Chapter 404: “I’ll miss you...”
On the day Lyra and Astrid went to Elizabeth Academy of Magic to submit their graduation applications, the snow in the capital city wasn’t as heavy as the previous night’s blizzard, but endless white flakes still drifted down onto Lyra’s head. The snow on the ground hadn’t melted yet, and her shoes crunched with every step, "crack, crack, crack."
Lyra’s most vivid memory of that day was probably handing the parchment with her graduation intentions to the head teacher, witnessing the surprise on his face, and then spending the afternoon at the Purple Dragon Restaurant, sipping tea while keeping Astrid company as they watched the snowflakes glisten outside the window, melting bit by bit at their edges, such a warm, peaceful scene.
It was perhaps the second greatest turning point in her life, second only until when she took the entrance exam for Elizabeth Academy of Magic.
Winter passed into spring. After informing her parents of her plans and spending the New Year in Morin Village, Lyra returned to the capital to begin preparing in advance for her upcoming journey.
And as the capital’s brightest new star, the Baroness Lyra who had won the Magic Exchange Competition, Astrid hosted a farewell banquet in her name, inviting many of Lyra’s friends, as well as some classmates with whom she was on good terms.
Friends like Linda, Lina and Lydia were all surprised by Lyra’s decision. The border between the two nations was thick with tension, and a bloody conflict could break out at any moment. Choosing to participate in graduation practice at this time was practically hell-level difficulty.
More importantly, Lyra clearly had safer, more straightforward ways to graduate, but she had deliberately chosen the hardest one, and even Astrid had silently approved.
But since her decision was already made, there was no point in others saying more. Everything had been settled. All they could do now was offer their blessings.
After the banquet ended, Lyra returned to her room to pack her luggage one last time.
Who knew when she’d return to the capital again? Duke Charles’s territory lay in the empire’s northwest, freezing cold, so she needed to prepare extra warm clothing.
Lyra had just slipped off the crystal shoes she’d worn to the banquet, revealing two smooth, tender white-stockinged feet, when a rhythmic knock came from the door behind her.
At this hour and in this place, the only one who could possibly be visiting was the true master of this residence, Astrid Calliste.
"Come in... Astrid..."
The moment she spoke, Lyra put on her slippers and turned around, seeing a silver-haired girl standing there in a night-sky-colored evening gown, her delicate shoulders bare.
The form-fitting black dress accentuated the imperial princess’s curvaceous figure. A dazzling ruby hung from a slender silver chain at her chest, beneath which were lace-trimmed black thigh-high stockings paired with matching high heels. The stockings gently hug her soft, fair thighs, and even away from the banquet, Astrid tonight remains radiant.
"I’ve arranged the carriage with Elise. Tomorrow morning at nine, when Lyra arrives at Duke Charles’s territory, it’ll already be Wednesday evening."
Astrid casually brushed a strand of silver hair from her chest, her gaze falling on the slippers Lyra had placed in advance on the steps. A pair of delicate, black-stockinged feet, like fine dark chocolate, slipped out of her exquisitely crafted heels and gently stepped into the slippers.
"You seem to have little enthusiasm tonight, Lyra..."
Hearing Astrid mentioned her, Lyra pursed her lips, her left hand resting on her right arm as she habitually lowered her blue eyes.
"Just leaving again so soon after returning to the capital... I’m a bit reluctant."
Reluctant to leave behind the monotonous yet somewhat interesting academy life, reluctant to say goodbye to that dorm room that had held three years of memories, and most of all, reluctant to part from the person standing before her.
Although she’d mentally prepared herself countless times, and though she knew deep down this separation was only temporary, when the day finally arrived, Lyra still felt an indescribable sense of loss and melancholy.
The conflict between the Kingdom of Velys and the Valeria Empire will only intensify. The capital, as the empire’s political center, would inevitably be affected. During her absence, the undercurrents in the capital city might threaten border security, especially for Astrid, who stood right at the eye of the storm.
Even if Emperor Hibbort doted on Astrid, he couldn’t unconditionally let her do as she pleased. Matters of succession and power transition were precarious, one misstep, and she could fall into an abyss from which there was no return.
Unconsciously, her thoughts drifted far away, until she caught the familiar scent of Astrid’s hair, finally snapping her back to reality.
"Pain is the price of being forced to leave your place. It’s only natural."
Astrid gently straightened Lyra’s skirt hem, speaking softly.
"You have to understand all of this, Lyra."
In the past, Lyra had traveled alone from Morin Village to the capital city, a place she’d only heard of from bards. Now, she was leaving the capital she’d grown familiar with over the past few years for unknown, uncharted lands. Longing and worrying were only natural emotions.
But Astrid believed Lyra could handle these negative feelings, just as she’d done before.
Hearing Astrid’s words, and feeling the warmth of her fingers lightly brushing her skin, Lyra unusually showed no trace of shyness, simply giving a soft, quiet "hm."
"Hm..."
"Either way, hearing you say that, I do feel a bit better."
Not thinking she is weak, but instead gently comforts her.
Princess Astrid truly was the best.
Seeing Lyra still lowering her head, staring at the slippers and carpet beneath her feet, Astrid reached up and gently pinched the girl’s cheek. Perhaps from drinking wine earlier, Lyra’s face was slightly warm, but no less soft than usual.
"Go pack your things. You have a long ride tomorrow. Best to rest early tonight."
"Okay."
Dwelling on it wouldn’t help. Better to finish packing quickly, then she’d have more time to chat with Astrid.
With that in mind, Lyra hurried to her suitcase and began carefully checking what she needed to bring.
Technically, with the Sword of Light at her side, Lyra could just use it to store all her clothes. But considering the rarity of spatial artifacts, and Astrid’s consistent teachings, keeping extra trump cards was never a bad idea. What if an enemy didn’t know she could pull out a bunch of self-enhancing potions and supplies from thin air? That could turn certain defeat into victory in dire situations.
She’d pack ordinary skirts and stockings in the suitcase first. The smaller items can go into the Sword of Light.
Watching Lyra meticulously count her possessions, Astrid softly parted her lips.
"Need help?"
"No thanks, there’s not much to bring."
Four years ago, Lyra had arrived in the capital with this ordinary suitcase. Four years later, it still holds everything she needed.
Still, as she went through it now, Lyra realized just how many clothes Astrid had bought her over the years.
Complete sets for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, blouses, skirts, coats, and stockings, none of them repeated.
Seeing that Lyra truly didn’t need help, Astrid crossed her arms and sat gracefully on the bed, her long, smooth black-stockinged legs elegantly crossed.
After a moment, Astrid’s gaze fell on a folded black dress inside the suitcase. She pondered for a few seconds before speaking softly.
"You’re bringing the maid dress too?"
Lyra paused at her words, her eyes shifting to the item Astrid mentioned.
"Mm-hm."
The maid outfit held deep significance for Lyra, it was proof of the time she had served Astrid, a symbol of those peaceful, carefree days when she didn’t have to think too much.
But... putting it in the suitcase with her regular clothes did feel a bit strange...
After a brief thought, Lyra placed her hand over the smooth fabric, her index fingernail flashing faintly with light, and stored the maid dress along with its matching white thigh-highs.
That should do it.
As the maid dress disappeared, it revealed papers beneath. Astrid blinked rapidly, her wine-red pupils narrowing slightly.
"Lyra..."
"...What’s that?"
On the neat, flat paper was a lifelike drawing of a silver-haired girl. She wore a creamy white blouse and a pure black pleated skirt, paired with black tights and short leather boots that reached just above the ankles. The most striking feature from afar was her pair of alluring, vivid red eyes.
The instant Astrid spoke, Lyra, having noticed the suitcase’s contents at the same time, jolted, her heart leaping into her throat. Only one thought echoed in her mind.
Oh no, oh no, oh no...
Seeing Lyra frozen in place, Astrid leaned forward, reaching for the papers. But the pink-haired girl suddenly seemed to snap back to her senses, instinctively covering the stack with her palm.
This blocked Astrid’s hand, which now only touched Lyra’s.
"..."
After a half-second pause, Astrid curved her lips into a smile, her voice lazy and teasing.
"Hm? Is it something I’m not allowed to see?"
"And why does that person look so familiar?"
Familiarity didn’t even begin to cover it. In the entire capital city, only the third imperial princess had silver hair and red eyes. As for that outfit, Astrid vaguely recognized it; it was from the first issue of the Empire Weekly’s fashion section, in which she herself had personally modeled.
Feeling Astrid’s palm resting on the back of her hand, her slender, fair fingers slipping between Lyra’s and caressing the slightly rough paper, Lyra’s heart pounded wildly. She knew Astrid had definitely seen it.
At this point, hiding it was pointless.
"..."
’I should’ve just put it all in the Sword of Light...’
As Lyra’s hand slowly moved aside, Astrid saw the papers beneath, each depicting her own portrait. She’d assumed it was just one, but when she picked it up, she realized it was actually a thin stack.
Besides the first issue of the Empire Weekly, Astrid had appeared in the fashion section a few other times. Not many, about once every six months. She flipped through them casually. They were all here.
From the neatly punched holes along the paper’s edges, connected by thin cords, and the clean-cut edges, it was clear Lyra had cut these pages from the Empire Weekly and meticulously compiled them herself.
Flipping through each page, Astrid saw herself in various fashion styles, vividly drawn and linked by the cords, almost like a passionate fan in a past life collecting photo albums of their idols.
Lyra... actually had this habit...
For four years, she hadn’t noticed a thing.
Astrid lifted her gaze and slightly glanced at Lyra, who dared not look back, her pretty face as red as a kettle boiling over.
Having your collection of drawn portraits discovered by the actual person? It was unbearably embarrassing.
Once again cursing her own carelessness, Lyra curled her toes and gently scratched the tip of her white stocking. Her ears burned crimson.
Thinking she’d be away for so long, Lyra had specifically gone home and bound all the previously cut portraits into a booklet with string. Once she arrived at Duke Charles’s territory, she could look at them in her spare time to ease her longing.
And now Astrid had found it.
Would Princess Astrid think... She was some weird, creepy pervert?
"I’m... somewhat impressed..." Astrid parted her pink lips, calling the girl’s name in a sultry voice.
"Lyra."
She knew the pink-haired maid adored her, but to this extent? It still caught Astrid off guard.
Smiling faintly, she handed the photo album back to Lyra. Since the girl was leaving tomorrow, Astrid decided not to tease her too harshly. Her seductive tone quickly returned to normal.
"If you really love them, next time you return, I’ll wear whatever you want to see."
"Of course, nothing too extreme."
Consider it a treat for her little fan.
Hearing Astrid say that, Lyra felt both embarrassed and delighted, quickly taking the item Astrid offered.
"Okay."
"Um... I was just worried that if I’m gone too long..."
"I’ll miss you, Astrid..."
Absolutely, definitely no other meaning.
Astrid stared silently at Lyra, her beautiful eyes unwavering, until Lyra grew flustered, then she suddenly burst into laughter.
"What did you think I meant?"
"Could it be... Lyra would use this for something naughty?"
She’d already decided not to tease Lyra, but now someone was just handing her the opportunity. If she didn’t take it to tease her a few more times, she’d be the one lacking charm.
"Never!"
The girl’s rebuttal was crisp and quick, especially noticeable in the quiet bedroom.
Realizing she’d overreacted, Lyra’s blush deepened. A flash of white light from her pink fingernail completely stored the photo album away.
"Anyway..."
Lyra’s voice grew softer, as if expressing her inner feelings was something too embarrassing to say aloud.
"I’ll miss you..."
Even if they couldn’t meet, she’d still stand at the distant frontier, far from the capital, and think of the person before her, like a silver moon.
Hearing Lyra say that, Astrid fell silent for a long time. Finally, she gently cupped the girl’s face and said, word by word.
"Me too."