Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 130: Empire Monthly

Noticing that Lyra's mood had suddenly improved, Astrid narrowed her eyes slightly. Her long, delicate eyelashes were illuminated by the sunlight, as if dusted with a fine layer of gold.

Although she didn't understand why Lyra had suddenly become so happy, from the results, her efforts over this period had indeed paid off. The destined heroine's favorability had stabilized at a relatively high level.

"If you like it, you can take some time to go out and explore the local customs of the capital," Astrid said, touching her collar, her voice low.

At seventeen or eighteen, in the prime of her youth, Astrid didn't want Lyra to spend all her time in the palace, either reading or serving, with no entertainment at all.

However, considering Lyra's identity, going out alone might lead to unexpected plot developments. Astrid added, "Of course, this is only possible if I also have the time."

In other words, if Lyra wanted to go out, Astrid would have to accompany her.

Lyra nodded obediently, her eyes showing both joy and a hint of barely noticeable disappointment. "Yes, I understand. Thank you, Princess Astrid."

Was it because she was worried Lyra might get into trouble, or was it because she was afraid Lyra might meet someone she shouldn't?

After a moment of thought, it was probably the latter, but Lyra believed that at least part of the reason Princess Astrid said this was out of concern for her safety.

Just a little bit was enough; she wasn't that greedy.

Seeing that Lyra had finished changing, Astrid stood up and spoke slowly, "Let's go, come with me to the library."

Amalia had finished reading the last batch of books, so Astrid needed to replenish the stock.

She also wanted to selectively filter out useful books to help Amalia understand the workings of the state machinery in advance, laying the foundation for her future rise to power.

"Princess Astrid... aren't you going to take a nap first?"

"We'll do that after we return. Let's go to the library first."

"As you wish, Princess Astrid."

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Watching Lyra put on her small leather shoes and adjust her appearance in the mirror, Astrid smoothed her skirt and stepped out of the bedroom with her black-stockinged legs, her footsteps light and unhurried.

She really was a silly maid. Astrid had just taken a nap in the morning; she wasn't that sleep-deprived.

Half an hour later, at the Royal Library of the Valeria Empire, Astrid found a few books she wanted among the shelves.

First was The History of the Empire, which detailed the royal family and the four great ducal families.

Next was Currency and Economy, which explained market operations.

Then there was The Imperial Code, formulated and issued by the emperor, which provided insight into the Empire's political system and was a great help in analyzing the structure of power.

In addition to these practical books, Astrid also selected a couple of philosophical works to ensure Amalia's well-rounded development across multiple fields.

"Lyra, have you picked your books?"

"Yes, I have."

Glancing at the books in Lyra's arms, Astrid saw one on the theory of knightly spiritual energy release and another titled Combat Skills and Aura Concealment.

This girl was always striving to become stronger. No wonder she was the protagonist of the entire novel.

After showing their library passes, Astrid left the library with Lyra and returned to the palace, where they happened to run into Elise, who had just finished a meeting.

"Miss Astrid, the matter has been settled."

"Thank you for your hard work, Elise."

"It's my honor to serve you, miss."

Looking at the loyal head maid before her, Astrid thought for a moment and couldn't bear to overwork her any further.

"Lyra, pour me a cup of black tea. And Elise, go take a nap."

The head maid didn't ask why but continued to report on the details of the meeting.

By the time Astrid finished listening, Lyra had brought the tea.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, which showed it was a quarter past three, Astrid dismissed both maids to their rooms to rest.

"As you wish, Princess Astrid."

After they left, Astrid sat at her desk, took a sip of the milk tea, and marveled at how Lyra's skills had improved. She then took out a stack of parchment from the drawer and began sketching on it.

Since she had promised Amalia to spend the entire day with her, she needed to prepare in advance. She couldn't just sit there staring blankly at each other.

Although, given how clingy Amalia was with Livia, even if they did sit there doing nothing, Amalia probably wouldn't mind and might even enthusiastically ask for a hug.

As she cut the paper and thought about Amalia in the castle, Astrid's gaze fell on a painting lying flat on the desk. It depicted a graceful blonde woman.

So this was how Amalia saw Livia.

Reaching out to touch the canvas, the slightly rough texture of the fabric gave her fingertips a grainy sensation. Astrid took a deep breath and continued focusing on her craft.

---A few days later, Astrid received the final draft from Mary and, along with Amalia's architectural drawings, handed them over to the apprentices for replication.

Similar to text replication, image replication also required replication spell.

However, compared to using a single type of ink, multiple pigments required more mental energy to prevent the colors from mixing haphazardly.

This demanded greater focus from the printer, with no room for error.

As the samples were produced, Astrid met with Elowen again to discuss the sales details of the first batch of newspapers.

"So, Princess Astrid, you're suggesting we set the price high initially to create hype, and then adjust it based on sales results?"

Since their target was the small aristocratic class of the empire, who were known for their wealth, a high price for a newspaper wouldn't be a significant drawback. In fact, it might even pique their curiosity.

"Exactly," Astrid said, taking a sip of hot tea and nodding slightly.

"Since we've decided to take the high-end route, the price must reflect that."

In her previous life, Astrid had been a staunch pragmatist. She valued practicality over the added value of items, so she rarely fell for marketing gimmicks.

In this world, however, noble ladies were obsessed with luxury goods. They pursued the added value of these items, often far exceeding their actual worth.

Ultimately, the nobles used these items to showcase their status and wealth. As long as it set them apart from the commoners, anything could become a coveted item in their eyes.

Realizing that Astrid intended to use the same price-hiking tactics that the Velmont family employed to sell luxury goods, Elowen adjusted her glasses and spoke calmly.

"In that case, Princess Astrid's approach aligns with ours."

Having worked in the market for many years, Elowen knew exactly what the noble ladies wanted.

Even before discussing the deal with Astrid, she had already considered how to promote the newspaper.

"Take the elite route, set the price high, hold back the initial stock, ramp up the publicity, and arrange for people to create the illusion of high demand."

"Imagine if all your close friends had a copy of the Imperial Monthly, what girl wouldn't be curious and want one for herself?"

Hearing Elowen's words, Astrid curved her lips into a faint smile.

"I only considered one aspect, but Professor Elowen has thought much further than I have~"

Did you really not think of it?

Elowen looked at the elegant silver-haired princess before her, her doubts lingering.

---------

Valeria Empire, Capital City, a sunny morning.

Sally, the second daughter of the Marquis family, had just finished her breakfast, served by her maids.

She lazily reclined in her chair, eyes closed, listening to the maid narrate stories from a book.

As a noble lady, aside from attending the mandatory magic classes at the Elizabeth Academy of Magic, Sally spent her time like any other aristocratic young lady, indulging in dressing up, idly listening to tales, or visiting tea houses. She embodied the essence of leisure at all times.

"With a loud bang, the pen in the woman's hand suddenly enlarged, drawing a giant basin in mid-air..."

"...In the blink of an eye, the basin was filled with countless platinum coins, almost flooding the entire room."

Listening to the folk tales narrated by the servants, Sally stroked her hair and tapped her fingers heavily on the desk, speaking in an arrogant tone.

"By the way, have you checked if the Empire Monthly is on sale today?"

Hearing her mistress speak, the maid beside Sally trembled slightly before replying in a low voice, "Miss, the Empire Monthly has been reprinted and is currently on sale."

Sally's eyes widened slightly, and a hint of joy quickly spread across her face. "Have you bought it yet?"

"No..."

"Then why haven't you gone to get it?"

Her voice was laced with impatience, and the maid hurriedly apologized, "I'm sorry, Miss Sally. I'll go right away."