Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 514: Help

After bidding farewell to Charlotte, Astrid immediately headed to the command room where Charles was stationed, sharing with the front-line commander all her observations from today’s visit to the town of Siyak, along with her related opinions.

In terms of status, Astrid, as the Empire’s Regent, held authority far surpassing that of the Four Dukes. Only the Emperor’s direct orders could overrule her.

However, considering the battlefield was within Duke Charles’s territory and that he was an experienced military aristocrat who had spent years expanding the Empire’s frontiers, Astrid chose to delegate authority to him. She refrained from contesting control over the army, allowing Charles to make most decisions, reserving intervention only for critical moments.

Regarding warfare, how could she, an Imperial Princess raised in the sheltered luxury of the palace and a commoner from a previous life, lived in peaceful times, possibly rivaling a professional? Even Lyra, who had endured months of bitter cold, likely surpasses her now in battlefield command capability.

As an amateur, it was best to remain humble and avoid giving orders to experts.

Upon receiving Astrid’s intelligence and learning they indeed possessed means to suppress the plague and even heal the infected, Charles breathed a slight sigh of relief. He then, based on Astrid’s discussion with Charlotte, began reorganizing the supply routes and allocating necessary personnel.

Charles, a high noble trusted deeply by the late Emperor and famous for his command experience, proved his worth. Within just a few hours, from deciding the new routes to implementing the details, everything was arranged. By the end of the night, massive supplies will pile up at a higher-level transit hub ahead of Siyak. He will also send correspondence to the Imperial Capital, requesting the Emperor to revise parts of the transportation network for overall coordination.

"Since Duke Charles has reached a decision, I won’t trouble you further."

"Once the infected are gathered, please notify me. Lyra and I will then go there to cast the purification magic."

Facing Astrid, who stood up, lightly brushed aside her silver hair, and exuded an exceptionally noble aura, Charles replied softly.

"As the Regent’s will command."

This was currently the best, and indeed the only, choice.

Seeing his response, Astrid politely nodded, turned around, and her slender high heels tapped crisply against the floor as she left the command room with Elise.

Conversing with intelligent people truly saves time and effort. Astrid felt reassured by Charles’s loyalty and competence, while Charles, in turn, felt at ease having a regent so perceptive of boundaries and understanding of the larger picture.

Whether it was her skill in winning people’s hearts, her methods for solving problems, or her absolute trust in his command of the army, Astrid was an outstanding leader.

No wonder Hibbort had insisted on placing her, an outsider princess, in that position to serve as Regent and guardian for the new Emperor.

Unaware that Charles, one of the Four Dukes, had once again affirmed her abilities in his heart, Astrid walked along the street flanked by snowdrifts. Elise carefully draped a shawl over her shoulders, shielding her delicate skin from the biting cold.

Although Astrid had warming magic at her disposal, constant exposure to the wind could still lead to a chill, especially since she wasn’t dressed warmly, just a dress and undergarments.

Accustomed to the meticulous care of her maids, Astrid didn’t pause her steps, continuing toward the central area.

That evening, as night fell, Lyra, stationed at the front line, received a private visit from the Regent.

Astrid arrived at the watchtower carrying two warm beef pies, finding Lyra holding the special heating stone she had given her, gazing pensively at the military outpost of the Kingdom of Velys standing on the edge of the frozen tundra.

"Here, replenish your energy early."

Hearing the familiar click of high heels, Lyra emerged from her semi-meditative state. The heating stone dissolved into points of light as she accepted the beef pie Astrid offered.

"Did Astrid and Duke Charles... discuss the logistics matters..."

Changing the supply routes wasn’t a particularly secret matter, especially since Lyra was a key factor. She will inevitably need to go to the supply hub later to dispel the plague. Thus, Astrid saw no need to conceal it and told Lyra about the consensus she’d reached with Charles.

"For the next few days, Lyra won’t need to return to the front line. We’ll continue handling the plague."

"Once the routes are operational again, the Arcanist Charlotte will cast [Land of Purity] to protect the main towns from the plague."

This would not only ensure they didn’t have to deploy the energy-intensive magic-powered flying vessel but also effectively reduce casualties and slow down Brennild’s revival time.

Hearing Astrid’s explanation, Lyra nodded, took a bite of the pie, and softly replied.

"Mm, I understand."

They chatted casually for a bit. Since it was a public place, and even though no one else was around, Astrid refrained from teasing Lyra. She simply stayed to talk, sharing key insights about magic.

Just like when Lyra had first arrived in the capital.

Astrid’s mental energy quality might not match Lyra’s, but her ability to decipher ancient magic incantations meant her mastery of magic theory was sufficient to surpass most mages.

"I’m not a knight, so I don’t understand the brisk opportunity contained within the sword technique you mentioned, Lyra."

"But if you have any doubts regarding magic, you can always consult me, or ask Professor Charlotte."

Lyra was already on the verge of becoming an Arcanist. These past days spent daily practicing resonant casting with Astrid, having her spirit force enveloped and guided by Astrid’s, allowed her to replicate ancient spells and deepen her understanding of magic beyond her previous foundation.

Perhaps in the next battle, or the one after, she will achieve her breakthrough.

"Okay." Lyra replied softly, her clear blue eyes tenderly fixed on Astrid. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Watching Lyra, who had let her guard down, leaning by the window and taking small bites of the beef pie, Astrid waited patiently until she finished one pie. Then, she took out a silk handkerchief and gently wiped Lyra’s mouth, followed by handing her a thermos of warm water.

"You continue. I’ll go find Professor Charlotte now."

"Ahh... oh, okay..."

Seeing the slightly dazed Lyra, Astrid curved her lips into a smile, stepped closer with her black-stockinged legs, used the height advantage from her heels to gently press a fleeting kiss on the pink-haired girl’s forehead, and smoothed a stray strand of hair for her.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lyra."

After doing all this, Astrid turned to leave, but heard Lyra suddenly call out.

"Astrid..."

The Holy Light Knight, placed a hand over her chest, with her neck faintly flushed, her beautiful eyes misty as she looked at the silver-haired beauty before her.

Gathering her composure, Lyra took a step forward. Her white-stockinged legs, partially visible beneath the gleaming Holy Light Armor, swayed slightly. The hand still holding the warmth of the thermos reached out and gently grasped Astrid’s delicate hand.

Her vision filled entirely by that exquisitely beautiful face, silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a dream, Lyra, overwhelmed by happiness, leaned in and gave Astrid’s cheek a soft, bird-like peck.

"Um... tit for tat..."

Having said that, Lyra’s blush deepened. Her knight’s boots clacked against the floor as she walked back to her original post.

The hand that had just held hers now hung limply at her side, nervously gripping her sword scabbard.

Lyra in this state... was something Astrid found difficult to describe...

It was like a girlfriend’s vibe?

In her previous life, Astrid had never been in a relationship, so she naturally didn’t understand the feelings one should have in a romance.

But based on her current experience, it wasn’t bad.

She probably really was falling in love with Lyra Blackley.

"Stay warm," Astrid said.

Lyra let out a soft "Eh?" and then replied quietly.

"Mm."

"Astrid too."

Compared to her light armor, thickened warm white tights, and the physical resilience of a high-ranking executive, Astrid, wearing only a dress and stockings and being a fragile mage, clearly needed to pay more attention to staying warm.

Astrid nodded upon hearing this. Before leaving the outpost, she casually added one more line.

"If I come back late, I’ll trouble Lyra to warm my bed for me."

Before Lyra could react, Astrid walked out of the watchtower. Elise, walking beside her, quietly closed the door.

Looking at the hot water left on the table, lightly sniffing the air where the lingering fragrance hadn’t yet been scattered by the cold wind, Lyra remained silent for a moment before softly answering.

"Okay."

With resonant casting having succeeded, they actually no longer had a reason to share a bed and sleep together.

But wasn’t what Astrid just said an indication that she would still come to sleep here tonight?

Then, as her best friend and former personal maid, warming the bed for her friend (mistress) was only natural.

Having thought this through, Lyra’s mood brightened even more, the light markings on her fingernails seemed to shine brilliantly.

Meanwhile, fifteen minutes later, Astrid entered a private bedroom filled with the scent of a mature woman, seeing Charlotte, clad in a nightgown, sitting at a desk. Her smooth, long legs were bare against the chair, her dark hair cascading naturally as she fiddled with a device in her hands.

"Why has Little Astr come over?"

Sensing Astrid’s approach, Charlotte spoke softly.

"Next time, just use your key. No need to knock."

After Astrid arrived in the North, Charlotte had given her a key to the room, yet Astrid still conscientiously knocked every time she visited.

There was no need for such noble formalities between them. At least, Charlotte didn’t mind Astrid’s late-night visits.

Looking at the woman’s exposed smooth shoulder, Astrid gently slid the strap of her nightgown aside, placed her hands on Charlotte’s shoulders, and softly parted her lips.

"I just wanted to make sure Lady Charlotte wasn’t asleep. If you were, I wouldn’t have disturbed you."

It wasn’t anything urgent; it could wait until tomorrow.

Understanding Astrid’s meaning, Charlotte stopped her actions and turned to look at her.

"Is it about the next casting target?"

It had been half a day already. She assumed Astrid had already coordinated with Duke Charles and formulated a combat plan for the coming period.

"Mmm." Astrid didn’t deny it, explaining gently while massaging Charlotte’s shoulders.

"Duke Charles works quickly. The relevant documentation is already prepared."

"By tomorrow evening, Lady Charlotte should receive the information and be able to perform targeted casting in specific areas, using [Land of Purity] to create an ideal city."

If the distance wasn’t too great, Charlotte could remain in Liya Tower Fortress, remotely controlling the spell to protect the towns. This will not only prevent the Kingdom of Velys from accurately locating her but also serve as a defensive defense so they deploy their Arcanist first.

Charlotte nodded. The tingling sensation on her shoulders caused her to let out an involuntary soft moan, her waist softening slightly, supported by the wooden chair.

"Besides that, Little Astr must have another reason for coming to me."

If it were just this, she could have mentioned it during breakfast tomorrow.

Astrid slightly lowered her head in acknowledgment. "Indeed."

"The other thing I wanted to say is, for the coming days, apart from assisting Lyra in purifying the plague, most of my remaining time will be spent with Lady Charlotte."

"To be more specific, on magical machinery."

Her fingers continued to apply pressure, helping Charlotte alleviate physical fatigue. Astrid looked at the magical device on the desk and spoke softly.

"The army inspection is more or less finished. The soldiers already know the Regent cares for the people. As for the rest, I, as an amateur, can’t direct specific combat operations. It’s better to spend the time assisting Lady Charlotte in researching magical machinery."

"And incidentally, wait for the arrival of the Saintess Monica at the front lines to see what the public sentiment within the Kingdom of Velys is truly like."

According to her speculation, Monica should already be on her way to the border. Topple Brennild, hidden within the Kingdom of Velys, the intelligence this Saintess provided would be crucial.

"Perfect. Since Lady Charlotte will need to dedicate some energy to casting [Land of Purity], I can serve as a temporary assistant, filling that gap."

The previous war for the throne had consumed most of Astrid’s time. Now, she finally had the chance to rest and assist Charlotte in advancing the transformation of magical machinery.

"So, where will Little Astr take her first step?" Charlotte asked.

Magical machinery involves numerous disciplines, and the intended effects of various devices differ greatly. Charlotte was currently focusing on the release intensity of magical weapons, a result both the old and new Emperors desired.

"Given the current scarcity of crystal stones and the difficulty in mining them, relevant legislation is still under development." Astrid’s movements were gentle and attentive as she cared for her elder.

"Perhaps we should start by tackling the energy consumption of crystal stones."

Improving the military efficiency of magical weapons essentially came down to saving and expanding resources. Amalia was already working on the expansion; their task was to minimize expenditure, ideally making one magic crystal serve the function of two.

"Back in the capital, Lady Charlotte and I often exchange letters, discuss the details of magical machinery. In my spare time, I will repeatedly review those letters."

"Combining fragmented time, like streams converging into a river, will eventually yield results."

"And besides, Lady Charlotte, have you forgotten? I can read ancient magic incantations."