Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 540: Wine and Maid

"Is... is there?"

Hearing Astrid’s words, Lyra’s expression faltered. She reached out and took the letter from between the other girl’s fingers, lowering her gaze to examine it carefully.

Lyra had always checked her letters before, but perhaps because she was the one who wrote them, she never noticed any redundancies or awkward phrasing. Now, after Astrid pointed it out, she realized it truly was as described.

Although not every line bore Astrid’s name, it was almost as if she appeared in every other sentence. Even when Lyra had just declared she wouldn’t mention her for now, the next paragraph would casually bring her up again.

Anyone reading this letter would certainly assume the writer shared an unusually close bond with Astrid.

Only now did Lyra realize her feelings for Astrid might have been exposed in her letters all along, only her family had chosen not to question it, keeping silent about it.

No... More likely, they simply thought both were girls, close childhood friends who spent every day together, so naturally their relationship would be intimate.

Morin Village was nothing like the Imperial capital, the bustling imperial capital. News traveled slowly here, and with few noble families around, same-sex relationships weren’t common or widely discussed.

"Then...should I rewrite it?" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Lyra’s tone sounded less like seeking advice and more like asking for permission, her usual meekness around the "bad woman" unconsciously seeping into her voice.

"Whatever the master deems appropriate, I shall follow. I only need to obey your orders."

Astrid spoke calmly, her hands still cradling the tray against her abdomen.

"However, if Miss Lyra’s original intention was to prevent her family from worrying, then maintaining a consistent tone throughout would be best."

"If suddenly, in the new letter, the presence of the Regent Princess drops off dramatically, your parents might assume you two had a falling out. That could backfire."

When a close friend frequently mentioned in letters suddenly disappears, appearing only in passing, parents, especially ones sensitive to their children’s affairs and unable to see them in person, would naturally suspect something.

Had they fallen out? Or perhaps their relationship had broken down?

The maid’s reasoning was indeed sound, successfully dissuading Lyra from rewriting the letter. Yet, as she looked into the mirror at Astrid’s clear, beautiful crimson eyes, knowing full well the letter in her hand was entirely about this very person, she couldn’t help but felt frustrated at how calmly Astrid stood there, speaking so objectively about the Regent Princess’s excessive presence, as if she were an outsider.

You’re a maid today, but yesterday and tomorrow, you’re still the noble Regent Princess.

And saying the name "Astrid" so deliberately under these circumstances, didn’t it make her feel even the slightest bit embarrassed?

More importantly... Why could she so casually tease and bully her like this?

It was infuriating.

Her white-stockinged foot, previously braced against the leg of the table, slipped back into her slipper, revealing only the tender, pink-tinged heel. Lyra stuffed the letter back into its envelope and turned to face Astrid, who stood there gracefully upright, fluttering her eyelashes slightly.

Could it be... Astrid was thinking...

This pink-haired maid really is quite the fool.

Then, the girl turned, knelt on the seat, and wrapped her arms around the white-stockinged maid’s shoulders.

’I’m not a fool, I just don’t catch on quickly sometimes. Just like how I worried endlessly over the person before me, yet it took me so long to realize my true feelings.’

With that thought, the loneliness she’d felt these past few days, loneliness Astrid hadn’t filled, flooded back into Lyra’s heart.

"...?"

Astrid had told her before that she could kiss her anytime. Now, she was playing the role of a maid, saying she’d accept whatever her master did.

So... this time, she’d kiss her longer...

She wanted Astrid’s face to flush too, not always be the one standing there composed and elegant, like a cat toying with its prey while she herself burned with embarrassment.

Feeling the strength in Lyra’s arms, being held so tightly by her for the first time, Astrid didn’t resist. Instead, she slightly narrowed her eyes, her lips parted gently.

"Master... Do you want to taste me now?"

Her heart burned instantly hot. Especially Astrid’s lips, just now speaking, glistened faintly in the sunlight streaming through the window, as if coated with glossy, delicious glaze, tempting her to bite.

Such a simple phrase had ignited the fire within Lyra.

Astrid was simply too much, how could she say something so... so... so suggestive?

Gazing at the silver-haired maid before her, half-lidded eyes as if offering herself for harvest, her bare hand resting on the ruby pendant at her chest, the delicate fabric of her dress fails to cover her collarbone or conceal the smooth, undulating skin of her pale white wrists.

In that moment, both her lips and her entire being seemed perfectly suited to the word "taste."

Applying slight pressure, Astrid stepped forward. Her silken silver hair shimmered in the light as Lyra smoothly completed the action she’d desired.

Who is she? Where is she? What is she doing?

Just this small action left the pink-haired knight utterly dazed. Astrid curled her lips into a smile and spoke softly.

"Thank you for taking care of me, Master."

Perhaps due to the recent kiss, her voice lacked its usual coolness, instead carrying a faint languid charm, an alluring tone one might naturally utter upon waking.

Taking care... Was she referring to the kiss half a minute ago?

Lyra pretended to fix her disheveled hair, lowering her eyes. Her pink strands and pale arms covered her ears, shielding her flushed cheek.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her slipper had fallen off. Her embarrassment surged even stronger. Quietly, she extended her leg, stepping back into her shoe as she whispered.

"...You’re welcome."

"Astrid, go clean yourself up."

Time was too awkward for her to help with, and right now, Lyra desperately needed to compose herself.

As for thoughts like pushing Astrid down in the midst of this intimate atmosphere, those flickered through her mind for a mere instant before Lyra buried them deep within her heart.

A girl’s first time... such a thing... should be more formal...

At least, she needed to be sure Astrid truly loved her before doing that.

Saying she didn’t want it, yet the moment the thought arose, her body’s heat refused to subside. Lyra tugged at her thigh-high stockings, her teeth gently biting her pink lips as she stared at her own reflection, already nearly overwhelmed by hearts, turning pink.

But... she still wanted to go even further with Astrid...

..............

After calming down for quite some time, Lyra saw Astrid again at dinner. After the kiss, Astrid had gone to the washroom to clean up, and later came to the dining room to prepare her meal.

Candlelight illuminated the delicious dishes arranged on silver platters, vibrant in color, fragrant and appetizing. Clearly, every dish was prepared by Astrid’s hands.

Lyra still insisted Astrid sit beside her to eat. The latter gave a slight nod, performing a proper maid’s bow.

This time, Lyra made sure Astrid had indeed cleaned up properly. At least, that water stain which had made her heart race was gone.

"Lord Losterling sent over a batch of wine yesterday, a fine vintage from the local region."

"If Lyra wishes to drink, just let me know."

Hearing Astrid’s sudden mention of wine, Lyra suddenly sideways at the red wine in the candlelight. The deep red goblet shimmered with a warm luster, not as clear and bright as the eyes beside her, yet carrying a depth earned through years of aging.

Why bring up wine now...

Lyra couldn’t say she particularly liked or disliked such wine. Her father loved drinking, and he’d always praised the red wine she sent home. On the rare occasions he returned to the village, Lyra could sometimes spot wine bottles in the kitchen, though now, her mother used them to store other seasonings.

Then... should she drink a little...?

.....

"If that’s the case... Astrid, could you pour me a little?" Lyra said.

While standing night watch at Liya Tower, Lyra had overheard some veteran soldiers mentioning that alcohol could numb the mind and ease pain.

These soldiers, who lived on the edge of blades every day, longed for nothing more than the war’s end and a chance to return home. The only other thing they looked forward to was the rare lifting of the alcohol ban, just enough coarse barley beer to help them sleep soundly through winter nights.

Hearing Lyra’s words, Astrid nodded gently. With graceful movements, she picked up the nearby wine bottle, removed the cork, and tilted the neck toward the tall glass set on the table.

Watching the deep red liquid flow like a stream into the glass, shimmering under the lamplight with delicate hues, Lyra blinked. Her gaze lingered on Astrid’s pale, luminous arm, soft and slender like lotus root, when suddenly she recalled something the other had said before.

["If you don’t want to drink, just have juice. I’m different from those greasy nobles; I won’t force my maids to drink. Besides, tonight you’re not my maid."]

From those words, Lyra could tell that Astrid didn’t consider alcohol to be a good thing. This belief was further confirmed by her strict stance forbidding the Fourth Princess from drinking before coming of age.

Then why... Did she offer it tonight?

The wine settled at about three-fifths full in the glass, its surface rippling with candlelight like a calm, still sea of blood.

Lyra glanced at the ribbon around Astrid’s wrist, then at the empty glass before her. Before Astrid put the bottle down, she spoke up.

"Astrid... aren’t you going to drink some too?"

She didn’t particularly enjoy drinking, and drinking alone felt awkward to Lyra.

Astrid looked at her for a moment before replying.

"If Lyra isn’t concerned about me drinking possibly affecting my night duties..."

Night duties... What an easily misunderstood term...

As someone who’d served as a personal maid, Lyra naturally knew that maids had responsibilities at night, things like bringing tea, pouring water, closing windows, or adjusting blankets.

But when Astrid said it, the phrase somehow carried a different implication.

Like there was... some strange, intimate action implied.

Especially between a noble and a personal maid, two roles that, whether in reality or in novels, always carry a certain ambiguity.

Lyra’s lips trembled slightly, her pink tongue lightly pressing against her teeth. Dazed, she seemed to loudly feel again the lingering sensation of that kiss, the smooth, soul-shaking softness that still danced on her tongue.

"N-No, it’s fine..."

She’d lived alone for so long. She wasn’t so delicate that she needed constant care from a maid.

Astrid nodded upon hearing this, wisely understanding Lyra’s meaning. She filled her own glass as well, then sat upright with legs neatly together.

The official dinner began. Tonight’s meal included only Lyra and Astrid. Even the usual serving maids who stood by had been dismissed by Astrid, and the head maid was nowhere to be seen.

The dinner knife made a faint sound as it cut through the steak. Lyra took a small bite. The perfectly cooked meat wasn’t dry at all, tender, juicy, and carrying a subtle hint of black pepper when savored carefully.

Achieving this required fresh ingredients, rich seasonings, and impeccable technique.

"It’s delicious," Lyra said softly after finishing a piece.

Astrid fluttered her eyelashes at the compliment, pausing her movements to respond.

"It’s my honor to receive praise from my mistress."

As she spoke, Lyra watched Astrid pick up her cutlery again, elegantly enjoying her meal. The pale, refined face glowed in the candlelight, the white silk gloves touching cold silverware, radiating an indescribable air of cool elegance and nobility.

Some people, even when serving as maids, still gave off the aura of a noble lady. And Astrid wasn’t just any noble, she was a princess of royal blood, a figure of such tall standing that few in the entire Valeria Empire could match her.

Staring at Astrid’s exquisite face for a while, Lyra shifted her small leather shoes back slightly, pressing her bent knees against the seat so her smooth, silky legs gently compressed. She lowered her head and continued eating.

Another bite of steak, followed by a sip of red wine. The already juicy meat became even more tender and flavorful with the wine, while the meat’s juices activated the fruity notes in the wine. Two distinct yet perfectly matched tastes bloomed on her tongue, delighting her taste buds.

No wonder Astrid recommended it... Steak and red wine really do taste better together...

On the other side, watching Lyra take small sips of wine, Astrid adjusted her clothes. Her long, shapely silk-covered legs were about to casually cross as usual, but then she remembered her current role as a maid. The movement stopped immediately, leaving only the faint rustle of silk against silk in the air.

"Astrid, did you put chili in this dish? The spiciness is quite noticeable..."

"Yes, I added chili oil for aroma and flavor. Is the taste not to your liking?"

"Oh, no... I just wasn’t expecting it to be so spicy..."

Unlike the Empress, who preferred sweets, she concentrated on enjoying spicy food.

Seeing Lyra gulp down a large mouthful of red wine to soothe the burn, Astrid picked up the bottle and refilled her glass, speaking softly.

"It’s my fault. I should have warned you beforehand."

Without visible chili flakes, only concentrated chili oil had been added, lacking the obvious visual cue. It truly was a taste-bud assassin on first bite.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Lyra shook her head and replied after a brief pause.

"It’s not your fault. I just wasn’t paying attention..."

"Besides, this dish is delicious."

With that, she speared another small piece with her fork, placed it on her plate, mentally braced herself, and slowly chewed.

Astrid watched Lyra, thoughtfully placing the silk handkerchief closer to her.

"If Lyra likes it, I can make it for you often in the future."

Lyra froze for a moment at those words, staring at the handkerchief gently pushed toward her. After a few seconds, she whispered.

"Mm."

Now, in this moment, she was the mistress, and Astrid the maid.

But what about the "future" Astrid spoke of... What would their roles be then?

At the end, the bottle of red wine was emptied between them.

Well, that’s what it sounds like. In reality, Lyra had consumed far more wine than Astrid. By her own admission, she’d probably drunk more tonight than in the entire past year.

"I drank a bit too much... but this wine tastes so sweet..."

"That’s because it’s a high-alcohol red. During fermentation, we even added wine to halt the process, making the body heavier and the strength more potent."

"Does that make it sweeter?"

"Not necessarily, but higher alcohol content better absorbs spice flavors and intensifies the jam-like fruit aroma."

As she spoke, Astrid watched Lyra’s face, faintly flushed. Their footsteps blended into the night breeze.

"How are you feeling now, Lyra?" Astrid asked.

Judging by her complexion, she seemed a little tipsy.

"My head’s a bit dizzy, and my face feels warm..."

Lyra pressed her hand to her cheek. The warmth of her skin transferred directly to her palm, revealing her rising body temperature.

As a peak tier Master Knight, her body was highly resistant to alcohol. But tonight, Lyra had deliberately wanted to experience what the soldiers described, the feeling of being drunk.

Letting alcohol numb her thoughts, stopping her from thinking about brutal life-or-death struggles. No blood, no swords, just a faint wine aroma and the dream she was slowly sinking into.

Besides, Astrid was right beside her, and they were in a peaceful city far behind the second defensive line. Her safety was guaranteed.

So instead of channeling spiritual energy to dispel the discomfort, Lyra uses it to suppress alcohol metabolism, trying to prolong this hazy state just a little longer.

Her hard-soled leather shoes clicked sharply on the stone steps. Her pink skirt swayed gently. Her pale, moonlit silk legs crossed and moved, their bright silver glow seemed drawn by the girl’s footsteps, lingering briefly on the smooth, glossy fabric, faintly revealing the white skin beneath.

Lyra tilted her face slightly upward, feeling the garden’s cool breeze on her face. The autumn night wind cooled her overheated body, while a delicate floral scent lingered in her nose.

For a brief moment, she forgot the blood and violence. Walking along the stone-paved garden path, Lyra stopped overthinking. She simply felt everything the world touched her with, the scent of flowers in her nose, the moonlight on her skin, the occasional breeze brushing past her waist.

In a way, the alcohol had achieved exactly what Lyra wanted. Right now, she had no desire to think further. Like a character in a dream unable to control their actions, she embraces her instincts.

Her fingers lightly brushed the flowers beside her. The tender white stamens seemed to kiss her fingertips. Lyra hummed a soft tune as she walked towards the distant room. Astrid followed silently, her steps gentle and quiet.

Moonlight spilled onto their shoulders. Flowers and tree branches lined both sides. The scene resembled that night when, still a student, Lyra had walked out of the training tower at Elizabeth Academy of Magic with Astrid, strolling across the empty academy plaza.

Lyra thought, I wish it could stay like this forever, her feelings now exactly the same as they were back then.

Her pace slowed slightly, but all paths eventually reached their end. Entering the mansion, she followed the familiar route back to her room.

Rarely, Lyra kicked off her leather shoes. Her two bare, silk-covered feet, pale like ice cream, stepped onto the solid wood floor. Then, reminding herself, she bent down to tidy them.

But Astrid, who had been right behind her, had already reached down with one hand, grabbing the insides of both shiny leather shoes and neatly arranging them.

Realizing that her bent-over posture might expose something in Astrid’s line of sight, the slightly dazed Lyra jolted upright.

"Dinner is done. Would Mistress Lyra like to read, bathe, or go straight to sleep?"

Astrid, having already changed out of her shoes while crouching, stood up with her skirt covering her thighs. For a brief instant as she rose, a small section of stocking garter with lace-patterned white silk flashed in her blue eyes.

Noticing Lyra’s gaze, Astrid placed her hands on her skirt. A playful glint flickered in her beautiful eyes as she spoke softly.

"Or... continue tasting your exclusive..."

The final word "maid" disappeared between Astrid’s lips, left unspoken. Yet it gave Lyra more than enough room for imagination.

The already tipsy pink-haired girl blushed even deeper at the suggestive remark.

"I won’t read tonight... I’ll bathe first..."

With her head spinning, reading would just be self-torture.

As the words left her lips, perhaps influenced by the alcohol, Astrid’s earlier phrase kept echoing in Lyra’s mind. The girl moistened her lips and spoke again.

"But before bathing... First..."

"First what?"

"First..."

Staring into Astrid’s eyes, Lyra couldn’t finish. Instead, she stepped forward and kissed Astrid on the lips.

It was a kiss carrying a faint wine aroma. The girl’s soft lips, already touched by red wine, had become even more vibrant and alluring, their softness undiminished, perhaps even enhanced.

Feeling her cheeks grow hotter, Lyra stepped back. Her pale, pink-tinged heel accidentally tapped the step at the entrance, causing her body to tilt backward.

Astrid, who had been using purification magic to dispel the alcohol’s effects, reacted instantly, stretching out her slender arm to wrap around the pink-haired girl’s waist.

Although on the battlefield, Lyra Beckett was a powerful knight wielding a sword capable of releasing multiple sharp sword energies, in daily life she was merely a petite girl under 168 cm tall, weighing just over 50 kg.

Even someone like Princess Astrid could easily support that weight.

Holding Lyra’s waist, feeling the smooth fabric of her dress and the warmth of her soft curves, Astrid lowered her gaze. Her red eyes reflect a beautiful face.

"It seems the mistress will need my assistance during her bath?"

Hearing Astrid’s words, Lyra quickly regained her balance and stepped out of her arms.

"N-No, it’s fine."

As if to prove she wasn’t just being shy but truly capable of bathing herself, Lyra emphasized again.

"I can do it myself."

She’d had a bit to drink, but basic things like bathing didn’t require help.

Besides... being seen completely naked by Astrid...

It was too embarrassing...

The more she thought about it, the more Lyra brought her arms close to her chest as she whispered.

"Astrid, please pour me a cup of tea. I’ll drink it after my bath."

"At once."

At that moment, Lyra had no idea that this casual request, made simply to send Astrid away, would become the perfect remedy for rehydration during the night to come.