfast and chatting with Amalia a while longer, Astrid shifted into Regent mode, organizing all the work that needed to be handed over to the Empress. Then she urged Elise to prepare for the journey.

"Understood, Miss. I’ll attend to it at once," the head maid replied dutifully.

In truth, Elise’s workload was hardly less than Astrid’s. Just managing the Empire Weekly alone consumed tremendous effort. Not to mention, with Astrid’s transition from Third Princess to Regent, their intelligence network had undergone a complete upgrade.

Four years ago, that relatively immature intelligence group had operated under the guise of the Empire Weekly, forced to work only in the shadows. Now, thanks to Elise’s tireless efforts, it has grown into a vast entity with roots spreading across the entire Empire.

’Even Astrid sometimes couldn’t help but marvel, Elise truly is my mastermind.’

’Miss is becoming more mysterious by the day.’

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

Three days later, outside the capital City, Amalia gazed at Astrid, dressed in a black dress, her heart a tumult of emotions.

Ever since Astrid had brought her out of the old castle, she had practically stuck to her side every day, whether in class, after class, or during social outings, they were nearly inseparable.

The longest separations had only been the practical exams at Isabellis Magic Academy at the end of each semester, but even then, it was just a week or two, barely enough to endure.

Then came Hibbort’s passing. Even as they grew busier, when night fell, they still rested on the same bed, sharing stories of their day.

Now, once she left, who knew when they’d meet again?

"Sister..." Amalia murmured, her lips trembling, but ultimately holding back the words that might worry Astrid.

"Duke Charles’s domain lies at the empire’s northernmost edge, perpetually cold. Mages don’t have the same physical resilience as knights, remember to wear plenty of warm clothing."

How could the Regent, who had personally overseen winter supply distributions, not know this? Astrid gave a slight nod, then leaned down and held Amalia in a long embrace.

"I know, Amalia."

Not just of the harsh cold there, but also of the tender heart of the young girl in her arms, constantly thinking of her.

No words were needed. This unspoken understanding was clear to both.

"Please be careful," Amalia emphasized once more.

Astrid nodded, replying softly.

"Okay."

"I’ll miss you too, Amalia."

"Go back and rest soon."

Perhaps sensing the impending farewell, Amalia had been even more delightful last night. Astrid understood that her departure was a blow, so she indulged her as much as possible.

But still, a thousand-mile journey must end. No matter how reluctant, the Regent, bearing the empire’s weight, must eventually board the airship bound for the northern frontier.

Pressing a final kiss to Amalia’s forehead, Astrid turned and walked slowly up the wooden steps, waving farewell to the golden-haired girl standing below the airship.

May Amalia be safe and well in the capital.

The mana airship filled with heated air. Wind-element crystals activated, continuously releasing wind particles downward. Meanwhile, air vents along the sides opened sequentially, allowing the helmsman in the control room to adjust the wind direction as needed.

Watching the massive vessel slowly rise into the sky, shrinking into the distance, Amalia placed a hand over her left chest, unconsciously rising onto her toes.

"Sister..."

As the mana airship disappeared from sight, Amalia whispered to herself.

"Travel safely."

She will handle all logistical matters in the capital, waiting only for the heroes to return victorious from the front.

High above, Astrid gazed through the porthole at the capital shrinking into insignificance below. Her crossed black-stockinged legs swayed slightly as her fingers lightly touched the ruby pendant at her chest.

With her departure, Amalia would now truly rule alone. Although she had already witnessed her sister’s abilities and talents, as an elder, she couldn’t help but felt instinctive concern and attachment.

’But still... I must trust Amalia...’

She was no longer the little girl who needed her sister’s constant care and attention.

Feeling a faint vibration from the airship’s hull, Astrid deliberately emptied her mind. Her elegant black-stockinged toes curled slightly around her high heels, waiting only for the airship to stabilize completely.

Come to think of it, there were several people waiting at the journey’s end whom she had long wished to see.

She wondered what they had become after enduring that frost-laden trial.

She was rather curious.