Outside the outskirts of Lostering City, at the temporary magic-energy airship storage camp that had previously served as a safe harbor for Liya Tower’s military withdrawal operation, busy workers and passing apprentices noticed the tiny airship in the sky and lifted their heads to gaze upward.

"Another airship’s landing... I wonder which big shot it is this time..."

"If I could just ride once in my life, I’d die satisfied."

"Stop staring, back to work."

Amidst the rising footsteps and exclamations, the management staff, who had already received orders, immediately mobilized manpower to clear the landing zone one final time, ensuring nothing remained to obstruct the airship’s descent.

Others might not know, but they were fully aware of who exactly was aboard these few magic-energy airships.

Amalia Valeria, Empress of the Valeria Empire. If anything went wrong during her landing, they wouldn’t have enough lives to lose, not just because of the Empress herself, but even if the city lord became enraged, they’d still be executed many times over.

After the Regent Princess announced that the Empress would personally visit Lostering City to bestow honors upon the city’s defenders, the city lord immediately assigned his subordinates to prepare for the incoming new Empress with the highest noble etiquette.

Unfortunately, Astrid had made the announcement during last night’s banquet. The preparation time given was extremely limited.

In less than half a day, it was impossible to completely renovate Lostering City from top to bottom, or decorate every wall and street corner with beautiful flowers and colorful silks, flowers were especially hard to gather in such northern regions at this time of year.

Even for a celebration, they would’ve needed to prepare supplies at least half a month in advance, then have servants place them carefully one by one.

Fortunately, Astrid had advised them. She pointed out that the Empress was traveling via magic-energy airship, a rapid transportation method, and had not announced her departure from the capital days ahead, her intention clearly being to minimize unnecessary expenditures during these prolonging and exhausting times of war, when already life for soldiers and civilians alike was difficult. For instance, her welcome didn’t need to be a grand spectacle.

These words from the Regent Princess not only informed the city lord of Amalia’ preference for simplicity, but also, as a member of the royal family, conveyed that she wouldn’t hold him accountable for any concerns in hospitality, effectively giving him a reassuring promise.

Of course, aside from such ceremonial preparations, personnel arrangements were equally crucial. Regardless of the Empress’s true intentions, as subjects under imperial rule, every noble presently unfolds in Lostering City should attend the reception, arranged in order of rank from highest to lowest, standing from closest to farthest, demonstrating their reverence for the Empress.

After several minutes passed, Astrid sensed an extremely faint elemental vibration from high above. She glanced out the window, marked her place in the book with a bookmark, closed it, and softly spoke.

"Let’s go, Lyra."

"Mm."

Responding gently, Lyra noted Astrid hadn’t taken the book with her. Instinctively, she reached out her hand, her pale white fingertips barely touching the golden-lettered text, when, in the next instant, the thick pages dissolved into glowing particles and merged seamlessly into the Sword of Light, leaving no trace of their existence.

Nowadays, Lyra possessed spatial storage equipment and no longer had to resort to the old embarrassment of trying, and failing, to hide a sword beneath her black-and-white maid dress.

Leaving the temporary guest chamber, many nobles dressed in expensive fabrics noted Astrid, the Regent Princess, as radiant as a noble rose. They greeted her politely and followed in her footsteps toward the outside, preparing to welcome the Empress.

Lyra currently holds the title of Imperial Baroness. By noble customs, she shouldn’t accompany Astrid to the foremost position to meet the Empress face-to-face. However, considering her critical role on the front lines, her promising future and her extremely close personal relationship with the Regent Princess, no one raised objections. Everyone tacitly accepted her position in the lineup.

Besides, Amalia was likely coming specifically to award Lyra with honors, arriving a bit early wouldn’t matter.

The magnificent magic-energy vessel grew steadily larger in view, revealing its massive steel body. The dense air vents gradually closed, leaving only the airflow at the very bottom to stabilize the hull.

As a deep, thunderous rumble echoed from nearby, the sound of a colossal object touching down, the ground beneath their feet trembled slightly. Once the chaotic wave of elemental particles settled, Astrid gently brushed a strand of silver hair from her ear and stepped forward with graceful strides toward the sunlight.

Her slender heels clicked against the red carpet lined with flowers on both sides. The night-sky-colored hem of her dress swayed gently with her movement, releasing a fragrant breeze into the air. Directly before the Regent Princess, the airship’s cabin door emitted a crisp metallic sound, like a steel beast about to open its jaws.

Astrid reached the wooden platform at the base of the steps. At the same moment, other nobles, including Lyra and Charlotte, placed a hand over their chests and slightly bowed in unison below.

After Astrid ascended the stairs, lifting her dress as she climbed to the wooden platform level with the cabin, the airship’s door swung open. Warmth generated by fire-elemental crystals spread outward, brushing against Astrid’s cheeks and hair.

The Empress’s private vessel naturally extracted for every detail, whether temperature or interior furnishings.

Sensing the familiar presence, the silver-haired, red-eyed Regent Princess knelt on one knee, her skirt draped over her black-stockinged legs. She extended her arms forward, palms facing upward toward the sky.

Two or three seconds later, accompanied by soft footsteps, a cluster of dazzling golden hair appeared at the edge of the cabin doorway, followed by a pure white princess dress adorned with exquisite embroidery and luxurious decorations.

A hand wearing white lace gloves gently rested upon Astrid’s equally gloved palm, the smooth silk gleaming brightly in the sunlight.

The girl’s hand was small and soft. Although two layers of gloves separated them, Astrid could still feel the smooth, delicate skin hidden beneath the fabric.

"Rise, Astrid..."

"My dear, Imperial Regent..."

The little Empress’s dignified tone paused slightly in the middle, as if choosing her words carefully, or perhaps revealing a flicker of complex emotions.

At her words, Astrid gently rotated her wrist and curled her fingers, shifting Amalia’ delicate hand from support to gentle hold, then slowly raised her head.

Those blue eyes remained as clear and bright as ever, showing not the slightest trace of imperial aloofness or unspoken authority. Instead, they gazed quietly at her, filled with indescribable longing and tenderness.

From Amalia’ perspective, looking down at the silver-haired beauty kneeling before her, her usually calm heart now pounded violently. Countless emotions poured into her actions.

The Empress, towering above, did not let the Princess rise on her own. Instead, just as Astrid had done moments earlier, she proactively extended her hand, sliding it gently along the woman’s smooth, slender arm, stopping at the black fabric at her side, then slightly supporting her narrow waist to help her stand.

The nobles of the capital often say that the Regent Princess and the Empress harbored no suspicion towards each other, treating one another like real sisters, the ideal model of Empress and Princess, elder and younger sister. Seeing Amalia’ actions now, this notion was once again confirmed.

Holding Astrid’s hand, Amalia glanced at the girl’s silver-white metallic high heels. The crisscrossing straps wrapped around her smooth, silk-covered ankles. As she descended the steps, she didn’t waver at all, clearly, she had good control.

Although there were hundreds things to say, this wasn’t the most convenient moment. Astrid understood this principle well. Amalia, who had wielded power for some time, naturally understood it too.

"You’ve all come so far to welcome me. Thank you for your effort."

"There’s no need to continue bowing."

Her clear, melodious voice rings in everyone’s ears, like the gentle shaking of silver bells.

The nobles below straightened their bodies, their expressions respectfully as they waited for Amalia to pass before them.

The noble welcome ceremony was essentially a gathering along both sides of the long pathway, honoring the Empress’s grand arrival and demonstrating their loyalty and gratitude to the royal family.

Throughout Valeria Empire history, with very few exceptions, it was the Empress who granted lands to the nobles. The supremacy of imperial authority has always been the foremost consensus, written at the very top of every law.

Amalia’ gaze swept across the gathered nobles, her eyes carrying the same calm, imposing presence as Hibbort’s. Just being looked at by her made one feel immense pressure, hard to believe this was an eighteen-year-old girl, and one with such a petite, childlike frame.

After scanning the subjects on both sides, Amalia noticed a pink-haired, blue-eyed girl standing closest to the right-hand step.

A pristine white blouse encased Lyra’s upper body, its smooth fabric accentuating her defined, graceful shoulders. Her soft, fine pink hair cascaded down to her waist, radiating a gentle yet resolute aura.

Lyra. She’s a bit different from before.

Less of that youthful innocence, more of the resilience of a knight.

Would her sister prefer her like this... or the way she used to be?

Amalia’ gaze lingered on Lyra for a brief moment, and naturally, this didn’t escape the instincts of a Crusader knight.

The Empress... is looking at her...

Although she had never personally seen Amalia sitting on the throne in her white dress, and her impression of the coronation came only from illustrations in the Empire Weekly, Lyra at that moment still felt a shift in Amalia’ aura.

The little girl in white stockings who once followed behind Astrid had completely shed her restraints, revealing her true self as a political being.

Such a stark contrast even surprised Lyra, who had lived under the same roof with her for years.

Fortunately, Amalia’ gaze lasted only two or three seconds. Most nobles, including Lyra herself, assumed the Empress simply wanted a closer look at the key figure from the White Maple Town battle, pondering what kind of reward to bestow upon her.

The next moment, the rhythmic tapping of heels echoed in everyone’s ears. The Empress in white and the Princess in black, like twin blossoms, hand in hand, descend the steps and walk toward the end of the red carpet.

The carriage convoy was ready. For the remainder of the journey, Amalia and Astrid will ride together.

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

After such a long time apart, the first thing Amalia did upon entering the carriage and setting up a protective barrier was to embrace Astrid, her body carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.

"Sister... I can finally see you again..."

Inside the not-so-spacious carriage, Amalia sat on Astrid’s lap. Her pair of metallic high heels, having fulfilled their duty, had already slipped off and fallen beside the seat.

"I missed you so much, Sister."

No need for concealment. The usually dignified, expressionless Empress of the Empire had now transformed into a soft, clingy little girl like a sloth. Her smooth, bare arms slipped around Astrid’s ribs, gently hugging her back. Her pale, pink-tinged white-stockinged feet rested atop Astrid’s soft, black-silk-covered thighs, the soles pressing gently into the flesh, slightly sinking in, like cream pudding adorning a velvet cake.

The Imperial Scepter leaned against the side of the seat. Amalia nestled her head against Astrid’s shoulder, her delicate nose nuzzling as she breathed in the familiar scent.

Astrid had anticipated Amalia would be delighted upon meeting, but she hadn’t expected her to immediately revert to old habits, wanting Astrid to hold her like a child the very moment they reunited.

She had thought they might first catch up, and exchange some sisterly words.

But before Astrid could speak, the nearly-melted little girl in white stockings spoke first.

"Sister... I’ve mostly finished handling affairs in the capital..."

"The nobles have been generally approved and won’t dare cause trouble during this peak of victory. This week’s council meeting was held early, easing the treasury’s financial strain. There’s nothing urgent requiring immediate attention in the near future."

Due to time constraints, Amalia had only informed Astrid about her trip to Lostering City, not seeking her opinion before.

The round trip will take at least a week. Amalia didn’t want Astrid to mistakenly think she was truly neglecting state affairs for personal feelings, though in her heart, Astrid meant more to her than the nation, more than anything. But being a worthy Empress was her promise to Astrid, and she repay Astrid by taking her out of that ancient castle.

Neglecting duty for personal matters was absolutely not something her sister wanted to see.

Hearing Amalia’ explanation, Astrid could roughly understand what she was worried about. She gently stroked the golden-haired little girl’s head and whispered.

"I know, Amalia."

"You’re a worthy Empress. You’ve done everything you could."

Once, she had led Amalia out of her prison. Now, it feels as though she had trapped her again, this time within the Empress’s throne.

Even such a simple reason as wanting to see her had to be carefully weighed and earned through hard work.

Feeling the soft, warm body in her arms, Astrid continued.

"I missed you too, Amalia."

"I’m really glad you came."

No blame, only pure, heartfelt concern. Hearing Astrid’s words, Amalia’ eyes grew even softer, her shoulders relaxed, and she nested deeper into Astrid’s embrace.

They remained quietly together for a while. Then, Amalia gently pressed a kiss against Astrid’s collarbone.

"So... tonight... will you sleep with me, Sister...?"

Even if we do nothing at all.