Chapter 605: Empty Attic
Riding back to the capital in the carriage, Lyra couldn’t stop thinking about her earlier conversation with Charlotte in the workshop. Her clear, glistening blue eyes sparkled, her hands hanging by the sides of her pink-and-white pleated skirt, her pair of snow-white silk-clad legs stretched out comfortably, crossing neatly at the ankles.
Professor Charlotte had not only accepted Astrid being a lesbian, but also acknowledged Lyra as her future partner, even blessing their relationship with gentle words, wishing them eternal happiness and lasting joy.
This was truly the best possible outcome after Astrid revealed the truth. Not just Lyra, even Astrid herself felt it had gone a little too smoothly.
So much so that Lyra even started entertaining thoughts like, "Were all the hardships and difficulties before just necessary trials to pave the way for such smooth sailing now?"
Of course, when she calmed down and thought rationally, she realized there wasn’t actually any inevitable link between the two. There was no need to romanticize difficulties, she should simply cherish the version of herself who never gave up, who struggled through the darkness until dawn finally broke.
Astrid had also noticed Lyra’s delight. Ever since leaving the workshop, her mood had remained high, completely unlike the tension she’d shown upon first arriving at the manor.
To make an imperfect analogy: if unhappy Lyra resembled a pink-haired puppy with drooping ears, looking pitiful and dejected, then the present Lyra was like a pup wagging its tail, eager to nuzzle close and rub delightfully.
Understanding how important this moment was for Lyra, Astrid couldn’t help but sympathize. So shortly after entering the carriage, she pulled Lyra into a kiss, attempting to cool her down a little.
Naturally, the result was the opposite, her temperature didn’t drop, but soared instead. Even the carriage creaked faintly from their movements. Only because Elise remains outside, otherwise the moving carriage might have turned into that bedroom’s desk all over again.
After all, in this world of swords and magic, there were specialized sound-dampening silencing barriers, and portable storage devices that could instantly clean up any mess. As long as someone’s face wasn’t flushed like sunset clouds upon exiting the carriage, no one would ever suspect what had just happened, and certainly no one dared to speak of it.
Spreading rumors? Especially when the main character is Astrid, the regent princess who controls the Empire Weekly, a powerful media platform? They are truly feared not having their own scandals exposed, every noble, without exception, had some unsavory secrets, even if not personally, then through their families.
Gossiping behind closed doors was one thing. Even if Astrid herself didn’t mind, the empire’s most powerful first-sister enthusiast wouldn’t easily let any gossiper off the hook.
"Alright, alright, I know you’re happy~"
After being gently patted on her puppy tail, Lyra blushed, then saw Astrid leaning closer and quickly tilted her face upward.
Her hands, previously resting on her skirt, sliding down slightly, nearing her soft thighs, pressed between herself and her lover, yet forming another dividing line between pure black and pure white.
A faint sound of water echoed briefly in the carriage before vanishing. Lyra’s ears grew even redder as she felt the slickness on her palms, instinctively pulling away, then quickly realized.
It probably wasn’t necessary... It wasn’t anything particularly shameful anyway...
They were already lovers, had just kissed, doing something slightly more intimate wasn’t a big deal.
Astrid had said that feeling physical desire toward someone you loved was a completely natural phenomenon.
Overcoming her inner shyness and recognizing the legitimacy of this act in their current relationship, Lyra gently moved her fingers. Her pale, slender fingertips traced gentle waves across the smooth, pitch-black silk, leaving fleeting trails, perfectly highlighting the softness of a woman’s thigh.
Besides... it wasn’t all her fault either...
Princess Astrid was simply flawless in every way, especially her long, straight legs wrapped in sheer black stockings, so incredibly soft to touch.
Even if she hadn’t had any particular fetish, she’d be tempted into developing one!
It was definitely because Princess Astrid was too beautiful.
While thinking this, her heart still burned fiercely. Lyra moistened her lips and whispered softly.
"How could I not be happy about something like this...?"
Having her lover’s parents acknowledge their relationship... it was practically just one step away from marriage.
Hearing Lyra’s words, Astrid gently fluttered her eyelashes, rubbed the girl’s cheek, and let her hand rest on her thigh as she spoke in a gentle voice.
"I feel the same, Lyra."
Charlotte’s acceptance had resolved one of her lingering worries. At least for now, every important person within Astrid’s reach had expressed their support for her choices.
Squeezing Lyra’s soft cheek, her fingers naturally continued upward along the smooth skin, gently stroking her head. Then, in the next moment, Astrid felt Lyra scoot even closer, her creamy, silk-clad legs pressing against her calf, gently rubbing. The black leather shoes and similarly toned high heels touched, one with the toe, the other with its sharp, slender heel.
It seemed she wasn’t the only one growing increasingly fond of physical contact with her lover, Lyra was too.
"The work is nearly done. By the time we return, it’ll be dinnertime. What would you like to eat tonight, Lyra?" Astrid asked.
Lyra pondered briefly before answering, "That garlic beef from yesterday was delicious. I’d love to try it again."
"Of course. I heard from Amalia that it was a new dish the chef experimented with, tried many versions and had her taste it before finally adding it to the palace menu."
"Though, if Lyra wants, the chef can add another seasoning, apparently it enhances the aroma even more."
"Really? What is it?"
"Seafood powder, a specialty from Rulo Port. They say it brings out even better flavor when paired."
"Seafood... won’t Astrid feel unwell smelling it?"
"A little, perhaps. But it shouldn’t be too bad."
After Hibbort’s death, Amalia had taken over the entire palace. Under her direct supervision, not a single seafood dish remained in the palace menu, not even as seasoning. Only a few leftover stocks remain. If an outside guest wanted seafood, staff had to be notified several days in advance, otherwise there was absolutely no chance of seeing any marine products on the table.
Hearing Astrid’s words and recalling her severe seafood allergy, Lyra murmured softly.
"But I remember, Astrid, even the smell of seafood makes you feel a bit uncomfortable."
She’d noticed this back when she was a maid, including how, during Astrid’s cooperation with the Bulstrode family, formulating perfumes favored by the upper nobility, the third princess would avoid certain related raw ingredients to protect her health while blending scents.
Although one thing was rather strange, some seafood spices that Astrid never smelled herself, but only heard others describe, she could evaluate with remarkable precision, as if she’d experienced them firsthand.
Before Lyra could ponder further, the silver-haired beauty with her past-life identity shook her head gently.
"Just a tiny bit of seasoning powder. It’ll probably be fine."
Her body was delicate, yes, but not so fragile that she couldn’t even eat dinner because of it.
Lyra’s expression turned slightly hesitant upon hearing this. Her other smooth, silk-clad legs also bent voluntarily, leaning against the seat.
Easy to say, but what if something happened?
Astrid’s sense of smell was so sharp, and she was sitting so close, just touching it might be bad, even without putting it in her mouth.
It didn’t matter whether she ate it or not, she’d only miss out on a little flavor.
"I’ll just have the regular version," Lyra replied softly.
Besides, it wasn’t like it was absolutely impossible for it to enter her mouth.
Given her relationship with Astrid, food that entered her mouth wasn’t necessarily limited to just her own.
What if something unexpected happened before post-meal rinsing?
Thinking about the length and intensity of their kisses, and Astrid’s little habit of feeding her tea, Lyra’s heartbeat quickened as she continued.
"No need to convince me, Astrid. Garlic alone tastes great too."
"And that apple juice, and grilled meat, those were good too."
Seeing that Lyra truly wasn’t interested, Astrid didn’t insist. She nodded and said, "If you like, I’ll have Elise arrange it when we return."
"Great. Then what would Astrid like to eat tonight?"
"I’m... not sure yet. Maybe stewed beef would be nice, paired with some cabbage and leeks..."
"If Astrid likes it, I could try making it."
"Suddenly interested in cooking, Lyra?"
"Because I want to make it for you myself. And before we head home, I have plenty of time to practice."
Professional chefs’ dishes might taste better, but the feeling will never compare. Plus, one day in the future, they’d leave the capital to travel the world, having decent cooking skills would greatly improve their happiness in the wilderness.
"..."
"Give it a try. Just don’t overwork yourself."
"I won’t!"
"Then I’ll be looking forward to it, my dear~"
..................
On the outskirts of the city, within the elegant, fragrant attic of the manor, a pair of black high-heeled shoes with red soles lay scattered at the doorway, casting faint shadows under dim light, revealing the brown leather interior and the smooth tiles beside them.
Charlotte sat by the window, legs crossed, amber eyes lowered, one hand propping up her delicate cheek as she silently watched the setting sun.
Unlike the carriage filled with overflowing romantic affection, this solitary room was quiet and empty, only the ticking of the clock making faint creaking sounds, repeating every second that had already passed.
Astrid... was actually in such a relationship with both Lyra and Amalia at the same time...
Although she had expressed understanding earlier that afternoon, Charlotte still felt a lingering uneasiness.
It wasn’t about Astrid’s sexuality. Compared to both Lyra and Amalia falling for her and entering a relationship together, that was actually the least shocking part for Charlotte.
Perhaps... because she’d vaguely suspect it for a long time...
Back then, due to Tristian’s presence, she hadn’t delved deeper. Now, looking back, Astrid and Lyra’s interactions had clearly crossed boundaries long ago.
Even her own friendship with Fanya, as close as it was, had never reached the level of intimacy these two displayed now.
Lyra blushed at Astrid’s teasing, while the latter would unconsciously reveal tenderness when gazing at her. Not to mention other forms of support, Astrid had even done more than some parents consumed by work, who rarely had time to pay attention to their children’s growth.
Like myself.
At this thought, Charlotte lowered her eyes further, looking at the pale white hand resting on the table. On the slender, flawless ring finger of her left hand, a shining ring openly displays its brilliance.
Lyra was a once-in-a-thousand-years magical prodigy, exceptionally beautiful, and had a wonderful personality, truly an ideal future partner.
Amalia possessed royal blood, inherited Hibbort’s loyalty and devotion, had excellent political skills, obeyed her sister unconditionally, and was so attentive she might as well hold her in her palms at all times. Although sometimes obsessed, under Astrid’s influence, she was gradually becoming a wise ruler, also an excellent romantic partner.
With these two exceptional women by her side, Astrid’s future will undoubtedly be free from loneliness, and very likely fulfill her blessings of eternal happiness and beauty.
How wonderful... from that tiny silver-haired girl of long ago to the graceful young woman she was now...
Not only had she achieved success in her career, but she’d also found her lasting home. If Fanya could see this, she would feel immense relief.
"..."
Charlotte softly exhaled, raising her left hand. Her slender fingers passed through the sunlight of the setting sun, the faint red glow seeping through the gaps, simultaneously illuminating the skin beneath.
Such a happy thing... Why do you feel so conflicted?
Was it because, in the future, she might be even more neglected as Astrid spent time with her two beloved partners?
Yet, she didn’t really have the right to think that way. In a way, Astrid’s arrogance and recklessness in the past were partly due to her own failure as an educator, her neglect of proper education.
She should bear the bitter consequences.
Be happy, Charlotte...
Regardless of her role as an elder or her personal feelings, she shouldn’t feel so low.
Hadn’t she been truly happy when facing Astrid and Lyra earlier?
It had only been an hour, yet she already felt so gloomy.
She shifted her legs, her left leg, previously resting atop her right knee, now became the lower one, crossed underneath. The hazy silk fabric enveloped her fair, slender legs, resembling a second layer of skin with deeply alluring texture.
After a long while, Charlotte suppressed her complex emotions, striving to let the joy, already dominant in her heart, regain its upper hand.
Just as fruit tastes sweeter with a pinch of salt, inner bitterness becomes more noticeable against a tide of happiness, like rocks exposed by receding waves.
Everything is perfectly normal.
She was simply an elder who hadn’t yet grown to the day Astrid might completely leave her to live independently.
