Chapter 407: Cute Little Princess
Amelia stood quietly in the corridor of the imperial chambers, her gaze fixed on a landscape painting hanging on the wall. Elise stood nearby, ever watchful.
Seeing this, Astrid didn’t immediately call out. She slowed her steps as she approached, though the click of high heels, especially the slender type she favored, was hard to avoid. Amelia, always sensitive to her sister’s voice, turned her head the moment Astrid’s foot touched like stepped onto staggered on through a single tile.
Upon receiving Astrid, the little girl, who usually maintains a timid and aloof persona around others, fluttered her eyelashes and quickly ran to her sister’s side, grabbing her hand.
"Sister."
Amelia’s hand was soft, and her body temperature lower than Astrid’s, so it felt cool to the touch, yet incredibly pleasant.
"Were you looking at the painting just now?"
As she spoke, Astrid crouched down. With her free hand, she gently adjusted the pale pink bow at Amelia’s collar, then fastened the silver strap on the surface of her Lolita shoes, ensuring the girl’s soft, snow-like white-stockinged feet weren’t fully exposed.
"Yes. It feels very evocative."
Once Astrid straightened her posture, Amelia shifted her gaze away from the cascade of silvery-white hair and back to the oil painting beside them.
"The tones are cool, with no strong contrast between light and shadow. The lines are numerous but not chaotic, highly expressive, somewhat reminiscent of Master Gaterien’s style."
Gaterien was the most famous oil painter in the history of the Valeria Empire, famous for his expressive landscape works.
Hearing this, Astrid raised her eyes to the painting. A tall black mansion stood on the street, a silver moon hanging in the sky beneath brooding dark clouds. At its entrance lay a small puddle formed by rainwater. At first glance, the entire scene seemed soaked in continuous drizzle.
Although Astrid didn’t know much about art history in this world, the name Gaterien wasn’t unfamiliar. His painting style bears a striking resemblance to Amelia’s, complex layered compositions, a preference for dark tones, and predominant landscapes and still lifes among his surviving works.
Gazing at the painting, then glancing sideways at Amelia intently appreciating it, Astrid’s mind suddenly recalled her earlier conversation with Hibbort.
["If she’s interested, you can take Anno around to visit. It might help with her studies."]
Just visiting the chambers and studying paintings?
Focusing inward, her gaze piercing through the fine rain in the painting, Astrid narrowed her eyes, taking advantage of Amelia’s absorption to mentally trace the timeline.
If Hibbort doubted Amelia’s identity, he should have had doubts the moment she took the girl out of the old castle.
But in fact, during the two years that followed, Hibbort showed no particular interest in Amelia, Livia Calliste, as she was publicly known. At least, Astrid, his daughter, had noticed nothing. Even the original Astrid, before memory awakening, likely wouldn’t have felt dissatisfied with such minimal paternal attention.
Looking further back, the moment that felt most strange to Astrid, the origin of everything, was during the magical exchange competition, when Hibbort seemed casually arranged the seating.
Those with direct royal blood sat adjacent, facing after a they gazed toward the stage bustling with thousands, but also as if they were looking up at the lofty throne.
If that moment was the dividing line, Hibbort’s treatment of Amelia before and after was completely different.
"..."
Thinking this, Astrid’s delicate brows furrowed, her crimson eyes narrowing into a thin, blood-like river.
So... why did he mention that queen today...
Was it merely because, with life fading, he had become more emotional? That possibility wasn’t nonexistent, indeed, it held considerable weight in Astrid’s mind.
In old age, even the most majestic lion grows weaker, begins contemplating personal emotions he once ignored. From Hibbort’s attitude toward his deceased wife and toward herself, Astrid can see that this old man’s heart might deeply crave familial bonds.
Ironically, the daughter who once truly needed him now hates this father intensely, while he regards her as a stain on his life’s record. His other two sons view each other as mortal enemies in their struggle for succession, each wishing the other death.
In the war for power, perhaps nothing is more forbidden than family affection.
At this thought, Astrid’s hand tightened slightly, her red eyes flickering, a sudden wistfulness washing over her.
Perched at the apex of the nobility, yet his life was in shambles, his beloved passed too soon, his children hostile towards one another, and even his time for peaceful retirement no longer his own.
Feeling the pressure her sister conveyed, Amelia lifted her head and spoke softly.
"Sister?"
Hearing the dark-haired girl’s sweet, gentle voice, Astrid snapped back to reality and slowly loosened her grip.
"Did I hurt you?"
The next second, Amelia grabbed Astrid’s hand again, even though the delicate skin had already turned faintly red, unwilling to let go once more.
"No, sister."
"Even if you were a bit rougher, it’d be fine."
Amelia gazed tenderly at Astrid, then pulled her hand to rest against her modest chest, whispering gently.
"I love you the most, sister."
Her tone was sincere and calm, showing no trace of pretense. Through her palm, Astrid could feel the girl’s heartbeat, slightly accelerated.
In that moment, her true inner emotions and the outward behavior Amelia adopted as "Livia" perfectly merged into one.
Hearing Amelia’s words, Astrid’s emotions gradually calmed. She looked at the delicate girl dressed in a beautiful princess dress, her legs wrapped in creamy white tights, then bent down and kissed Amelia’s forehead, responding earnestly.
"I love you the most too."
In truth, Amelia had changed a great deal, not just Hibbort.
Although her appearance remains largely the same, still that petite, adorable girl frame, her personality had grown slightly brighter, far less gloomy than before.
"Let’s go back and rest. I’ll take you to the Purple Dragon Restaurant for a meal later."
"Okay, sister."
The next moment, Amelia wrapped her delicate arms around Astrid’s arm, her fragrant, soft body leaning against her like a possessive little cat.
Feeling the warmth spreading along her arm, Astrid glanced sideways at the dark-black hair, the pure white princess dress rippling gently and the intricately crafted side-cutout princess shoes beneath.
In the past she would never have been so intimate with her sister. Indeed, most sisters going out together wouldn’t cling to their sibling’s arms so tightly as Amelia did, nearly hanging her entire body on the other.
She’d only seen such postures in couples during the honeymoon phase, those overly clingy little girlfriends?
The baseless thought flitted through Astrid’s mind before quickly vanishing.
It merely reflected differences in personality and outward expression.
If the person leaning on her now were Lyra instead of Amelia, she’d certainly be the well behaved, reserved type who wouldn’t dare get too close.
A pale pink silhouette flashed in her mind, then shattered under the sound of high heels tapping the typical. Breathing in the fresh, soapy scent from Amelia’s hair, Astrid let out a soft sigh.
She’d only been gone for a day, why was she thinking about her again?
Blessed with the protagonist’s fortune, who knew what troubles Lyra might encounter on her journey, or whether she could handle them properly.
Turning the corridor corner, a golden-haired man stood by the window. A flicker of disgust flashed in Astrid’s eyes, instantly replaced by politeness.
As if on cue, trouble had arrived.
"Good afternoon. What brings you here, brother?"
Hearing Astrid speak, Lucas, who had clearly been waiting, affectedly swept a few strands of golden hair aside. He turned with a gentle expression and spoke softly.
"I was just discussing state matters with Father. As I was leaving, a servant mentioned that my younger sister will soon arrive at the chambers."
"So I thought I’d wait a while longer. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, perhaps we could dine together and catch up?"
The words sounded reasonable, but it was hard not to suspect that the crown prince’s real motive wasn’t familial bonding, but intelligence gathering.
"..."
After a moment’s thought, Astrid replied slowly.
"Apologies, but I’m not feeling well today."
"If possible, could we reschedule for tomorrow?"
She’d just finished speaking with Hibbort, there was a lot of information to process. She needed time for feedback from Elise’s intelligence network. Besides, according to Lucas, he’d just left the chambers himself.
Hibbort had summoned both her and the crown prince in a single morning, there might be deeper meaning behind it. Astrid had no intention of meeting Lucas privately without clear understanding.
Tomorrow?
Lucas frowned slightly upon hearing this. Although inwardly displeased by Astrid’s refusal, he didn’t show it.
"Of course. If my sister isn’t feeling well, rest well today."
Postponing by just one day wasn’t unacceptable.
Astrid nodded slightly, her pink lips parted.
"Then I’ll see you at noon tomorrow, brother."
"I’ll excuse myself for now."
............
After finishing lunch at noon, Astrid and Amelia returned to the chambers. As per routine, it was time for a nap.
Having drunk calming tea and changed into silk nightgowns, Astrid lay in bed, gently embracing Amelia.
Feeling Astrid’s movement, Amelia softly returned the embrace, her legs tightening around her sister’s, her delicate face nuzzling into Astrid’s neck as she took a gentle breath.
"Why did my sister refuse his invitation at noon?"
Amelia had already prepared to just grab a quick meal under the maid captain’s arrangements.
Astrid pressed her knees together, her chin resting on Amelia’s head.
"Because it would be troublesome."
"Besides, didn’t I promise you, Amelia, that I’d take you to the Purple Dragon Restaurant for lunch?"
Although not the main reason, it did influence her decision to some small extent.
But these words carry a slightly different meaning in Amelia’s ears.
Sister... did this so she wouldn’t have to eat alone...
And to keep her promise.
Once again feeling her importance in Astrid’s heart, Amelia tightened her legs instinctively, her arms drawing closer, as if wanting to merge completely with her sister.
"Sister..."
"Hmm?"
"Can I... not wear this disguise today at noon?"
Hearing the warm breath against her ear, Astrid blinked and gently asked in return.
"Is it uncomfortable?"
"Not really. It’s just... when I wear it, it feels like there’s always something between us."
As she spoke, Amelia lowered her head and kissed Astrid’s collarbone. Her voice lacks its usual coldness, instead carrying a soft sweetness.
"It feels less real. So this time, I don’t want to wear it."
By the end, the girl in her arms speaks with a hint of coyness, making it nearly impossible to refuse.
Astrid thought for a moment. Only Elise, the head maid, could enter without reporting during nap time. After a few seconds, she nodded.
"Alright."
Wearing it every day without removing it could indeed become suffocating.
"Sister is the best."
Amelia gave Astrid’s collarbone another kiss, her hand moving from her sister’s shoulder blades to her waist. Her icy red eyes seemed moistened, gazing with slight anticipation at the silver-haired girl lying lazily beside her.
"Then... sister help will me take it off, right?"
So she didn’t want to let go of her even for a moment?
Realizing once more how clingy Amelia had become, Astrid didn’t refuse. She pinched the girl’s smooth cheek, then moved her fingertips upward toward her eyelids.
Silently reciting the incantation for water magic, her slender white fingertips became soaked with liquid.
She dripped a few drops first, then had Amelia close her eyes, allowing the pure water to moisten the membranes and eyeballs. After several attempts, judging the timing right, Astrid gently moved her fingers, carefully peeling away the plant-based membrane covering the surface.
"There. Done."
The storage box for the membrane was inside Astrid’s ruby. She infused mental energy to safely store the removed membrane. When she looked back, Amelia was already adjusting to the sensation of not wearing it, her long, curved lashes fluttering slightly with each blink.
With the membrane gone, Amelia’s original red eyes transformed into the royal family’s distinctive blue, quietly reflecting Astrid’s face.
"Sister."
After half a second, Amelia spoke softly.
"My eyes... are different from theirs, aren’t they?"
Theirs? Hibbort? Lucas? Or all those bearing this trait, bearing the name Valeria among the royal nobility?
Looking into Amelia’s clear, bright eyes, Astrid curved her lips and answered without hesitation.
"Of course they’re different."
Astrid knew that Amelia sometimes struggled with having similar physical traits to Lucas and Andre. On this matter, she will never give an ambiguous answer.
"You’re my beloved little sister, and the cutest little princess."
Although the outward difference was slight, the meaning was entirely different.