Princess’s Struggle for Survival

Astrid observed Lyra's dejected demeanor and pondered how to comfort her with the haughty speech befitting a vicious princess.

Suddenly, Elise's voice interrupted the silence.

"That being said, since Miss Lyra has been exerting her mental power continuously from morning until afternoon, she likely hasn't fully recovered by evening. After all, she is still only an intermediate Knight with an unstable foundation."

Hearing this, a spark of hope reignited in Lyra's eyes. Her clear, translucent gaze resembled moonlight rising over a serene blue lake. She asked in disbelief, "Really... I, I broke through?"

Elise nodded calmly. "Yes, congratulations to Miss Lyra on her promotion to an Intermediate Knight."

As soon as the words were spoken, Lyra turned excitedly to Astrid, who sat beside her.

She opened her mouth to speak, but Astrid preempted her.

"Hard work always yields results. It seems Miss Lyra has done quite well, and your careful training has not been in vain."

At this rate, within a year, Lyra would advance to a Peak Level Knight, becoming one of the top freshmen.

The scenario from the original novel, where she struggled to keep up with the teacher's pace, would certainly not repeat itself.

"There's no need for thanks to Elise or me. Just redouble your efforts in the future and don't fall behind in your magical studies,"

Her tone was cool but carried a hint of appreciation.

For the usually aloof silver-haired princess, such words were a rare display of warmth.

Lyra's eyes curved into crescent moons, her joy evident.

"Although Her Highness Astrid has said so... I still wish to express my gratitude to both of you for your patience in teaching..."

"Thank you, Her Highness Astrid and Miss Elise. I may be a bit slower than others, and I often rely on your guidance, but I will continue to work hard and strive not to disappoint anyone."

Beyond her initial goal of studying magic at Elizabeth Academy of Magic to secure a better future for her parents, Lyra now harbored a new motivation: to grow stronger and protect Princess Astrid.

Unconsciously, Lyra's resentment toward Astrid had lessened.

Even though the princess had turned her life upside down and controlled her fate for a whole year, Lyra couldn't keep holding onto her resentment.

She couldn't pinpoint when it began, perhaps when Astrid defended her against Sally, declaring her as the maid under her protection, or when she promised in the carriage not to hand her over to Lucas.

Or maybe it was the recent sacrifice and the mysterious letter.

Though she hadn't verified it herself, Lyra was convinced the letter was from Princess Astrid.

Each time she thought about it, her certainty grew, as if she had brainwashed herself.

Noticing Lyra's sparkling gaze, Astrid narrowed her eyes, resting her wrist against her cheek and straightening her legs slightly.

"Miss Lyra can handle these matters herself. There's no need to inform me..."

"Rest well during the holidays. Now that you've broken through, take time to relax and stabilize your mind."

As she turned away, Lyra's earlier expression lingered in Astrid's thoughts, evoking a faint sense of familiarity.

It reminded her of the clingy cat her sister had raised in her previous life.

Whenever it heard the door close, it would scamper over on its short legs, displaying the same dependence and longing Lyra now showed.

Lyra... a cat...

The image of the pink-haired maid wearing a cat-eared headdress and wielding a knight's sword flashed in Astrid's mind.

She shook her head, amused at her own absurd thoughts.

Yet, considering Lyra's personality, she was more like a loyal and gentle puppy, her emotions always transparent and never arrogant.

Watching the master and servant leave the room, Lyra slowly withdrew her gaze.

She removed her maid's skirt and white stockings, showered, changed into a cool nightdress, and lay down on the bed.

The leather bag containing the gold coins from the morning now rested on her bedside table.

Lyra picked it up, feeling its weight and listening to the pleasant clink of coins.

Her mood lifted further.

Today had been doubly fortunate, not only had she earned her commission, but she had also achieved a significant breakthrough in her strength.

Thinking of her parents back home, who would soon receive the money she sent and could renovate their house, Lyra smiled softly.

She hugged the leather bag to her chest, savoring the moment.

As for how to spend the gold coin she had kept for herself, Lyra had pondered all day without reaching a decision.

Perhaps the answer would come to her in a dream.

--------

The next morning, Astrid had breakfast served by the maids and was about to return to her bedroom to read magic books when she heard the faint sound of a collar clinking next door.

She turned her head and instantly caught sight of a slender, pink-haired girl.

Today, Lyra was not wearing her usual maid outfit.

Instead, she had on a long trench coat draped over her shoulders, a white long-sleeved shirt, and pure black trousers paired with milky white calf boots.

The entire ensemble gave her a pure yet playful look, exuding a youthful energy from head to toe.

Astrid, accustomed to seeing Lyra in her maid uniform, felt a little uneasy seeing her in casual clothes.

She stared at Lyra, carefully examining her from head to toe, until Lyra's cheeks flushed slightly.

Only then did Astrid finally withdraw her gaze and offer a soft compliment.

"Miss Lyra, you are truly naturally beautiful. No wonder Tristian fell for you at first sight. Are you heading out for a walk?"

At the mention of Tristian, a name that seemed sensitive to her, Lyra's eyes darkened momentarily.

However, she quickly recovered and responded to Astrid with a smile.

"Your Highness, I want to leave the palace and take a stroll around the imperial capital."

After a rare day off, Lyra had decided to go out shopping, explore the capital of the Valeria Empire, and pick up some new trinkets as gifts for Astrid and Elise along the way.

This was the result of a night of contemplation, as she wanted to use her earnings to express her gratitude to her two mentors.

"Would Her Highness Astrid like to join me?" Lyra asked softly, looking at the silver-haired beauty before her.

Astrid frowned slightly. Her original plan for the day did not include going out.

However, considering Lyra's protagonist-like aura, which seemed to attract new events wherever she went, Astrid hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Listening to you, it does feel a bit stifling in the palace. I'll go change my clothes. Wait for me."

About fifteen minutes later, Astrid pushed the door open.

Compared to her usual elaborate dresses, she had opted for a simpler pleated skirt this time, devoid of any floral patterns.

A high-necked shirt accentuated her modest yet well-defined curves, while her legs were gently wrapped in sheer black tights.

A light fragrance accompanied her movements, and her short leather boots, just above the ankle, were low-heeled, perfect for walking and shopping.

Astrid no longer looked like the graceful and luxurious princess of the empire but rather resembled a noble lady from a duke's family.

While her innate nobility remained, it lacked the overwhelming presence that often made people hesitant to look directly at her.

"What's the matter? Can we leave now?"

Seeing Lyra frozen in place, Astrid raised her index finger and gently poked Lyra's smooth forehead.

Noticing a strand of light pink hair hanging by her ear, Astrid tucked it back with her fingertips.

"Ah... Yes, let's go..."

The warmth of Astrid's touch lingered only for a moment, but the spot she had touched on Lyra's skin continued to burn.

Lyra turned away, her voice trembling slightly, and her steps became noticeably unsteady.

Astrid looked at Lyra, who had become flustered in front of her, and a faint smile spread across her cheeks.

This little girl is still so easily shy, getting embarrassed at the slightest tease.

"By the way, Lyra—" Astrid said suddenly.

Hearing this, Lyra asked, "What is it, Your Highness Astrid?"

"You don't have to call me 'Your Highness' all the time during the holidays. You're not a maid right now, and I'm not your master."

"..."

Lyra's footsteps paused for a moment.

After a brief silence, she spoke tentatively.

"Then... Astrid..."

"Yes, I'm here."

As soon as the words left her lips, Astrid's long hair fluttered over her shoulder.

Lyra pursed her lips, gradually regaining her composure.

Ten minutes later, the two left the palace.

Lyra didn't have a specific destination in mind, simply wandering aimlessly through the streets.

Astrid accompanied her without offering any objections.

Although Astrid had lived in the imperial capital, her activities were mostly confined to the West District, where the palace and nobility resided.

She had rarely set foot in the East District, where commoners gathered, and even when passing through in a carriage, she had never paid much attention to the scenes outside the window.

Without consciously planning her route, Lyra, guided by her subconscious habits, eventually made her way to the more bustling East District.

She soon found herself standing in front of the inn where she had stayed when she first arrived in the imperial capital.