CHAPTER 337: “I HAVE A FRIEND WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL...”

Before becoming emperor, Hibbort and Hughes, along with Fanya, were classmates, while his relationship with Charlotte was relatively distant, at most friends of friends.

After Astrid’s parents disappeared into the abyss, the only connection between them was the child left by their old friend, named Astrid Calliste.

"Little Astr, His Majesty’s methods were even more sophisticated than you imagine, which is why I previously didn’t support your contact with the Fourth Princess. The risks were just too great."

"Once he discovered the disappearance of the people in the castle, it would have taken only half a day to uncover the mastermind behind it."

Due to her status as an illegitimate child, Amalia was not favored by Hibbort and was imprisoned in the castle for several years, her presence minimized to the extreme.

Ordinary people might have long forgotten the royal scandal that happened more than a decade ago, and might not even remember that there was such an imperial princess with royal blood.

Astrid’s plan essentially exploited the information gap under the light, using Hibbort’s deliberate neglect of Amalia and her own longstanding discord with the Fourth Princess to deceive and substitute.

Outsiders seeing Livia only knew that she was a foster sister picked up by Astrid, and would not think deeper.

However, if anyone associated the black-haired loli beside the Third Princess with Amalia Valeria, it wouldn’t be difficult to find evidence.

This is also the main reason why Astrid did not deal with that greedy maid. If something happened to her right after leaving the palace, it would only arouse more suspicion.

Sensing the concern in Charlotte’s words, Astrid tilted her head, letting the hairband given by the former rest by her fingers.

Charlotte understood immediately, her fingers lightly hooking up to untie the hairband. The smooth, cool silver hair lost its restraint and cascaded down Astrid’s back like a waterfall, covering the black fabric of her dress.

"I’ll be careful, Lady Charlotte," Astrid said.

Having a deep relationship with a disliked illegitimate child isn’t particularly serious, but considering Astrid’s recent series of actions, if the matter were exposed, it would be hard not to associate her with using Amalia’s lineage as a pretext for rebellion.

When it comes to the imperial succession, no emperor will be lenient. If Amalia’s identity were revealed, even if Astrid were the daughter of an old friend, Hibbort would definitely not treat her as before, and more likely would immediately strip her of everything she currently possesses.

Hearing this, Charlotte pursed her lips and spoke softly.

"Yes, be careful with everything."

After a while, thinking about what she had just said, Charlotte fluttered her eyelashes a few times, her tone soft.

"The topic accidentally strayed again, it’s my fault. Since it was decided long ago, bringing it up now only makes Little Astr nervous."

Worry is worrying, but talking about it now only adds pressure.

"Speaking of Monica, I once met her when I went to the Kingdom of Velvys a few years ago. At that time, she was a candidate for the saintess, and she left a good impression on me."

"Or to be more precise, it was the Holy Light Church of that time that made me feel good."

Compared to the Valeria Empire where the nobility monopolizes magical knowledge, the Holy Light Church of the Kingdom of Velvys advocates that people receive divine grace, and both commoners and royalty can understand and learn a part of light magic through faith in the God of Light.

Since those with magical aptitude are ultimately a minority, and deeper learning requires passing a faith test to become clergy, these light magics have not caused much of a stir even if they spread among the population.

The most direct impact might be that there are more doctors in towns or villages who know basic healing spells, and minor injuries and illnesses of the people can generally be treated.

Listening to Charlotte explaining the influence of the Holy Light Church on the Kingdom of Velvys in a gentle and pleasant tone, Astrid tapped her knees, slightly adjusting her sitting posture, her thighs covered in thin black stockings gently sinking into the soft bed.

"From an emotional standpoint, I don’t think Monica came to make any small moves, at least the Monica I remember wasn’t that kind of person."

"Of course, people can change, and can also be driven by various interests to do things they don’t want to do. After all, so many years have passed, and the former candidate saintess has been officially appointed. Who knows if she’s still the Monica Angelis I knew back then..."

The environment can indeed easily change a person, just like Astrid in front of me, who enjoyed the transcendent treatment of a royal member with the Crown Prince, and in just a few years transformed from a well-behaved little girl into a mischievous young lady.

Thinking this, Charlotte looked at Astrid sitting obediently by the bed, her expression increasingly soft.

Fortunately, Astrid has returned to her former self now.

No, the current her is not completely the same as before.

Bold and meticulous, with clear moral standards, and tirelessly striving for a set goal, the current Astrid gave Charlotte the impression of a reliable adult.

’Sometimes I even have to rely on her.’

Recalling Astrid’s support in the magical equipment reform case, and the tired figure busy finalizing the prototype of the Fearless for a whole day, the roles of dependent and depended upon reversal, Charlotte couldn’t help but feel a bit complicated.

She never thought that after so many years, the person who could make her feel strongly reliant upon would be the daughter of a friend, a junior she watched grow up.

It’s really quite strange.

"After hearing so much from Lady Charlotte, I am indeed a bit curious about her."

The overlapping black-stockinged legs swayed slightly, bringing a refreshing fragrance to the air. Astrid curved her lips and answered softly.

"But everything still depends on His Majesty’s decision... this Holy Light Saintess may not have the opportunity to join the team..."

The original text had no plot about Monica, perhaps because Hibbort rejected her entry request.

Charlotte nodded after hearing this, affirming Astrid’s view.

"Indeed."

No matter how much they discuss, it can’t compare to a word from the empire’s highest authority.

"It’s almost ten o’clock, go take a shower and prepare to rest."

After helping Astrid comb her hair, Charlotte stood up, her long legs wrapped in transparent stockings straightening, speaking softly.

"Unknowingly, it’s so late... continuing to chat will affect sleep..."

"If Little Astr is in a hurry to rest, you can shower with me to save time."

There’s more than one bedroom in the Countess’ mansion equipped with magical bathing equipment. Saying to save time by showering together, it seems more like Charlotte is joking with her.

Hearing this, Astrid blinked and answered warmly.

"Sure, if Lady Charlotte wants to."

Seeing Astrid answer without any hesitation, straightforwardly, Charlotte suddenly remembered the time she was drunk and was carried into the bathtub by the former, her ears inexplicably heated up slightly.

After a moment of hesitation, Charlotte gently exhaled through her nose, her voice soft.

"Forget it, Little Astr is not a child anymore, and might feel a bit uncomfortable showering with an elder."

"You go first."

Facing her aunt’s behavior of agreeing and then changing her mind at the last minute, Astrid smiled, her crimson eyes watching Charlotte, and after a few seconds replied.

"Alright, I’ll go first."

It seems that the more uncomfortable one is actually her high-attack-low-defense foster aunt. Astrid put down her overlapping legs, her high heels tapping the floor with a moderate sound.

Actually, if Charlotte had really agreed, she would have found other reasons to politely decline.

For no other reason, after realizing her orientation, Astrid also realized that she is most unable to resist gentle and reliable older sisters, especially when the other party has indeed brought her some indescribable strange feelings.

Recalling the scent of perfume mixed with alcohol, and her rising body temperature when their skin touched, Astrid seemed to return to that night’s bedroom, the woman’s warm breath brushing her neck, tickling her heart.

Understanding her lesbian identity, considering the need to avoid suspicion, overly intimate actions should be slightly restrained, which is better for both parties.

Watching Astrid leave the room and enter the bathroom, Charlotte turned to prepare her nightgown, and neatly put away the shoes and socks the former had changed out of.

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

At night, on the soft bed, Astrid and Charlotte, having changed into nightgowns, lay shoulder to shoulder, casually chatting about the recent hot news in the capital City and Astrid’s upcoming academic arrangements.

"Next semester, Little Astr should choose magic circle as the major course. It’s the most mainstream course currently and the most useful for advancing to a Magnus."

As an elder, Charlotte didn’t act as clingy as Amalia, who would hold hands even if not hugging while lying with her sister. Although the two slept in the same bed and under the same blanket, there was almost no physical contact.

Hearing Charlotte’s words, Astrid turned over, her eyeslashes, moist with steam, as thin as cicada wings under the moonlight.

"I originally thought so too, but I’m not sure if I can be assigned to Lady Charlotte’s class."

"According to Little Astr’s learning progress, it should be no problem."

"I hope so."

Feeling Astrid’s gaze, Charlotte also turned over to face the girl, looking into those crimson eyes very similar to Fanya’s.

"By the way, Little Astr..."

"Are you going to continue taking Professor Evelyn’s language course next semester?"

Astrid had told Charlotte some knowledge of elders speech, but considering the secret she carried, her choice of words was consistent with what she had told Lyra then.

With Astrid’s support in the elders speech, some high-level spells that had troubled Charlotte for years found new approaches. At the level of an Arcanist mage, sufficient knowledge and deep understanding of magic were key to their advancement. With this fresh input, Charlotte successfully advanced, becoming a middle stage Arcanist mage specializing in wind magic.

"Yes, I’m quite curious about the languages of other races. Perhaps I can find more inspiration there."

As one of the very few unaffected by the world’s will, Astrid believed she might uncover many details that Evelyn had missed.

Hearing this, Charlotte blinked but didn’t speak immediately. Astrid gently rubbed her legs under the blanket and spoke without preamble.

"I’ll visit Lady Charlotte more often in the future, definitely more than private lessons with Professor Evelyn."

Since she started Evelyn’s class, the time she spent with Charlotte had noticeably decreased. Plus, Evelyn’s flirtatious behavior towards her didn’t sit well with Charlotte, and over time, the two naturally didn’t get along.

Caught between two mature older sisters, Astrid couldn’t favor one over the other, and in terms of closeness, ten Evelyn couldn’t compare to one aunt.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Charlotte was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood why she responded that way.

She asked the question merely to understand Astrid’s academic progress, not to compete for attention with Evelyn.

Although Astrid’s words did make her feel quite pleased...

"Why bring this up suddenly... do I seem that petty..."

Charlotte brushed her hair aside, revealing her fair swan-like neck and delicate collarbone.

What kind of image did she have in front of her junior now?

Hearing this, Astrid smiled softly and replied.

"Not at all, Sister Charlotte is very generous."

"But I’m afraid you might misunderstand. After all, in my heart, Lady Charlotte is very important."

On par with Elise and Amalia.

Pleased by Astrid’s words, Charlotte hummed softly, reaching out her arm to gently embrace the silver-haired girl, pulling her close.

"I wonder where Little Astr learned all these words..."

"Could it be Evelyn taught you?"

Every word hit the mark, quite different from the Astrid who used to frequently defy her.

"Of course not."

"It’s just from being with Lady Charlotte, these feelings came naturally."

In such matters, Astrid had no need to lie.

Who wouldn’t like a mature, charming, and gentle older sister?

As they chatted, their legs inadvertently touched, skin against skin, black and silver hair intertwining.

Feeling the softness and warmth of the person in her arms, Astrid thought of Lyra sleeping in the other room and couldn’t help but open her mouth, hesitating.

Seeing Astrid’s lips part, Charlotte asked softly.

"What’s wrong?"

After a moment, Astrid replied.

"...It’s a bit hard to breathe."

"..."

A few seconds later, Charlotte loosened her arm, allowing some distance between them.

"Is this better?"

"Yes."

Astrid nodded, her thin lips pressing together slightly.

’Should I tell Charlotte about my coming out?’

Now that her plans for a future partner were still uncertain, and her feelings for Lyra were far from love, it seemed there wasn’t much point in saying anything.

But... it might be good to understand Charlotte’s views on different sexual orientations in advance...

"Lady Charlotte..."

"I have a friend who fell in love with a girl..."