Chapter 405: Remember to stay happy
Having lived together for so long, spending every day under the same roof, eating similar meals, and seeing the same scenery, it was only natural they’d become part of each other. Suddenly facing a long separation, anyone would feel reluctant, especially someone like Astrid, who usually kept her emotions so restrained.
Gazing into those cold crimson eyes that were filled entirely with her, and at those tender, moist lips, the warm sensation against her cheeks seemed to intensify the heat spreading across her skin. Lyra felt her heart tremble, an indescribable warmth enveloping her entire body.
She wanted to...kiss Princess Astrid right now...
A sudden surge of impulse led Lyra to make a physical movement she never should have. She straightened her slender waist and leaned forward slightly, bringing her face, still cupped in Astrid’s hands, a little closer.
However, because they were both sitting on the blanket, even with her effort, Lyra still remained at a short distance from Astrid. Even when she stretched her legs, her delicate, adorable pale toes pulling the tips of her white stockings slightly sheer, she couldn’t close the gap any further.
’It seems... I can’t quite reach...’
Realizing she couldn’t actually kiss Astrid, the courage that had swelled within Lyra suddenly found an outlet. The turbulent emotions, like floodgates flung open, gushed out uncontrollably, and in an instant, completely dissolved.
Every single thing happening to Lyra was clearly observed by Astrid.
She had the desire to kiss, but not the courage to act. Astrid wasn’t sure whether to call the little maid in front of her too improper, or simply too timid.
Staring into those clear, bright blue eyes and the slightly parted pink lips that rose and fell with each breath, Astrid half-closed her watery eyes and swallowed.
Tomorrow she will leave. Departing with such lingering regret would seem too cruel to Lyra.
Then again... perhaps I should give her a small reward...
Besides, she didn’t mind being close to Lyra at all.
With that thought, Astrid held her hand from the side of the pink-haired girl’s face backward, gently caressing the flushed skin behind her ear, then moved slightly supporting the back of her neck.
Then, with her other hand, Astrid swept aside the silver hair falling in front of her and tucked it behind her ear, before leaning forward herself, closing the distance to Lyra.
Feeling a soft, moist touch against her lips, and seeing that flawless face up close, Lyra’s mind instantly went blank. Even the hands that had been clutching her pantyhose dropped limply to her sides.
A...Astrid...
Whether in half-awake dreams at night or fleeting daydreams while conscious, Lyra had imagined this scene very millions of times.
Her lips felt like they were pressed against freshly made cotton candy, sweet and tenderly fluffy. Upon closer attention, it resembled soft tofu gently rinsed with water.
Her nose was filled with the cool, floral fragrance emanating from Astrid’s body. Lyra’s head spun dizzily, her limbs completely numb. She felt as though her entire self had melted into a puddle.
...........
The brief emotional surge ended. Astrid didn’t succumb to desire, but instead restrained her physical urges and gently pulled away, her vivid red eyes now veiled with a hazy shimmer.
So this is what a kiss filled with emotions feels like. If not for her exceptional self-control, she might have done exactly what Lyra did.
Although... come to think of it... what would it have been like if they had continued?
She was slightly curious.
While Astrid was pondering, Lyra finally realized what had just happened. Her pretty face turned as red as a cherry, her blue eyes lowered to stare at the blanket beside the bed. Supporting herself with one hand, she barely managed to keep her entire body from collapsing.
’I’m... I’m done for... that was too much...’
But... Princess Astrid was... so soft...
A scene that should only exist in dreams had just unfolded in reality. The immense shock brought a heavy sense of unreality, continuously enveloping Lyra’s heart. Yet the lingering smoothness on her lips, and the sight of that delicate, silky black-stockinged foot, smooth as dark chocolate, reminded her that everything that had happened half a minute ago was real.
They really... did something only the closest of intimates would do...
It wasn’t just her limbs. The surge of intense emotions triggered unfamiliar physiological responses. Instinctively, Lyra pressed her legs together tightly, her white-stockinged knees pressed so close they left not even a sliver of space between them.
Time seemed to freeze, until a rustling breeze from outside the window finally snapped Lyra out of her daze. She slowly lifted her head and looked toward Astrid beside the bed.
"I... you..."
Compared to Lyra’s stammering, unsure of what to say, Astrid remained remarkably composed. She let down the silver hair she had tucked behind her ear, letting it fall naturally and covering her faintly blushing earlobes.
"Well, do you think you’ll be able to sleep tonight?"
Hearing Astrid’s slightly low voice, Lyra gulped and answered softly.
"I... probably."
For a pure girl who had never experienced any intimacy with anyone before, such a kiss was undeniably overwhelming.
She could already imagine how much she’d be tossing and turning beneath the covers tonight.
Seeing that Lyra was still acting a bit awkward, Astrid kindly gave her more time to process. Only when she judged it appropriately did she speak again.
"All right, all right. Let’s continue packing."
"I didn’t do that just to keep you awake, you know."
The kiss had originally been meant as a reward for Lyra, but when Astrid actually kissed her and felt the softness and sweetness of the girl’s lips, the novel sensation made her think continuing might not be so bad.
Still... going any further...
Given Lyra’s nature, someone who would never refuse her, the situation would likely spiral out of control.
They weren’t intimate to that extent yet. Besides, Lyra had a long journey tomorrow. Now wasn’t the time to waste too much energy.
"By the way, Astrid..."
After who knew how long, Lyra finally calmed her heartbeat. She trembled her lips slightly, her slender fingers gently unfurling as she spoke softly.
"When I was putting things away earlier... I suddenly remembered " I have a gift for you."
A gift... a farewell present?
As soon as the words left her mouth, an elegant, ancient-looking staff materialized in Lyra’s palm.
Sensing the magical energy rippling from the staff’s body, Astrid immediately recognized its origin, the champion’s prize from the Magic Exchange Competition, the Staff of Eternal Magic.
"I wanted to give it to you earlier, but you’ve always been using the staff Professor Charlotte gave you. Replacing it felt suddenly... inappropriate."
Lyra spoke in a gentle whisper, her perky eyelashes trembling slightly.
"But this staff can’t do much good staying with me. You, on the other hand, always had limited mental stamina. You need it more."
"So, before I truly leave, I want to give it to you."
She had briefly considered auctioning the staff, but as soon as she thought of Astrid’s frustratingly low mental reserves, the idea quickly disappeared.
Since she couldn’t stay by Astrid’s side anymore, the stronger Astrid was, the safer she’d be.
This staff will serve as a stand-in, continuing to protect Princess Astrid in her place.
Astrid remained silent for a long time before solemnly accepting the staff from Lyra’s hands.
Although the staff was made of lightweight magical materials, it felt unusually heavy in her grasp.
Perhaps because it now carries an extra piece of someone’s heart.
"I will use it well."
With those words, the staff dissolved into glowing particles and merged into the ruby at her chest. Astrid gently adjusted the necklace around her neck before speaking again.
"Also, I don’t have the habit of accepting gifts without giving something in return. And since you’re leaving this time, I don’t seem to have prepared anything for you."
She’d been busy arranging Lyra’s travel plans, accommodation, and the farewell party tonight, she truly hadn’t had time to prepare an additional gift.
"It’s already very late, and conditions are limited. Tell me what you want. Anything I can provide, I will."
Knowing Astrid as she did, Lyra understood that if Astrid said this, probably would only make her unhappy.
But... really anything?
Lyra repeated the words inwardly, seriously considering what she truly needed.
Clothes, money, weapons, study materials, she had all of those. The only thing missing was something to remind her of Astrid, she already had the sketchbooks, but who would ever mind having more?
So, what would most remind her of Astrid?
The silver-haired girl sat on the bed, her two smooth, glossy black-stockinged legs elegantly crossed. Her beautiful face was bathed in moonlight, as if Astrid herself were the embodiment of moonlight at this moment.
"..."
Noticing that Lyra’s gaze had lingered on her for quite some time, Astrid gently rubbed her legs together, her crimson eyes half-closed.
Lyra... wouldn’t possibly...
Thinking of some strange possibilities, Astrid lowered the arms she’d been crossing over her chest and placed her palm lightly on her thigh. The blush that had just faded from her ears now returned.
Her little maid surely wasn’t that bold...
Half a minute passed. Lyra finally told Astrid what she wanted. After hearing her, Astrid blinked several times, then replied softly.
"...If you truly want it, you’re lucky."
"I’ll go to the dressing room."
So it was that... unexpected, yet still somewhat understood...
With those words, Astrid stood up and left Lyra’s room, returning to her own bedroom.
Lyra gazed at the door that had just closed in the distance, gently stroking her left chest, feeling the intense pounding of her heart. Her fingers remained still as she waited quietly for Astrid’s return.
...............
The next morning, after breakfast in the palace dining hall, Lyra put on a light coat and dragged her suitcase to the palace gate.
The carriage arranged by Elise was already waiting. Just from its exterior decoration, one could tell the inside was spacious and comfortable.
After helping Lyra load her suitcase into the carriage, Astrid glanced at the interior, fully equipped with lighting, plush seats, and even a fire-elemental crystal for temperature control.
The head maid was indeed reliable.
Looking at Astrid standing so close, Lyra’s heart stirred again. Her fingers brushed the collar beneath her clavicle as she gently opened her pink lips.
"Astrid, I’ll write to you every month."
Even if they couldn’t meet, as long as the letters continued, she could still feel Astrid’s presence through her handwriting.
Astrid nodded and replied softly.
"I’ll read them carefully and reply promptly."
In addition, she had already inspired Elise to assign extra personnel to monitor the border situation, ensuring she’d be informed immediately if anything happened to Lyra.
"Mmm." Lyra let out a soft hum, her pure black leather shoes naturally aligned together.
After a few more words, time was nearly up. Astrid was just about to step down when Lyra called out to her.
"Astrid, do you remember you owe me a reward?"
The clear voice echoed inside the carriage, followed by the sharp sound of heels. Astrid turned around, thought for a moment, and quickly recalled what Lyra meant. She gave a slight nod.
"I remember."
The champion’s prize from the Magic Exchange Competition, after that night, neither of them had brought it up again, so Astrid had nearly forgotten.
Seeing Astrid’s response, Lyra trembled her lips once more and spoke softly.
"I’ve decided what I want."
Staring at the Empress Princess’s picture-perfect glance over her shoulder, Lyra voiced her request.
"My request is... before I return..."
"You must stay healthy and happy, Astrid."
"..."
After a brief silence, Astrid replied gently.
"I promise."
Hearing the definite answer, Lyra broke into a sincere smile. She gently took Astrid’s hand resting on the doorframe, leaned forward, and pressed a devout, tender kiss upon it.
"I’ll return safely too, Astrid."
"Wait for me."
Half a minute later, the carriage driver suddenly cracked his whip. The strong brown horse, started, galloped forward toward the city gate.
Lyra lifted the curtain, gazing at the silver-haired girl standing beneath the sunlight. The spring breeze stirred her hair, and her skirt danced along with it.
The weather was wonderful today, sunshine was lovely, and the wind was gentle. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, as if extending that trial they’d once faced together.
She watched until Astrid’s figure disappeared from sight, replaced by rows of low houses filling her vision, before pulling the curtain closed and sitting back down.
A brief separation was for a better reunion.
May Princess Astrid remains safe and well in the capital.
A faint glint of nail polish appeared, and a small wooden figurine held a slender wooden sword materialized in the pink-haired girl’s palm. Lyra stared at the tiny figure, her thoughts drifting back to the night they played "Land Lord" on the bed, then shifting to the focused image of Astrid carefully carved at her desk. Her expression gradually softened.
The carriage departed the capital City, heading north and kicking up dust along the way. Lyra pressed the wooden figurine against her chest and slowly closed her eyes.