CHAPTER 342: COMPETITION IS NEAR

Regardless of what the esteemed Emperor was thinking at this moment, for Astrid, doing her best was the only thing she could do now, and the rest had to be left to the judgment of fate.

She sat on the edge of the bed with Amalia in her arms. The soft sensation in her embrace slightly eased Astrid’s inner anxiety. She leaned her head on her younger sister’s shoulder, her arm gently circling around the girl’s slender and delicate waist.

Sensing something unusual with her older sister, Amalia obediently stayed still, placing her hands on her knees. Her two smooth and delicate silk-stockinged legs tightly pressed against the woman’s thighs.

After a while, Amalia softly spoke up.

"Sister, what’s wrong?"

Perhaps because she had been close to Astrid for so long, Amalia was extremely sensitive to changes in her sister. Whether it was the scent of other women or subtle emotional shifts, nothing escaped her notice.

Astrid was acting strangely. From what the servants said, she had met with Hibbort earlier. Was it because of him?

Recalling the hazy image of the blonde man in her mind, Amalia’s eyes slightly darkened. However, since the angle was off, Astrid didn’t notice.

"Nothing much..."

Astrid whispered softly, continuing to hold Amalia.

Perhaps she was overthinking. Hibbort was probably just in a bad mood.

At this point, coming up with an excuse to comfort herself wasn’t a bad thing.

Seeing that Astrid didn’t wish to speak further, Amalia remained silent for a moment and didn’t press further.

If her sister didn’t want to tell her, she wouldn’t force it. Letting the other hold her like this was also a way to soothe emotions.

Later on... When she had the ability to protect and take care of her sister, she would definitely prevent Astrid from feeling this way ever again...

Acting like a pillow for a few minutes, Amalia turned around to face Astrid. She parted her legs, hugging her knees. Her two small feet, with pale pink soles, rested on the woman’s thighs, like soft vanilla ice cream.

"Sister, I’m here for you..."

"It’s okay."

As she spoke, she buried her face in the silver-white strands of hair, drawing closer to Astrid’s neck. Her lips gently brushed against the skin, her arms wrapping around the woman’s back as if wanting to merge into one with her.

"I love you... Sister..."

Astrid had to admit that after a series of affectionate gestures from Amalia, like a cat rubbing against her, she really did feel much better, even emotionally healed.

The embrace of this little girl was filled with a gentle warmth. Perhaps this was the feeling only someone with a younger sister could understand.

Feeling comforted both emotionally and physically, Astrid closed her eyes and whispered softly by Amalia’s ear.

"I love you too, Amalia."

Upon hearing this, Amalia slightly tightened her upper body, pushing the silver-haired princess, who had already been relaxing, gently onto the bed.

"Sister..."

Amalia lifted a strand of her long black hair that had fallen forward, revealing her unobstructed face. Her pair of naturally red eyes meet with the other girl’s blue eyes, veiled by red membranes, silently gazing into each other.

"Kiss me."

With that, the black-haired girl leaned down and gently pecked Astrid’s cheek.

"Even though it’s only been two hours..." After the kiss, Amalia whispered.

"I still miss you, sister."

Astrid’s eyes flickered upon hearing this. One hand wrapped around Amalia’s waist, while the other gently cupped her bottom, her voice soft.

"Me too."

She nearly forgot, her dear little sister was indeed quite clingy.

......

On the day before the start of the new semester at Elizabeth Academy of Magic, Astrid learned that Tristian was in the capital city overseeing family business. Considering the need for further cooperation with the Velmont family, she invited him to a restaurant called the Crimson Blossom for a discussion.

Of course, although it was framed as a casual meeting, the two had no real personal relationship aside from business. The dinner was purely for discussing the distribution changes of the Empire Weekly and the supply of perfume raw materials.

After more than two years of collaboration, the Empire Weekly has already become a fixture in the daily lives of nobles. The subtle promotional methods embedded within it continuously reshaped merchants’ perceptions.

Previously, business auctions required extensive promotion and advertising, but now, just a few lines in the Weekly could achieve the same, or even better, results.

And it wasn’t just auctions. New product launches and store openings were the same, if they managed to appear in the paper and the nobility became aware of them, the merchants behind them would gain unimaginable wealth.

Based on this, the Velmont family found it easier than ever to sell their goods, even creating a new luxury brand centered around perfumes and gems, opening an entirely new market.

Even Grand Duke Velmont, upon seeing the latest business report, where luxury sales kept increasing, couldn’t help but admire the foresight of that Imperial Princess and the incredible execution ability she possessed.

"We are currently experimenting with perfumes targeted at mature women. If Her Highness has time, you’re welcome to come see and offer some professional suggestions."

"No problem, I’ll visit when I have time. By the way, Lord Tristian, I heard that the Kingdom of Velvys recently unilaterally raised import taxes. Could you tell me how much this will affect the goods shipped here?"

As a business partner, Astrid had the right to know, so Tristian took a sip of red wine and calmly replied.

"Objectively speaking, the Kingdom of Velvys’s move has seriously hindered cross-border business activities and caused some goods to pile up. We’ve been trying to handle them domestically."

"However, the domestic market is still underdeveloped, so the impact is minimal. But if this drags on, we might have to reduce shipments and adjust our sales methods."

With the increasingly tense relations between the two nations, aside from Grand Duke Charles, whose territory was on the border and constantly had troops stationed, the Velmont family, being primarily commerce-focused, was among the most directly affected.

"So you’re saying the Velmont family will focus more on domestic circulation moving forward?"

"That seems to be the case. Of course, I can’t reveal too many specifics to Her Highness Astrid just yet. But our perfume trade won’t be affected."

After all, perfumes were only a small portion of their exported goods, and the Empire Weekly remained popular only within the Valeria Empire, having little influence on the Kingdom of Velvys.

Astrid nodded in understanding, touched at the wall clock, and gently wiped her lips with a silk handkerchief.

"Let’s stop here for now. I’m glad you could come, Lord Tristian."

"It’s my honor to be personally invited by Her Highness Astrid."

"Happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation."

They briefly shook their hands, and Astrid stood up and left the private room. The head maid had already arranged a carriage outside the restaurant, waiting for quite some time.

"...Why are you here?"

Seeing a pink-haired girl in an academy uniform skirt and white knee-high socks standing beside the carriage, Astrid spoke up first.

Lyra pursed her lips slightly, replying gently.

"I just finished dinner and thought I’d take a walk..."

Not that she had come deliberately looking for Astrid, just that while walking, her feet subconsciously brought her here.

As if drawn by some mysterious force.

Astrid gave Lyra an extra glance after hearing her words, her red eyes flickering. Realizing something, Lyra blushed slightly and hurriedly explained.

"Umm... I didn’t follow you on purpose..."

Although she really liked Astrid, she wouldn’t go so far as to tail her like some obsessive stalker.

That would pressure her beloved and might even make her angry.

Noticing Lyra’s curled fingers and the blush on her cheeks, Astrid chuckled softly, her tone slightly teasing.

"I didn’t say anything yet. Why are you so nervous?"

"Come on, get in the carriage. Saves you the walk back."

Watching the black high heels disappear behind the carriage curtain, Lyra hesitated for a moment before realizing what was happening and replied softly.

"Oh... Okay..."

......

After handling all matters in advance, Astrid returned to Elizabeth Academy of Magic and continued her studies in magic.

Power and wealth were indeed important, but they were ultimately external things. In this supernatural-dominated world, only personal strength can bring true security.

As time passed, the date of the Magic Exchange Tournament was drawn near. The academy announced a month in advance, encouraging students to sign up enthusiastically.

"The tournament is open to students from Year One to Year Four who have reached the level of Magnus..."

Lyra silently read the posted notice under the academy building.

The competition was divided into two stages: the Qualification Round and the Group Stage.

The Qualification Round uses a point-based system and lasts for three days. Students who signed up will be matched with opponents according to academy regulations, and accumulate points by defeating mages of varying strengths to qualify for the Group Stage.

The Group Stage was individual-based. After drawing lots, participants will face off against opponents in two rounds. The top eight groups with the most victories would advance.

"This competition aims to promote the exchange of magical techniques. In addition to students from the academy, exchange students from both the Pan-Human Alliance and the Kingdom of Velvys will also participate. We hope every participant gains something valuable from this experience."

"Academy Headmaster September 20th."

After thoroughly reading the competition rules, Lyra’s eyes shifted down to the prize section at the bottom.

The first-place prize includes rare potion ingredients: the remains of a Frost Drakeling, the crystallized stone of a Level Nine Dark Flame Wyrm, and a magical scepter personally crafted by a Low-Tier Arcanist Mage.

Second place will receive the horn of a Deep Blue Leviathan, the crystal of a Level Eight Sunset Scythe Wyrm, and a defensive scroll capable of resisting multiple attacks from Arcanist Mages.

Third place...

Astrid stood behind Lyra with her arms crossed, not interrupting her reading. It wasn’t until they returned to the dormitory that she finally asked.

"Lyra, do you want to join the Magic Exchange Tournament?"

In the original story, Lyra participated in the tournament to earn money. Although her strength was only at the early Grand Knight level, she only achieved a mediocre ranking in the end. However, her performance was impressive enough to draw the attention of Charlotte from the other timeline.

When Astrid asked, Lyra thought for a moment before gently replying.

"I do want to try... It seems really interesting..."

This was her first time encountering such an international competition, and naturally, she felt some curiosity. Considering she was among the top fighters of the new students, she also wanted to test her strength against powerful mages from other regions.

Although her motivation was different this time, Lyra’s decision remained the same.

As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed Astrid hadn’t responded yet. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked.

"Is something wrong, Astrid?"

Was Astrid not in favor of her joining?

Hearing this, Astrid snapped out of her thoughts, her finger tapping her thigh. Her black stocking-covered knee slightly stretched, becoming thinner and revealing the flesh beneath.

"Nothing. It’s a rare opportunity. If you want to join, go ahead."

With Lyra’s current strength, achieving a better ranking than last time should be well within reach.

The pink-haired girl blinked her eyelashes a few times but before she could speak, Astrid continued.

"Just remember, while it’s a competition, don’t neglect your studies."

"Of course not!"

While seizing the opportunity for real combat experience, she couldn’t forget academic progress. Only by combining both could she go further.

After speaking, she looked across the hallway at the silver-haired beauty and remembered a previous warning, softly asking.

"Oh, Astrid, can I use the Sword of Light this time in the competition?"

Upon hearing this, Astrid narrowed her eyes slightly, her pink lips parting.

"You can. Just don’t reveal its storage function."

Lyra’s affinity for light magic was already high enough. Most people wouldn’t be able to tell whether the powerful light magic came from the sword or from Lyra herself.

"Don’t worry too much. No one in the capital city would dare to target anyone associated with Astrid Calliste."

Even someone like Lucas, who had previously lusted after Lyra, wouldn’t dare show the slightest greed now. This was the confidence Astrid had accumulated over the years through political leverage.

Moreover, Lyra’s own outstanding potential was enough to intimidate most of the riffraff. No one would recklessly provoke a mage whose future as an Arcanist Mage was practically guaranteed.

Lyra straightened her back after hearing this, her deep blue eyes shimmering.

Although she knew Astrid didn’t mean it in that way, hearing such words still stirred emotions within her heart.

Astrid had always been her pillar of support. Then, as someone being taken care of, she too should act like a brave knight charging forward, fighting for honor for her beloved princess.