Chapter 595: Agreement between Lyra and Amalia

Two days later, Astrid and Lyra boarded the improved magic-energy airship, crossing wind and snow to return to the imperial heartland, the city known as the Capital of Glory.

Following Astrid’s own wishes, Amalia did not make a grand announcement of the regent’s return. Instead, she hosted a private banquet to welcome her elder sister back to the capital after her long absence. The honorable knight who accompanied her, Lyra Beckett, granted a baron’s title by the empress, was also on the guest list for the evening.

After dinner, the head maid escorted Lyra to the former Third Princess’s chambers, the current Regent’s bedroom, to place her luggage. The specific room remained unchanged, still the one adjacent to Astrid’s bedroom, separated only by a wall. Lyra had spent an unforgettable period of her life here as a maid. Now her status has changed, yet the most basic furniture and layout remain just as neatly arranged as they once were.

She slipped off her pure black matte leather shoes. Bare silk-stockinged feet, pale and smooth like ice cream, stepped onto the soft carpet. Lyra sat on the edge of the flat bed, her palm gently touching the fabric beneath her skirt.

Fragrant incense from the hallway drifted into the room, settling on the wooden table and the white wallpaper. The chandelier above flickered, refracting daylight from outside the window.

Hearing the familiar ticking of the wall clock, she recalled that first night upon arriving here, how anxious and uneasy she had felt. Lyra lay back on the bed, her blue eyes tenderly gazing at the ceiling.

Now, beyond nostalgia, what she felt most was peace.

She had truly stepped away from those battlefields soaked in thick blood, returning to where her dreams first began.

Capital City... once so unfamiliar to Lyra, had, after years of living here, become her second home...

After resting on the bed for a while, Lyra straightened her back, her silk-stockinged ankles crossed as her small feet gently swayed back and forth, like a crescent moon dusted with sugar and cream.

No matter what the future holds, returning to this familiar bedroom meant she could finally take a break for a while.

And this time... she was staying in the palace not as a servant, but as Astrid Aucisia’s lover...

At this thought, Lyra’s lips curled into a faint smile. Without putting on slippers, she padded barefoot across the carpet in light, graceful steps, circling the room.

Magic research books, ink and pens for writing sigils, a decorative silver wind chime, and a resilient little plant brought back from Liya Tower Fortress.

While Lyra was reorganizing her old room, just one wall away in Astrid’s bedroom, the golden-haired, blue-eyed girl empress sat on the silver-haired regent’s lap. Her pure white pantyhose-clad knees gently parted at Astrid’s waist, her small, delicate feet resting atop the regent’s thighs, the smooth soles pressing against the soft, tender flesh.

After hearing Astrid emphasized her feelings so much, Amalia’s sense of inferiority had slightly diminished. Breathing in the scent from her sister’s shoulder, the white-stockinged girl rubbed her legs gently against Astrid’s dress. Her dainty toes slightly spread, lightly touching the black-stockinged thigh of the woman in her arms.

"Since I accepted Amalia’s confession, it means I feel something similar deep inside, just like you do."

"Even if I can’t fully embody the role of a lover right now, I’ll work hard to become one, until Amalia can truly feel the love of a partner."

Astrid used her lips to brush aside a golden strand of hair that had fallen near Amalia’s eye, then gently patted the girl’s back, speaking softly.

"So... Amalia, don’t think so little of yourself. You’re a very good, very sweet child..."

Don’t keep thinking... that she only accepts everything just to avoid hurting her.

In truth, even if she set aside Amalia’s emotional projection of her as a younger sister, Astrid didn’t feel anything. At least at some point in the past, seeing the girl’s slender, resilient face under the moonlight, her heart had stirred with a desire to embrace her.

After hearing Astrid’s words, a rare blush faintly bloomed on Amalia’s cheeks, a shy expression she only ever showed before her sister. Neither the imperial ministers nor the aristocrats of the capital will ever catch a glimpse of this side.

In their eyes, the current empress, though petite and delicate, made administrative decisions with the same style as the late empress. Even the commanding aura she exuded while seated on the throne, like a blazing sun hanging in the sky, was strikingly similar to Hibbort’s.

What, you say that during her days as the Fourth Princess, the empress was nothing more than an harmless, gentle younger sister clinging to the Third Princess Astrid, showing no sharpness at all?

That was surely just a disguise before her ascension. Just as Amalia once used special means to conceal her golden hair and blue eyes, royal traits, since appearance could be altered, so too could personality. All of it was merely a necessary sacrifice to win the final imperial succession war.

As for why Amalia didn’t hide her past as the obedient little sister trailing behind the Third Princess after she took power...

In the medieval Valeria Empire, no one really cared about such things.

"Big sister... I love you the most..."

Moments later, the golden-haired empress, showing her coquettish, girlish side only to her lover, tilted her face up and gently kissed Astrid’s lips.

A few minutes passed. The two panted, gazing into each other’s eyes. Perhaps it was psychological, but Amalia slightly eased at her modest chest, confirming it was just an illusion, no silver thread had actually snapped and fallen onto her dress.

"I love you too, Amalia."

After the delightful moment, Astrid added the usual line. Amalia’s blue eyes sparkled with clear delight. She wrapped her arms around Astrid’s waist and asked without hesitation.

"So right now... has my sister already done it with Lyra...?"

In terms of directness, ten Lyras couldn’t match a single Amalia. At least, Astrid suspected she’d never heard such a question from the other even after ten years as an old married couple.

Started for a moment by her younger sister’s question, Astrid gazed into those blue eyes reflecting her own face, filled with intense curiosity, anticipation, and a hint of evasion. She fell silent for a moment.

Amalia could already guess the answer. During the time after she left, Astrid and Lyra had just started their relationship, the honeymoon phase when couples were at their most clingy. She had been the same back then, wishing she could stay by her sister’s side every single moment, though the younger sister form of Amalia had been like that too, so it didn’t seem much changed.

During such sweet times, it would be hard not to cross that line. Furthermore, knowing how Astrid had always flirted with Lyra, and given her sister’s unparalleled beauty, Amalia doubted Lyra could have resisted indefinitely. If Lyra had managed to hold back through it all, Amalia would have started suspecting the pink-haired knight might have some hidden medical issue.

Could Lyra possibly have tendinitis?

After a few more seconds, Astrid softly let out a small "Mm." Hearing the definite answer, Amalia instinctively lowered her gaze, a complex emotion flashing unmistakably in her eyes.

Damn... Sister’s virginity really was taken by Lyra...

Her long-held suspicion now confirmed, Amalia still instinctively felt her breath catch, a pang of loss climbing into her chest.

Astrid keenly sensed Amalia’s emotional shift and knew exactly what this possessive white-stockinged girl was thinking. So she leaned forward and kissed her again.

"Tonight... Can my sister stay with me?"

After the kiss ended, hearing Amalia’s request, Astrid didn’t refuse. Instead, her hand slid down from the girl’s waist, gently supporting the hem of her dress, helping Amalia lean up a little higher so she wouldn’t tire from hugging.

Even before the airship landed, Astrid had already told Lyra she might spend the night with Amalia. Both were extremely important to her, and she needed to care for and accompany them both.

Lyra also understood that compared to the months she had spent with Astrid, Amalia had very few opportunities to see her sister. So she generously gave her approval.

["This time back to the Capital, spend more time with Amalia too."] Those were her own words.

After finishing their lovey-dovey talk, Astrid appropriately steered the conversation toward official matters, using Amalia to learn about the capital’s recent developments.

"With the news of the decisive victory at the border spreading across the empire, the great retreat from Liya Tower Fortress, the rapid troop movements under blizzard conditions, and the transportation routes faster than traditional carriages, the nobles who once doubted the usefulness of magic-energy airships have now completely closed their mouths."

"At least in military matters, they can hardly criticize magic-weapon-related policies anymore. And the battle protocol involving Arcanist mages deployed early at White Maple Town also earned some nobles rewards, leading them to support the imperial approach."

"The timing my sister has been waiting for has finally matured. Next, I will have the craftsmen upgrade the airship storage base outside Capital City, turning it into the first aerial transport hub, connecting Losterling City in the northwest and Verkis City in the southwest."

The former needed no explanation, it was the largest commercial city in the north, and naturally deserved an airship docking port. The latter, Verkis City, was located within the Velmont family’s territory. To the west lay Velmora Knight Academy, and to the east was a maritime port, well-connected in all directions, perfect as a logistics distribution center.

Moreover, the key reason Amalia chose these two locations first was that whether Losterling City or Verkis City, their lords were reformist nobles with sharp commercial instincts, forward-thinking individuals eager to quickly enter the market and seize a share of the pie, thus actively embracing the reform of magic machinery.

Dealing with such people was highly efficient, and it was easier to negotiate favorable terms. For example, maintenance and operation costs for airships, the scale of constructing air harbors, discussing these details through formal agreements meant expenses wouldn’t be too high.

Otherwise, with the current treasury reserves under Amalia’s control, spending freely might leave her unable to afford even a few more military fortresses’ worth of Platinum coins.

"The Kingdom of Velys won’t be able to invade the empire’s mainland for at least half a year. We must seize this window to vigorously develop the economy and alleviate the fiscal deficit caused by mass conscription."

Astrid added gently.

"Regarding the cost issue of elemental crystals, I and Lady Charlotte will continue following up, trying to develop affordable crystal models. Additionally, Amalia can moderately expand trade routes with the Pan-Human Alliance, stimulating economic recovery while strengthening our cooperation."

"In the future, we will inevitably launch a military campaign against the Kingdom of Velys to gain war reparations. We cannot afford to have a knife at our back at a critical moment."

In the original novel, the Valeria Empire went to war with the Pan-Human Alliance. The golden-haired, white-dressed girl tyrant saw the loose, backward nature of their system, launched a swift attack, and within a month occupied the outer islands of the Shattered Archipelago in the empire’s southwest. She annexed the most fertile fishing and hunting zones into imperial territory and plundered the Pan-Human Alliance’s wealth to fund her military.

So strictly speaking, the Pan-Human Alliance was forced into battle due to the girl tyrant’s militarism, standing in opposition to the Valeria Empire.

In this world line, Amalia likely had no intention of fighting on multiple fronts. They just needed to stay cautious and prepare for the worst-case scenario.

"I understand, sister."

Amalia responded softly, her cheek nestled against the layered fabric of her dress, pressed tightly against Astrid.

"There’s one more thing... I didn’t tell my sister earlier."

"Mm?"

"The new recruits I gathered from the nobles, I actually kept a portion back."

Amalia’s hand gently slides along the outer side of Astrid’s soft thigh. Her pale, delicate fingertip pressed against the thin, smooth black thigh-high stockings, making the tender white flesh beneath slightly indent, forming a beautifully alluring curve, like a piece of soft, warm, dark jade.

"I intend to train them into an intelligence unit, to infiltrate the Kingdom of Velys."

Before the war, the Kingdom of Velys had strictly enforced intelligence blockades against the Valeria Empire, not only cutting off merchant caravans but outright closing their borders, forbidding any humans from the northeast from stepping foot across.

At their most tense, even a single bird flying across the border between the two nations would be shot down by some unknown magic, never to fly again.

"With the frontline assault repelled and no valuable military objectives achieved, the nobles within the Kingdom of Velys will inevitably grow discontent, affecting the overall political situation."

"Based on my sister’s earlier analysis, the Pope and the King have fundamentally different war objectives, causing their offensive pace to fall out of sync, mutually restraining and undermining each other. Combined with the devastating blow of defeat, this fragile relationship might not survive the winter. Civil war could erupt at any moment."

"I believe they won’t have enough energy left to deal with potential threats from the Valeria Empire."

She intended to emulate past Valeria Emperors, using intelligence organizations to expand her information network, only this time on a scale larger and more thorough than any before.

Upon hearing this, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes several times, then asked Amalia after a while.

"How many people are you planning to use, and roughly what level of strength?"

"Knights to early tier Master Knights. More than sufficient for intelligence work alone."

Amalia paused, then continued.

"Mr. Trin is training them, he was one of the late... the previous emperor’s most trusted men, both in loyalty and ability."

"Also, professionals who have long served as the royal family’s ears will guide them into the cold winds."

They had suffered enough from insufficient intelligence. If not for Lyra’s last-minute breakthrough, the mere appearance of the Pope of Light would have caused a devastating blow.

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

The next day, Amalia, having been pampered by her sister, woke up later than usual. There was no weekly meeting today, nor any particularly difficult work. She could even sit in Astrid’s lap, being fed by her while flipping through old documents.

In contrast, Astrid, who had just returned to the capital, was busier than the sovereign ruler herself. Upon hearing news of the Regent’s return, many nobles who were on good terms with her sent invitations for Astrid to visit their mansions, just for tea, casual chat, and sharing recent experiences.

Some were official social engagements, while others were simply nobles’ daughters eager to chat with Astrid. Ever since her days as the Third Princess, the empire’s most beautiful woman had maintained an enduring popularity in aristocratic circles. Countless noble daughters wanted to invite Astrid for afternoon tea, even if just for the pleasure of seeing her beautiful face, or chatting about fashion, makeup, and perfume, purely delightful experiences.

Perhaps this was the advantage of having such extraordinary beauty. Yet Astrid’s status was also that of a peerless existence second only to the empress. Facing a regent who was both talented and beautiful, and of such high status, most people couldn’t even feel envy, only thinking that every privilege bestowed upon her was perfectly justified.

Hearing that Astrid would visit the Finance Minister’s mansion in the afternoon to meet with Lydia, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time, Amalia gently swayed her legs. The soft calf covered in thin, patterned white stockings peeked out from her princess dress, pressing tightly against Astrid’s thigh. One white, one black, both visibly smooth, like a layer of sweet cream topping a chocolate ice cream.

"So sister... go and come back early..."

"Mm."

Although she knew not everyone in the capital was a rival, Amalia was always well aware of her sister’s charm. One glance at Astrid in her dark dress, her moonlight-like silver hair cascading down her back, and even the most composed person would be left breathless.

If only she could lock her sister away... always within sight...

The thought flickered through Amalia’s mind for an instant, then she let it go, no longer dwelling on it.

She would never do anything that would hurt her sister.

Just simple social interactions, nothing to be jealous over. Besides, sister already had her and Lyra.

That should be enough.

Rising from Astrid’s lap, Amalia straightened her legs. Her ornate silver princess shoes tapped against the floor tiles. As her silk-stockinged feet pressed firmly into the shoes, the slight gap between arch and sole disappeared, the sides of her feet like fine snow, faintly exuding fragrance.

After one last kiss with Astrid, Amalia, eager to savor every moment with her sister, walked her all the way out of the palace before returning by carriage.

Fifteen minutes later, in the Regent’s chambers, Lyra, dressed in a white silk nightgown, watched the golden-haired empress outside and silently greeted her entrance.

"Amalia... is there something you need?" Lyra asked gently.

Amalia shook her head. "Not really. Sister went to have tea with Lydia, so I came to keep you company."

Counting from last night, Lyra had been back for exactly one full day, and Amalia hadn’t yet had a private chat with her.

They were the kind of pair who would split Astrid fifty-fifty even during dinner... they will spend a long time together in the future...

Rather than silently bottling things up, it was better to be honest.

Temporarily setting aside actual "backstabbing," Amalia had come specifically to plan things properly with Lyra and reach a mutual understanding.

"Since we’re both sister’s lovers, is there anything Lyra would like to say...?"

Realizing Amalia’s purpose, Lyra closed her book, gazing at the golden-haired girl before her who was more than a head shorter, and spoke softly. "Amalia, are you here to ask me about Astrid?"

Astrid was one, but they were two lovers. How to divide limited time was crucial.

"That’s right. Lyra is indeed a smart one."

Feeling her heels were still a bit short, Amalia lightly stomped her foot, stepping up one step toward the entrance, reducing the height difference by a few inches.

Although in this romantic relationship, Amalia couldn’t help but feel some inferiority, facing Lyra Beckett, aside from that one time she broke down, she didn’t want to show her emotions at all.

Since they were both people Astrid liked, and acknowledged each other’s existence, she will strive to be better and earn even more of her sister’s love.

Looking into Amalia’s calm gaze, Lyra fell silent for a moment, then spoke gently.

"If it’s about time spent together... the most important factor should be Astrid’s own feelings."

Whether she was free, whether she was willing, those couldn’t be decided just by the two of them discussing.

"Of course. My sister’s thoughts matter most. What I’m talking about is just our choices within that framework," Amalia replied.

Astrid certainly didn’t want them to have a bad relationship. But in love, jealousy and reluctant generosity always coexisted, even Lyra was no exception.

Amalia didn’t believe the other could really be so magnanimous as to willingly hand over most of Astrid’s love to her.

"..."

After hearing Amalia, Lyra lowered her gaze, silently thinking. After half a minute, she responded.

"Then perhaps... Monday, Wednesday, Friday I’ll sleep with Astrid, and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Amalia sleeps with her..."

"For naps, we can reverse it. And for Sunday, if Amalia doesn’t mind, we can all be together."

At least in terms of fairness, their time would be roughly equal, and Astrid wouldn’t feel she was favoring one over the other, constantly burdened with guilt.

"And for my sister’s other time... we compete on our own merits?"

"If that’s how Amalia sees it, it’s not bad either."