Princess’s Struggle for Survival

"Let's skip the cafeteria today and have dinner at the Wisteria Restaurant instead," Astrid said, her pink lips parting as she looked at Lyra, who was staring at her in a daze.

"Consider it a farewell for Lyra."

With the New Year less than a week away, Lyra was scheduled to leave the capital by carriage and return to her hometown to reunite with her parents.

Following the specific route Lyra would take, Astrid had arranged for a carriage to depart at noon the next day, with the return trip to be handled by Lyra herself.

After all, now that Lyra was a middle stage Grand Knight, she could easily fend off thieves or bandits, and even escape unscathed if surrounded by a dozen Apprentice-level mages.

To take it a step further, Lyra's hometown was located within the territory of the Iron-Blooded Grand Duke Charles, who placed great emphasis on maintaining order in his domain. Incidents like robbery or rape rarely occur, so Lyra's personal safety was practically assured.

"Alright," Lyra replied softly, snapping out of her thoughts.

After packing her belongings, the group left the dormitory and headed to the Wisteria Restaurant, not far from the academy.

The head maid had reserved a private room in advance, but the food hadn't arrived yet. Once everyone was seated, Elise gave the waiter a look, and the man nodded, carrying the tray out of the room.

With all the unnecessary people gone, Lyra looked at Astrid across the table, her mood suddenly became complex.

It has been two whole years since she left her hometown, and now she can finally return.

These two years had allowed her longing to ferment, making her miss her hometown's every blade of grass and tree, as well as the loved ones who cherished her.

Undoubtedly, she was filled with excitement at this moment, her chest brimming with a sense of fulfillment like boiling water, bubbling over and warming her entire being.

But amidst the excitement, there was also a hint of reluctance.

From the capital to the northern frontier, the journey was long and arduous. It would be a while before she saw Princess Astrid again.

She wondered how Astrid and Princess Amalia would celebrate the New Year this time. Would they still board the Fearless airship and ring in the New Year high above Capital like last year?

But this time, she wouldn't be able to join them on the airship.

Looking at the glass of juice in front of her, the clear glass refracting the soft light, Lyra tightened her calves, the tips of her small leather shoes lightly tapping the floor. After a while, she spoke up.

"Astrid..."

"Are you still going to celebrate the New Year on the airship this year?"

Hearing Lyra's voice, Astrid propped her cheek on one hand and replied softly.

"Not necessarily."

"There's a group of new nobles who also want to board the airship for the New Year. With so many people, I'd rather not be there."

The existence of the Fearless airship was a brand in itself, a mobile marvel of its time. The more nobles who came for it, the more it highlighted the advancement of magical technology and made Charlotte's job easier.

Lyra listened thoughtfully, lowering her head for a moment before looking up and asking.

"So what are your plans now?"

"Amalia wants to have a barbecue in the courtyard. It's also convenient for us to watch the fireworks and the moon."

Amalia's original idea was to have the barbecue on the top floor of the castle, but considering the risks, they had to settle for the courtyard instead.

"Barbecue…" Lyra murmured, suddenly recalling the time she and Astrid had roasted a chicken in the wild.

It was indeed a memorable experience.

"Then... I wish you a Happy New Year in advance, Princess Astrid..."

A barbecue in the open air sounded like it would be fun.

Sensing the faint longing in Lyra's tone, Astrid turned her head to look at her, causing Lyra's cheeks to flush as she picked up her glass and took a small sip.

It feels as if the air was filled with the melancholy atmosphere of college graduation, with roommates packing up and going their separate ways. After a few seconds, Astrid spoke.

"You too, Lyra."

"It's been a long time since you've seen your parents. They'll be proud of you when they see how well you've done in your studies."

After such a long separation, it was only natural to feel joy upon reuniting with family.

Hearing Astrid mentioned her parents, the sadness of parting in Lyra's heart lessened slightly, replaced by a quiet joy at the thought of seeing her family again.

"Yes, you're right, Astrid."

Ranking first in the comprehensive evaluation of Class A at the Elizabeth Academy of Magic, especially among a group of selected top students, would undoubtedly make her parents extremely happy.

Moreover, she had learned quite a bit of fire magic. This time, she could set off a firework in the most prominent spot in the village, one that everyone could see.

She, Lyra Blackley, was now a formidable mage.

Seeing the brightness in Lyra's eyes, Astrid knew her words had had an effect. She smiled and said, "When you come back, could you bring me some more of those local specialties from your hometown?"

"The dried meat I had last time was quite good."

Although, strictly speaking, the taste couldn't compare to that of the imperial chefs, it was still quite good, especially since it carried the love of parents for their child. This added value had enhanced the flavor of the dried meat.

"If Astrid wants it, I'll bring more."

"There's still plenty at home."

In her last letter, Lyra had heard from her parents about these family matters and knew there was still some dried meat left.

"Then I'll trouble you, Lyra."

"Not at all, it's a small thing."

With a few words, Astrid deftly steered the conversation toward family reunions and their next meeting, once again charming the inexperienced little maid.

But all in all, it wasn't a bad thing. At least she had truly made Lyra look forward to seeing her parents with heartfelt joy and anticipation.

After about fifteen minutes, the waiter began serving the dishes, and the atmosphere at the table gradually warmed up.

"Livia, would you like some strawberry juice?"

"Yes, I'd like some."

"Lyra, you should try this grilled lamb chop. It's a new dish at the Wisteria Restaurant. Lydia said it's delicious."

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

The soft clinking of cutlery mixed with their conversation. Lyra looked at Astrid and Amalia in the candlelight, then shifted her gaze to Elise across the table. The head maid still adheres strictly to the etiquette of a maid, eating each bite with great politeness, like a devout worshiper of food.

Everyone... is such a good person...

Lowering her head, Lyra took small bites of the lamb chop, savoring the exquisite flavors bursting on her tongue. She slowed her chewing, gently pursing her lips.

It's so delicious... I wish my parents could try this too...

Looking at the marbling on the lamb chop's surface, the juice rich with spices and oil, Lyra suddenly recalled the dried chili peppers she had sent home.

When she got home, she could cook the dishes Astrid had taught her. They were just as delicious and would also increase her family's favor towards Astrid, killing two birds with one stone.

Thinking this way as she ate, it wasn't long before everyone had finished their meal. They put down their cutlery, sipping their juice and chatting casually.

Lydia's novel had already started serializing in the Empire Weekly's relevant section. Under Astrid's careful guidance and Lydia's own diligent research, it was receiving a very positive response and had already gathered a group of fans.

Aside from the fanfare brought by the publication itself, Astrid was more concerned about Lydia gaining permission from her father, Florence, to participate in their collaboration. As a public figure, the Finance Minister's every move had to be cautious. His agreement to let Lydia sign the commercial contract, to some extent, conveyed a hint of goodwill toward Astrid.

This level was just right, it wouldn't arouse the emperor's suspicions but would also convey their stance.

"By the way, Lyra."

Mid-conversation, Lyra heard Astrid call her name and straightened slightly.

"I'm here. What is it?"

Hearing this, Astrid's lips curved into a slight smile as she said softly, "When you get home, remember to write me a letter."

"And pass on my greetings to your elders."

Although the novel didn't provide detailed descriptions of Lyra's parents, Astrid believed that raising such a gentle yet resilient girl with a strong will indicated that they were quite open-minded.

Moreover, being able to save up and even borrow money to send their daughter to the most prestigious magic academy in the capital was a rare display of courage.

Lyra was momentarily stunned upon hearing this but quickly replied, "Ah... alright..."

It wasn't a particularly strange request, after all.

Moreover, her parents were indeed very curious about the Miss Astrid she often mentioned in her letters. C!on#t*ent pr%es@ent&e.d% by M.V|&L#E^MP@|^Y%R..

Suddenly remembered something, Lyra hesitated for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping the white stockings on her thighs before she spoke up.

"Astrid..."

"Yes?"

Looking into those cold red eyes, the words on the tip of her tongue paused briefly. Lyra moistened her lips and mustered the courage to speak.

"Well... if it's possible..."

"I'd like... to invite you to visit my home..."

After saying this, she quickly added nervously, "Not now, of course. Anytime is fine, as long as you're free."

"It's just that my home is quite remote, and the roads aren't very good. It's a bit of a hassle to get there."

The village certainly couldn't compare to the capital's prosperity. Lyra felt a bit embarrassed as she spoke, even worried that Astrid might politely decline.

Would a noble princess of the empire really design to visit such a remote place?

Astrid fell silent for a moment before softly uttering a single word.

"Alright."