Chapter 594: Bad woman deserves purification

The glass chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling, the soft and spacious noble bed, within the Regent’s private bedroom, scattered clothes lay strewn across the carpet, silently testifying to last night’s romance.

Astrid and Lyra nestled closely together. Compared directly to their usual nightgowns, they could now feel each other’s softness and warmth, without any barrier, so close it feels as if their hearts were pressed together, resonating in similar frequencies.

And the very next moment Lyra realized this, her face involuntarily flushed red.

Last night’s events, almost absurd in their intensity, replayed in her mind, the breathtakingly intimate scenes, the low, gentle moans and whispers, all resemble a splendid midsummer night’s dream.

She and Astrid... had truly crossed that threshold...

Her blue eyes shifted, gazing at the silvery hair beside her ear. Warm sunlight spilled onto it, emitting a soft, delicate luster. A smooth, snow-white shoulder peeked through the silken strands, like a peeled egg.

A faint, lingering fragrance hovered near her nose, not just the scent of body wash, but also Astrid’s unique floral-cold scent from her hair and skin.

What time was it now?

Lyra’s gaze landed on the wall clock. The hour hand rested between ten and eleven, a rather unfamiliar number for both her and Astrid.

It was... almost noon already...

After exchanging a few casual words, they continued embracing. This calm after the storm wasn’t as violently turbulent as a newly risen sea surface, nor did it deliver such intense sensory feedback. Yet no one could deny that the afterglow of intimacy brought them a sense of ease that, in some ways, surpassed the act itself.

It was akin to life itself, passion was fleeting, like lightning streaking across the night sky, while tranquil ordinariness was what lasted.

Breathing in the sweet scent from Lyra’s hair, the pleasant citrus aroma filled Astrid’s nostrils. Sunlight sparkled softly on the pink strands, adding a touch of brightness.

Girls really were made of water. Even Lyra, who usually radiated warmth like a little sun, followed this rule.

Unaware... one might have mistaken her for crying...

The bedsheets were soaked.

But in a way, both were natural physiological expressions of emotional release. Calling it "crying" wasn’t entirely wrong.

As for the more specific first-time experience, compared to Amalia, fighting with Lyra allowed Astrid to be emotionally and physically more unrestrained. Without the older-sister-younger-sister identity complex, without the overwhelming sense of taboo constantly echoing in her chest, she could act more freely, teasing and dominating Lyra however she pleased.

Especially since Lyra was such a cute girl. The way she blushed, her eyes glistening with moisture as she looked up at her,

The only slight drawback was that by the end, neither had the strength or presence of mind to tidy up the bed. They hadn’t even bothered showering or changing clothes, simply collapsing into each other’s arms and falling into a deep sleep.

Disheveled silver hair obscured her vision. Astrid gently brushed the strands away from Lyra’s small ear, feeling the girl’s delicate body tremble slightly. She exhaled softly, her faint breath grazing Lyra’s neck like a soft brush.

Her heartbeat is so fast...still hasn’t calmed down?

At such close proximity, even without strong perception, Astrid could vaguely sense Lyra’s heartbeat through the broad front armor of her chest. After pressing a light kiss against the pale neck, she murmured gently.

"Lyra..."

Hearing Astrid speak, Lyra, who appeared to be resting with her eyes closed but whose chest was modulated trembling, opened her eyes, her pink lips parting slightly.

"Hmm? Astrid?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, the silver-haired beauty’s arms around her back tightened, and her lips neared Lyra’s ear, whispering.

"...How was it?"

Was it... a little better than being alone?

Astrid wasn’t Lyra herself, so she couldn’t know exactly how she felt. She could only judge based on Lyra’s reactions, adjusting her pace, intensity, and positioning accordingly.

Lyra’s breath hitched, the spot touched by Astrid’s breath growing even itchier.

After a few seconds, Lyra answered, her face red.

"V-very... unforgettable...."

She will probably never forget this night for the rest of her life.

Hearing this, Astrid arched an eyebrow, her tone languid.

"...Just unforgettable?"

"Judging by how you were acting, I thought you’d really enjoy it."

"..."

This topic was simply too embarrassing.

Whether she liked it or not...

Gently nudged by Astrid’s leg, Lyra let out a soft hum, her cheeks growing even redder.

They’d already done it. Answering a simple question wasn’t that big a deal.

Lyra... don’t let that bad woman look down on you...

Taking a deep breath, the newly transformed pink-haired girl squeezed out a few words from the back of her throat.

"I liked it..."

"...And it was very comfortable."

Compared to relieving stress on her own, this method offered far greater psychological comfort.

After all, the other person involved was her lifelong beloved, every movement, every touch easily tugging at her heartstrings and stirring her emotions.

Hearing Lyra’s response, Astrid faintly, her fingers weaving through the other’s hair, braided it into a wheat ear shape. After a few seconds, she continued.

"If calling me ’Princess’ feels more intense, we can keep doing that next time."

"My little knight~"

Her clearly enunciated words seemed to contrast deliberately with last night’s slightly damp, husky voice, making it hard for Lyra not to recall the scenes from earlier.

And Astrid clearly had no intention of letting her off easily. Biting her ear, she spoke again.

"Oh, there was one thing that surprised me quite a bit..."

"Lyra... you’re not actually a little puppy, are you..."

Burying her face in Lyra’s hair, Astrid sniffed softly, her crimson eyes narrowing as she lowered her voice.

"To actually like... my legs and..."

Midway through, her voice dropped too low to hear, but Astrid seemed to do it on purpose, drawing even closer to Lyra’s ear.

"Black stockings really turn you on, don’t they... even your socks got soaked. You’re so adorable, Lyra."

In addition to the Regent’s habitual silk-covered legs, those black stiletto heels with a single strap also performed exceptionally well.

"Next time, you can tell me in advance what color, material, or style you’d like."

"I’ll... do my best to satisfy you..."

"Oh~ that’s right."

"Shoes and skirts too."

Being called out on her fetish by the person she loved most, and hearing such a barrage of strange words, Lyra’s thoughts ground to a halt. Her brain’s central processor was completely jammed by overwhelming embarrassment, unable to react at all.

But no matter how blank her mind became, Astrid’s words kept echoing in her head. Soon, Lyra, now fully steaming, bit Astrid’s shoulder in protest.

Although what Astrid said was about accommodating and fulfilling her desires, deliberately bringing it up at this moment in such a seductive tone was clearly meant to remind her just how embarrassing last night had been.

To actually use the fabric from her own removed clothing to bind her hands...

The effect was indeed good... but where on earth did she get such ideas and techniques?

"Astrid... you’re terrible..."

Although she meant to complain about being teased again, the words coming from Lyra’s mouth carried a post-coital tenderness, light and utterly devoid of any real force.

Even Lyra herself paused in surprise, her delicate teeth gently biting her lip.

This tone... sounds exactly like being affectionate with a lover, doesn’t it?

And even if she did feel that way, it shouldn’t be this intense!

Lyra... you’d better just stay quiet...

Hearing Lyra’s soft protest, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes and comfortingly kissed her cheek, her voice cool and composed.

"In your eyes, haven’t I always been the bad woman?"

"The one who lured the noble knight away from her holy sword and led her into complete corruption... the silver-haired succubus..."

Given last night’s performance, that title certainly suits her.

Knowing she couldn’t escape the clutches of the "bad woman" anytime soon, Lyra could only squeeze her legs tightly together, pretend not to hear, and rested her head on Astrid’s fragrant shoulders.

Later... I’ll definitely make Astrid understand that I’m not so easily pushed around...

Last night, I only held back because I was worried Astrid might hurt too much, afraid of leaving her with bad memories. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let her off so easily.

Thinking this, Lyra licked her lips, hesitated for a few seconds, but ultimately decided to ask.

"Astrid... how come you were..."

"...a virgin?"

She had previously heard Amalia say directly that her sister helped her relieve stress, and Astrid had openly admitted it, even referring to Amalia as her lover.

Thus, in Lyra’s mind, Astrid shouldn’t possibly have been doing this for the first time.

Noticing the complex tone in Lyra’s voice, both puzzled and slightly delighted, Astrid paused, her pink lips parting gently.

"Haven’t I already told you about my feelings toward Amalia?"

"That child probably developed special feelings for me that transcended ordinary royal relationships long ago. But I couldn’t fully transition from my previous role to the next."

"In other words, I still largely follow the old way of interacting with Amalia. It’s difficult to completely correct that in the short term. Even though love exists, it can’t replace familial affection."

"So in this aspect, I was more of a guide or mentor, teaching Amalia how to proceed."

Love for a lover, care for a younger sister, that was why Lyra had seen the red butterfly marks of desire on Amalia’s shoulders, while Astrid remained physically a virgin.

From beginning to end, Amalia had always been the receiver.

"..."

So that’s... how it was...

After hearing Astrid’s explanation, a glimmer of light appears in Lyra’s eyes, her sapphire-like pupils unable to hide her joy.

Although she had already mentally prepared herself to share her lover with the current Empress, deep down in her heart, Lyra still hoped to be the most special one by Astrid’s side.

And being the "first" is the ultimate mark of that specialness, whether it was the first time visiting a friend’s hometown, the first time stargazing together on a haystack, the first time hunting during outdoor training, the first kiss, or the first time doing something intimate that brought them mutual pleasure.

When offering her own virginity, Lyra had also hoped that Astrid, like her, was giving something precious to the person most important in her future.

Even if the odds were slim, even if it was just a wish.

Precisely because of this, the moment she realized it, the emotion called surprise jumped immediately into Lyra’s heart.

They both... transformed that night, changed by each other...

"Lyra... are you happy?"

Feeling the other’s heartbeat quicken again, Astrid asked softly.

"..."

In the Valeria Empire, a person’s first time was considered extremely precious, both in commoner and noble social views. Knowing this, how could she not be happy?

Lyra didn’t hide it, softly letting out a low "Mm."

"Mm."

An indescribable joy spread around them.

Happy... so happy...

Extremely happy.

But after a while, Lyra thought of that blonde, blue-eyed, white-stockinged little girl, recalling the words she had once said.

"Let me repeat this again, Lyra Beckett."

"I envy you."

What would Amalia have thought when Astrid rejected her?

Would she have felt that she might never become her sister’s partner?

As someone who had once chased the same light together, Lyra deeply understood Amalia’s thoughts. She clearly recognized the other’s potential worries, fears, and the deep-seated inferiority complex.

"Astrid... when we return, spend more time with Amalia too..."

Although she was reluctant to part with Astrid and wished for her to stay with her, Lyra also understood that the girl who once shared similar feelings carried fears that overpowered reason.

Amalia knew Astrid loved her, but as long as they hadn’t completed the entire journey, she would still feel insecure and plagued by anxious thoughts.

Hearing that Lyra was still thinking of Amalia even in this situation, Astrid, who roughly understood what was in the other’s heart, nodded gently and responded softly.

"Hmm, I know."

Even without Lyra’s reminder, Astrid had already planned to have a good talk with Amalia upon returning.

About the child’s inferiority, her growing sense of unworthiness, about her psychological exhaustion.

Some things couldn’t be resolved in a single conversation. She would use more words and actions to show that she was truly trying to love her from another perspective.

Tch... such a woman burdened with sin...

Having said this, Astrid used her long, slender legs, wrapped only in black stockings, to gently squeeze Lyra, whispering softly.

"But... you’ve only just recovered, yet you’re already thinking so deeply..."

"Could it be... you’re dissatisfied with my service?"

If one were to speak of performance, last night Astrid had absolutely lived up to the image of a perfect lover, her emotional expression and physical touch both perfectly on point.

At the very least, Lyra, who had only ever heard theoretical knowledge and never practiced it, was completely overwhelmed. Even if one ignored her wrists bound by thin fabric, her slightly weakened knees, the delicate toes pressing against the tips of her white socks until they became faintly translucent, and her silk-clad feet alternately curling and tensing, these were all undeniable evidence.

This directly results in the bedsheets not only being soaked through, but also bearing noticeable creases from constant movement.

"N-No, nothing like that..." Lyra replied, biting her lip, her beautiful face flushed with rosy charm.

Even so, her sharp senses like an early tier Crusader unwillingly kicked in. Lyra was lying completely under the sheets, besides the smooth sensation on her legs, the soft rustling of silk rubbing against silk continuously tickled her eardrums.

And... she could even distinguish between the different sounds of silk-on-silk, and silk-on-skin...

Perhaps because the thin black stockings on Astrid’s legs were no longer intact as they had been at the beginning.

Realizing this, Lyra’s cheeks burned even hotter. She tightened her arms around Astrid’s waist and buried her face deeper into the silver hair.

"Next time... I won’t let Astrid off so easily..."

She had let her guard down completely because she considered that her lover lacked experience, and as a mage, her fragile constitution was naturally no match for a resilient knight like herself, any pain would be stronger for her.

Although being a pillow princess and leaving everything to the other person felt incredibly pleasant, it still relies on that psychological satisfaction of finally getting back at the wicked woman after enduring so much oppression, and the joy of making her beloved feel the same pleasure she felt.

"Mm~?"

Astrid let out a light hum, fearlessly pressing close to Lyra’s ear. She parted her alluring cherry lips and whispered softly.

"I’m actually quite curious... just how will Lyra not let me off easily?"

"After all, Lyra reached the finish line three times before I even made it once. Is this really what ’not letting me off’ means?"

"Ly~ra~"

It sounded like a race, but both of them, having experienced it, understood the true meaning all too well.

Astrid... What strange things are you saying?

Aware of this trait of hers, whether it counts as an advantage or a flaw, Lyra trembled slightly, then softly replied after a few seconds.

"Later... Astrid will find out..."

Whether it was stubborn pride or if she truly had some secret weapon, Astrid let out a light chuckle and initiated a kiss with Lyra.

Faced with the Empire’s most beautiful woman offering a sweet kiss, Lyra naturally didn’t refuse. Blushing, she pressed her lips to Astrid’s.

After a long moment, their lips parted. Lyra moistened her own, her pale skin tinged with delicate pink. The silver-haired beauty spoke again.

"It seems Lyra’s mouth isn’t nearly as tough as her words..."

"It’s just like cotton candy, soft and sweet."

She was still teasing!

Ever since waking up, she’d been completely dominated by Astrid, just like last night. Unable to bear it any longer, Lyra flushed red and slid her hand from Astrid’s waist upward.

Astrid let out a muffled moan, her crimson eyes now hazy with allure, her voice lazy.

"Lyra... do you want another morning workout?"

Anyway, they had plenty of time. All the tasks back home were already finished. They were just waiting for the flying ship, then she and Lyra could depart together.

Hearing that melodious voice, Lyra’s first instinct wasn’t to think Astrid was joking, instead, she began seriously considering the possibility.

After sleeping so long, she was almost fully recovered... she was perfectly capable...

After a while, Astrid heard Lyra’s timid voice.

"W-Well... it’s not impossible..."

The moment the words left her mouth, Lyra instinctively curled her toes. Wrapped in smooth silk, her snowy-white feet resembled a pair of blooming water lilies.

To admit so easily, didn’t that make her seem like some little pervert, her mind full of dirty thoughts?

Could she take back what she just said? Or should she wait to hear Astrid’s response first?

Sensing Lyra’s inner conflict and recognizing it as normal behavior in the throes of new love, Astrid, who was already somewhat addicted, narrowed her eyes slightly and softly parted her pink lips.

"Then... we can have breakfast a little later."

"For now, let’s eat something else first."

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

A long while later, the love-struck couple finally ended their battle. After taking a sip of water, they began preparing to get up.

Lyra reached up to rub her burning cheeks, then tied her hair back. Her slightly weak legs stir slightly under the covers, faintly brush against something hard.

Bending down, she reached under the blanket and pulled something out. Seeing it, Lyra’s face flushed red, she wasn’t sure whether she should keep holding it or hand it over to Astrid beside her.

It was an exquisitely crafted black stiletto with a single strap. The hollowed-out design on both sides perfectly showcases the graceful, smooth arch of the wearer’s foot. The slender strap elegantly separated the soft instep from the delicate toes.

A row of dazzling small diamonds, paired with night-sky-colored stockings matching the shoe’s leather tone, made the entire piece feel both noble and seductive, just like Astrid’s aura when she wore them last night.

Just then, Astrid turned her head and saw the item in Lyra’s hand. A faint smile lifted the corner of her lips, her cold, alluring red eyes shimmering with subtle ripples.

"Do you want to keep it as a memory, Lyra?"

That light, offhand remark makes the pink-haired girl’s fingers tremble around the shoe’s heel. Lyra swallowed, then whispered.

"A-Astrid... won’t you wear it yourself?"

"I have plenty of shoes. One pair more or less doesn’t matter."

After speaking, Astrid even bent down considerately and picked up the other black stiletto that had fallen onto the blanket beside the bed.

Before Lyra could even register the sight of her lover’s snow-white back now bearing several faint red scratch marks, she felt something placed between her fingers, the matching pair of black stilettos.

"If you really like it, I can wear this pair again next time."

Hearing Astrid say that again, steam seemed to visibly rise above Lyra’s head, her imagination nearly crossing boundaries.

Why did it sound... like she was some kind of fetishist?

She simply adored Astrid herself, her affection naturally extended to everything about her.

Taking a deep breath, Lyra turned her head, afraid Astrid would see the deep blush on her ears. She deliberately brushed her hair to cover it. At the same time, the shoes in her hand dissolved into light particles and merged into the sword-shaped luminous mark.

Still, Astrid did have a point.

Intimacy was like a gift, always needing the wrapping and ribbon as embellishment. And the process of "unwrapping," that anticipation of receiving something wonderful, was often the most blissful part.

Even if one were to argue otherwise, mystery and beauty, like a half-revealed lute, were more captivating than complete exposure.

Lost in thought, Lyra heard Astrid speak again.

"Ah... I just realized, Lyra is surprisingly rough~"

The woman pointed at the tiny clasp that had fallen by the bed, it was the connector between the garter belt on her leg and her waist, a clear hint of how little clothing Astrid had left to cover herself.

"..."

Blame her for being rough? The Regent Princess was clearly the thief crying "thief"!

Lyra blinked, her sky-blue eyes glistening with moisture, still clad only in a tattered version of her white pantyhose.

If it wasn’t... so inconvenient...

Her childish sense of modesty simply wasn’t strong enough to let her do that.

Lyra actually wanted Astrid to see for herself how she had torn apart the silk so easily with fingers that didn’t even have long nails.