CHAPTER 348: NOT WATCHED BY GODS?

"Miss, is this dress suitable?"

In the cloakroom, Elise held up the hem of a formal gown and asked softly, facing the person wearing it.

"This is a formal gown specially tailored by the Royal Tailoring Workshop. It’s exactly cut according to Miss’s measurements, using breathable and lightweight night silkworm silk. It balances aesthetics with comfort for the skin..."

As the head maid explained the material of the gown, Astrid, who was letting the maid adjust the silk ribbon at her waist, gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The silver-haired girl in the black dress looked elegant, her red eyes as calm as an ancient well.

This was the second night since the exchange students from the Kingdom of Velvys and the Pan-Human Alliance had all arrived in the imperial capital. As the host, Hibbort Valeria, Emperor of the Valeria Empire, naturally had to host a grand welcome banquet to entertain the guests who had traveled from afar.

The banquet will be attended by Monica Angelis, the Saintess of Light, and Iris Kroyd, the Princess of Velvys. This was why Astrid had specifically returned to the imperial palace from the academy, solely to attend this welcome banquet.

Once the head maid completed the final adjustments, Astrid felt the smooth, cool fabric brushing against her skin. She shifted her weight slightly, causing the layered, elaborate black silk skirt to ripple with her motion, now altered to reveal the upper part of her thigh, wrapped in a stocking the color of a midnight sky, starting just above her knee.

The hem length was just right, and the style was excellent. Elise’s taste was as reliable as ever.

She lightly touched the garter connecting to the hem of her dress, her fingers exerting a slight pressure to adjust the position of the lace-patterned stocking top. Astrid’s lips curved upward slightly as she adopted the most common social smile, and the silver-haired princess in the mirror mirrored her expression perfectly.

As Astrid secured the exquisite brooch with rubies to her chest, she heard Elise speak.

"These two pairs of shoes would best match this formal gown. Miss may choose freely."

As soon as the head maid finished speaking, Astrid’s gaze fell upon the two pairs of high heels the maid was holding: one pair made of dark gray velvet, and the other with a satin finish, inlaid with diamonds, matching the color of her stockings, with slender heels.

"The pair behind, please," Astrid replied softly.

She personally preferred an all-black ensemble. Firstly, it made her already skin appear even fairer. Secondly, it truly suits the noble temperament of an imperial princess.

The only drawback was the inherent inconvenience of walking in high heels, but this was unavoidable. After all, noble ladies of the Valeria Empire considered wearing high heels to a ball a basic social etiquette, and a symbol of status, as if these slender heels, just a few centimeters higher than flat shoes, could showcase their lofty position.

After putting on the slender high heels, and under Elise’s 360-degree scrutiny to ensure her entire ensemble was suitable, Astrid left the cloakroom. Her footsteps ’tap-tap-tap’ echoed as she walked towards the main venue for the evening’s banquet, the Royal Reception Hall.

As expected, her two "good brothers," the First Prince Lucas and the Second Prince Alistair, were also attending this banquet.

Although she disliked seeing them, at a time when Amalia’s identity could not be revealed to the public, Astrid intended to use the First Prince as a pawn as much as possible, draining his last bit of political power before sending him and his justice corrupt younger brother, with whom he had feuded his entire life, to hell together.

.......

As this was a welcome banquet hosted by the Emperor, the highlights were primarily socialites and noble scions. Someone like Lyra, despite her immense potential, was still of commoner status and thus not suitable to participate. Moreover, Astrid had no intention of letting her get involved too early.

As for Amalia, it would be good for her to experience the social circles of nobles in advance. However, the events tonight were all of considerable importance, and any slight misstep could expose her identity. For safety’s sake, the future Emperor of the Empire will wait in the dormitory with the Holy Light Knight, providing mutual support.

"Your Highness Astrid!"

As soon as she entered the venue, Astrid heard a clear female voice calling her name. Turning her head, she saw Lydia Rossa, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time.

The minister’s daughter was wearing a pink and white princess dress, with two milky-white long stockings covering her slender and smooth legs, and a pair of pink round-toed leather shoes at the bottom.

Compared to the dominant mature styles of the noble ladies present, Lydia’s Lolita-style attire was a refreshing change. Astrid saw Finance Minister Florence standing beside her and nodded with a smile, encouraging them both.

"It’s been a long time, Lydia. You’ve become even cuter."

Knowing what this young girl loved to hear most, Astrid spoke accordingly. As expected, Lydia’s lips curved into a crescent moon upon hearing this. To express her affection, she gently hooked her arm around Astrid’s, letting her arm rest against her chest.

"I’ve wanted to have afternoon tea with you for a long time, Your Highness Astrid, but I never had the chance."

"I’ve been busy with my studies and competitions lately. If Miss Lydia is interested, we can meet this weekend afternoon."

Speaking of which, Lydia’s writings for the Empire Weekly had been widely acclaimed upon publication. This noble girl, whose age matched that of most readers, knew what people of that age group liked to read the most, what she she enjoyed reading was likely what readers would like, so there was no need to overthink it.

Coupled with Astrid’s guidance, her novels naturally became popular. Lydia had now gained a following of young fans, greatly satisfying the young girl’s vanity within aristocratic circles.

"Okay, I’ll come to the dormitory to find you then, Your Highness Astrid?"

"Of course."

"I wish time would pass faster. I’m really looking forward to afternoon tea with you, Your Highness Astrid."

As expected of someone who appreciates good looks, it seemed that every time they met, Lydia was very attached to her. Looking at the cute Lydia beside her, Astrid chatted casually for a few moments before shifting her attention to the banquet itself.

The moment she stepped into the Royal Reception Hall, Astrid felt her mental power being slightly suppressed. An extremely special power enveloped the area, making it difficult to unleash any high-destructive magic.

It was the power of the Imperial Scepter.

In the past, Astrid only knew that this field could suppress magic, without understanding its specific principles. Now, after nearly two years of advanced studies at the Elizabeth Academy of Magic, she has a rough understanding of how the Imperial Scepter achieved this effect.

The primary effect of the magic suppression field was to slightly inhibit mental activity while hindering the conversion of mental power into magical power.

Knights rely on mental power to strengthen their bodies and rarely needed to use magical power, so they were less affected. Mages, on the other hand, rely on manipulating elemental particles for defense or offense. Entering the range of the magic suppression field naturally makes them feel like they were wading through mud, making it unbearable.

Her gaze shifted, and she indeed saw Imperial Guards flanking the Emperor at the four corners of the venue. Astrid picked up a glass of red wine from a passing waiter’s tray, observed her surroundings, and took a gentle sip.

Before long, a handsome man wearing a fitted velvet robe embroidered with honeysuckle approached and greeted Astrid enthusiastically.

"My dear sister, you are as beautiful tonight as ever. Your gem-like beauty cannot be shaken even by the silver moon hanging high in the sky."

Such head-numbing descriptions, coupled with a voice that sounded as if he were suffering from kidney deficiency, could only be the First Prince Lucas, who was active among the beds of noble ladies every day.

Astrid turned her head and smiled brotherly, with genuine emotion.

"Imperial Brother looks well. I presume everything has been going smoothly for you lately."

The man’s skin was fair, and the inner shirt couldn’t hide his slender collarbones. Amidst his graceful nobility, there was a hint of weakness, a typical sign of excessive indulgence.

Looking at Lucas’s gentle and peaceful eyes, and then recalling the First Prince’s madness before his death in the original novel, Astrid couldn’t help but wonder if this imperial prince had simply worn out his own body, which was why Alistair had managed to assassinate him so easily.

Alcohol and lust harm the body. Even indulging desires should be done in moderation.

However, Astrid had no intention of reminding Lucas at this moment. She was merely contemplating having Elise collect more information on the individuals Lucas hosted overnight, to prevent several illegitimate children from appearing years later and threatening Amalia’s position.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Lucas didn’t detect the sarcasm in her words, merely taking it as his sister’s genuine congratulations.

A while ago, he had severely undermined Alistair, not only disrupting his marriage plans with the Marquis’s daughter but also gaining the support of many minor nobles.

He figured Alistair’s lungs must be bursting with anger seeing him so triumphant tonight.

Lydia, who had heard of Lucas’s notorious reputation outside, kept her arm around Astrid’s. She didn’t want to look at him. Astrid, seeing this, understood clearly and quickly exchanged greetings with him before turning to leave.

Frankly, she didn’t wish to interact with someone like Lucas. The man was almost constantly horny, which was rather disgusting.

After the First Prince left, the Second Prince Alistair soon entered. Since Astrid was ostensibly on Lucas’s side, and he had previously allowed Vorelter to instruct Reneth to target Lyra, the two of them had skipped even the pretense of brotherly affection. They simply exchanged a brief greeting before heading to circles they were familiar with.

Astrid stood in a corner of the banquet, actively observing the people the two princes were conversing with. Her eyelashes fluttered as she specialized them according to their closeness.

........

Meanwhile, Monica, seated in the carriage, glanced at the dark night sky outside and then turned to Iris opposite her, speaking softly.

"The Elizabeth Academy of Magic, where we are staying, is very close to the imperial palace. We’ll arrive in about five minutes."

"Young Princess, you should prepare yourself for the banquet."

Iris listened and silently looked at Monica, who was dressed in a pure white holy gown. Compared to the Saintess, Monica’s appearance was more akin to a succubus from ancient texts. She slowly spoke.

"I know."

In the Kingdom of Velvys, Iris was merely a minor figure in the succession of the throne. Her importance in the King’s eyes was far less than that of her elder brothers. If she did not carry the royal blood, the Valeria Empire would likely not pay her such attention.

"Is that so..."

Monica nodded thoughtfully, resting her chin on her hand. After a moment, she spoke.

"Then I hope we both get what we want tonight."

Iris frowned upon hearing this, having no desire to engage with the riddler opposite her.

At least Monica wasn’t wrong about one thing: she was indeed a bit flustered.

Having grown up in a greenhouse, Iris lacked strong political acumen and her understanding of human nature was superficial. Furthermore, as she was on the fringes of the succession struggle, her opportunities for experience were scarce.

Now, leaving her homeland and coming to a strange empire, relying solely on her courage to meet the man at the pinnacle of power, it was difficult for the twenty-something Iris not to feel pressured.

Stepping out of the carriage, Monica adjusted her sleeves with the help of a servant and looked at Iris, who had emerged from the dressing room. Her pink lips parted slightly.

"Relax, it’s just a banquet."

She wondered if Astrid Calliste was also present.

Silver hair and red eyes, obvious physical characteristics. If she were here, she wouldn’t be hard to find.

Iris blinked and replied politely.

"You too, Your Highness Monica."

Before she could finish, she heard Monica continue.

"Not Your Highness, just Monica."

In the Valeria Empire, she represents only herself, not the Holy Light Court behind her.

Sensing that Monica had entered the role faster than herself, Iris sobbed softly and rephrased her words.

"Let’s go, Monica."

"My reliable countrywoman."

With that, the two passed through the magnificent golden gates and entered the most luxurious reception hall of the Valeria Empire.

Beneath their feet lay soft, clean carpets that looked undeniably expensive. The surrounding white walls were adorned with oil paintings, and raised shelves held exquisitely crafted incense burners emitting a faint, subtle fragrance. Above them, brilliant crystal chandeliers sparkled.

Listening to the elegant and peaceful orchestral music that filled the air, a melody completely different from the strongly religious musical style of Velvys, Iris briefly paused before quickly regaining her composure and continuing forward.

Unlike the princess’s displayed naivete and nervousness, Monica, with her wider experience or perhaps greater age, appeared composed and extremely purposeful.

From the moment she stepped into the venue, she had been undergoing scanning the crowd for the figure of Astrid Calliste.

Within seconds, the silver-haired princess, standing out like a crane in a flock of chickens, came into Monica’s sight.

The orange-gold and bright red, two distinctly different pupil colors, meet in mid-air. Astrid had already noticed Monica’s entrance before Monica saw her.

Just like in her dreams, she was the Saintess of Light.

At the same time, a hint of doubt flashed through Monica’s mind.

Why did she feel that this luxuriously dressed imperial princess did not have as high an affinity for light elements as she had imagined?

Was she not the one watched by God?