CHAPTER 338: WHOM DOES CHARLOTTE LIKE?

"Little Astr’s friend? If they’re the same age, that’s normal."

In Charlotte’s memory, Astrid didn’t seem to have any friends with a significant age difference. Being in the prime of her youth, it wasn’t strange for her innocent heart to yearn for a romantic and beautiful love.

However, she also remembered that Astrid’s social circle was mostly composed of the same sex, and it seemed hard to find any close male friends. So where did this one come from?

Hearing Charlotte’s calm voice, Astrid gently moved her legs. Her face felt as if it were touching a soft, cool piece of butter, an incredibly comfortable sensation.

"She’s the same age, but the situation is a bit special."

"She’s also a girl."

At these words, Charlotte’s expression shifted slightly, a hint of surprise and confusion appearing in her dark eyes.

"A... girl?"

Her voice deepened slightly, and the leg resting against Astrid’s tightened a little.

Charlotte wasn’t completely unfamiliar with such matters. At least during the period when she was receiving her honors, she had heard plenty of gossip about nobles, some of which involved same-sex relationships.

Men with men, women with women, while not many were open about it, quite a few maintain intimate relationships in private.

Sensing the shock in Charlotte’s tone, Astrid lowered her voice and spoke softly.

"What’s wrong, Lady Charlotte?"

"Do you think it’s not good?"

As the closest elder in her life, Astrid was quite curious about Charlotte’s attitude. It would be best if Charlotte could maintain a relatively neutral stance.

Hearing this, Charlotte pursed her lips, her ink-dark eyes gazing at the silver-haired girl beside her.

"Not at all. As an outsider, I wouldn’t comment on who someone chooses to love. It’s just..."

She hesitated mid-sentence, and Astrid blinked, asking gently.

"Just what?"

After a moment of hesitation, Charlotte added softly.

"It’s just that, from what I’ve seen, some nobles in such situations often lead rather... indiscreet private lives..."

"For example, Count Calinthis, his relationship with his adopted son is somewhat unusual, but no one expected him to also have a physical relationship with his elderly butler, who’s over fifty. It ended in a farce that once shook my worldview."

"Of course, I’m not targeting Little Astr’s friend. It’s just that the hedonistic atmosphere in noble circles is indeed severe, and it has more or less influenced my first impression of them..."

In Charlotte’s view, if a relationship is based solely on physical desires and lacks emotional care and love, it’s not fundamentally different from the mutual comfort between a prostitute and a long-term client.

On this point, Astrid shared Charlotte’s opinion. She had heard that her brother, Alistair, had similar tendencies, often playing with delicate young boys until they were broken, then discarding them like toys.

These nobles, with their excess wealth, indeed played around, tarnishing the reputation of those who truly needed acceptance and recognition.

"I understand what Lady Charlotte means, but you don’t need to worry. The friend I mentioned isn’t a noble, nor is she the kind of irresponsible scum who only seeks her own pleasure."

Even if she hadn’t read the original novel, based on Lyra’s behavior when they were together, she was clearly a young girl experiencing her first love. There was no way she could be associated with those debauched nobles.

Not a noble?

These brief words immediately narrowed the possibilities in Charlotte’s mind.

Not a noble, yet a friend of Astrid’s, who could it be? It’s hard to guess.

Lyra Beckett, she was the only one who fit the criteria, and Astrid had publicly acknowledged her as her best friend.

If it was her, then there was indeed no need to worry about Astrid picking up any bad habits.

"Is that so..."

Charlotte pondered for a moment, then spoke.

"Then why are you telling me this, Little Astr? Do you want to know my attitude on the matter?"

Astrid nodded, and then she heard Charlotte speak.

"My opinion is the same as before. Everyone should have the right to choose their own love, as long as it doesn’t affect or harm others. I’ll support it."

She wasn’t some old-fashioned, stubborn person.

Inhaling Charlotte’s subtle, alluring scent and listening to her gentle voice, Astrid relaxed, her hand resting on the white silk nightgown, encircling Charlotte’s slender, smooth waist.

"But Little Astr, I’m quite curious. How did your friend discover that she likes girls?"

"Is there a specific person she’s interested in?"

This question stumped Astrid. Logically speaking, her description had already risked exposing Lyra. Mentioning the specific person she liked would be tantamount to complete exposure.

Seeing Astrid remain silent, Charlotte waited for a moment, her long, delicate legs gently encircling Astrid’s knees, her tone soft.

"It’s fine if you don’t want to answer. It’s someone else’s privacy, after all."

Indeed, the gentle aunt understood. Knowing that Astrid didn’t want to speak further, Charlotte didn’t press the issue, and Astrid smiled slightly.

"It’s not really appropriate to say..."

If Charlotte fully understood the situation, Lyra probably wouldn’t dare to show her face in front of her elders again.

Such a timid pink-haired puppy wouldn’t dare to meet the family as a secret admirer before anything was certain.

Feeling Astrid’s leg muscles relax, Charlotte narrowed her eyes, her thoughts quietly shifting.

If the person Astrid mentioned was indeed Lyra, then who was she most likely to fall for?

Lina, Linda, or her former master and best friend, Astrid Calliste, whom she followed everywhere.

"..."

At this thought, a strange feeling suddenly rose in Charlotte’s heart, a faint sense of crisis, accompanied by a touch of bitterness and an indescribable sense of loss.

Was it because the child she had raised was about to find a new home?

Long ago, when she learned that Astrid had a crush on Tristian, Charlotte had hoped that Tristian would become Astrid’s partner. After all, he had talent, looks, and a good family background, making him a standout among the younger generation. Plus, since Astrid truly liked him, it would have been ideal if the marriage had worked out.

Although Tristian’s later actions had made Charlotte uncomfortable, her initial hope that Astrid would have a good partner was denied.

Why was it that now, suspecting that Lyra might have feelings for her Little Astr, she felt somewhat uneasy?

Was it the possessiveness that elders often felt, the mix of wanting their child to stay close while also hoping they’d find a beloved partner, a complex tangle of reluctance and hope?

Or perhaps there were other, unacknowledged changes in her heart.

Charlotte quietly pursed her lips, treating this as a normal reaction, her dark eyes lowered, her brows furrowing slightly.

Just then, she heard Astrid speak.

"Lady Charlotte, there’s something I’ve always wanted to know."

Feeling that dwelling too much on the previous topic might expose Lyra too early, Astrid skillfully shifted the conversation.

"What is it?" Charlotte tightened her arm, letting Astrid’s face sink into the soft snow.

"Lady Charlotte, you’ve been alone all these years... have you ever had a time like my friend, where feelings started to bloom?"

"Have you ever liked anyone?"

Suddenly hearing Astrid brought up such a personal topic, Charlotte was taken aback. After half a minute, she hooked a strand of Astrid’s silver hair with her finger, her tone deep.

"Why are you suddenly concerned about my love life, Little Astr?"

Recently, or rather, in recent years, many nobles had expressed their affection for her. Especially since Charlotte was a professor at the academy, often interacting with students. Her elegant demeanor, alluring mature figure, and flawless beauty had earned her a large following.

"I just want to know what Lady Charlotte thinks."

"After all, I’ve heard that the number of Lady Charlotte’s suitors could form a line from the Capital City all the way to the manor."

A strong, gentle, and mature lady, who wouldn’t like her?

Hearing this, Charlotte reached down and lightly tapped Astrid’s nose, chiding her.

"Little Astr, you’re getting more and more cheeky. It’s only been a few years since your coming-of-age ceremony, and you’re already teasing me?"

Even though what Astrid said was true, hearing it from her still made Charlotte feel a bit shy. Her fair cheeks flushed faintly, like she was slightly drunk, revealing the unique charm of a mature woman.

"I’m not teasing, just stating facts."

Astrid’s cheek pressed against her breasts, the alluring fragrance continuously wafting into her nose, Astrid’s voice was soft, her warm breath seemed to brush against Charlotte’s heart.

From a practical perspective, this metaphor wasn’t entirely inappropriate.

"Lady Charlotte is indeed very charming."

With Astrid’s direct compliment, Charlotte’s voice lowered slightly.

"You’re starting to talk nonsense again..."

"What suitors? I don’t have time to think about such trivial matters."

At least at critical moments in her research on magical devices, she wouldn’t dwell on matters of love.

"As for whether I’ve ever liked anyone in the past, I can give you a clear answer, Little Astr."

Charlotte cleared her throat and spoke softly.

"No."

In her youth, she was captivated by the wonders of magic, immersing herself in the sea of knowledge, leaving no time to notice the affections and advances of those around her.

Later, when her close friend disappeared into the abyss, leaving behind a young daughter, Charlotte had to raise the child while continuing her research on magical devices, as well as handling various academy affairs, preparing for her ideal of changing the empire. Naturally, she had even less time to consider romance.

Now in her age, although her body remains as youthful as in her early twenties, her heart was no longer the same, not easily swayed by emotions.

Moreover, those who expressed interest in her were either simply after her beauty, seeking physical pleasure, or hoping to use her influence to rise quickly. Having seen so much, Charlotte couldn’t possibly be interested in such people.

"Then does Lady Charlotte have any thoughts about it in the future?" Astrid asked.

On the topic of a partner, Charlotte gave an answer quite similar to Astrid’s.

"Hmm, not for now."

There was no one suitable, nor anyone who could stir her heart. For now, rather than seeking romance, it was better to focus more on nurturing Astrid.

Hearing this, Astrid smiled, her lips brushed against Charlotte’s dress, bringing a soft, smooth sensation.

"Then... does Lady Charlotte have a type in mind?"

This was something Charlotte had considered. Thinking that avoiding the topic would make her seem too reserved in front of her junior, she speaks calmly.

"Yes."

"Would Lady Charlotte mind telling me?"

"..."

Facing Astrid’s persistence, Charlotte brushed back her hair and tightened her legs around Astrid in a playful punishment.

"If Little Astr wants to hear, of course I can."

"If I were to consider a lifelong partner, the most basic requirement would be that they have a clear moral compass, and prefer to share some common interests, so we wouldn’t be at a loss for words."

"Additionally, mutual respect and support."

After Charlotte finished, Astrid waited for a while but didn’t hear anything more, so she asked.

"Is that all?"

"What else? I never thought about finding a perfect partner to spend my life with."

Smelling the faint fragrance from Astrid’s hair, Charlotte’s mood softened, as if she had regained control, and she spoke gently.

"Besides, mutual respect and support alone are already a very high threshold."

So far, the only person who made her feel a strong sense of reliability was the petite daughter of her friend, whom she was currently holding.

Hearing this, Astrid’s red eyes narrowed slightly, her fingers gently tracing circles on Charlotte’s smooth, fair back.

"What if you never find someone?"

In matters of the heart, the wider the conditions, the harder it is to find someone truly suitable.

"If I don’t find anyone, I’ll continue walking alone, just like all these years."

As Charlotte finished speaking, she rested her chin gently on Astrid’s head.

"Besides, I still have Little Astr..."

"If you don’t mind, come visit me more often."

During the two months Astrid was away from the capital, Charlotte had indeed felt a bit lonely.

How wonderful it would be if Astrid could stay at the manor with her all the time.

Hearing this, Astrid’s expression softened, her fingers brushing against the strap, moving downward like a paintbrush, outlining Charlotte’s delicate, slender shoulder blades.

"I won’t let Lady Charlotte feel lonely like before."

Thinking of the original owner’s nasty personality, always clashing with her elders, Charlotte must have been so disappointed in her.

Hearing Astrid’s words, a warm feeling rose in Charlotte’s heart, her soft, alluring lips parting slightly, like a blooming rose.

After all these years, the most touching promise had come from the junior she once had to care for constantly.

"I believe you, Little Astr."

Charlotte’s eyes softened, and she gently ruffled Astrid’s hair.

"So, no matter what happens next, think carefully and don’t take risks."

"If you encounter any difficulties, remember to come to me. I’ll do my best to help you."

Although she didn’t have the power of Hibbort, at least now she and Astrid understood each other and could support one another.

Feeling Charlotte’s maternal warmth, Astrid responded softly.

"Okay, I understand."

"Lady Charlotte, too. If you encounter any difficult problems in your research, feel free to ask me."

With her natural advantage in ancient language analysis and her knowledge of modern science, she can provide more inspiration for magical device research.

Hearing this, Charlotte also responded with a "good," then urged Astrid to sleep.

"Get some rest now. Sleep in tomorrow and recharge."

Astrid obediently stopped talking, continuing to hold Charlotte as the two nestled together and soon fell asleep.

Before her consciousness drifted into darkness, Charlotte vaguely thought of something.

Little Astr and her... currently, they could be considered...

Mutually supported?