CHAPTER 349: FIRST INTERACTION WITH SAINTESS

After a hurried glance, Astrid and Monica simultaneously averted their gazes, as if their attention had never been on each other.

If she remembered correctly, the brown-haired woman in the pure white formal dress with a succubus-like figure was the Saintess of Light from the Kingdom of Velys.

Although Astrid had never been in close contact with Monica, she had seen the Saintess of Light in her dreams. Even though Monica was not wearing her iconic Saintess attire now, judging by her facial features alone, Astrid could determine her identity.

With the Saintess of Light, Monica Angelis, in place, the other person, Iris, Princess of Velys, should be nearby.

With this thought, Astrid’s gaze spread outwards, and she quickly found a purple-haired girl with an extraordinary aura and a significantly different attire amid the crowd.

The newcomer was wearing a light blue off-the-shoulder dress. The relatively revealing style exposes the girl’s smooth, tender shoulders. Her delicate collarbone line disappears into the neckline between the two sides. Her fair and smooth skin was as delicate as a freshly peeled egg, as if it could be broken by a gentle poke.

Although this outfit did not deliberately display extravagance, when worn by Iris, it gave Astrid a true sense of restrained modesty, possessing a touch of royal nobility.

Casually taking a sip of wine, the sweet and sour liquid quickly flooded her taste buds, bringing a cool sensation that stimulated her brain. Astrid withdrew her gaze from Iris’s hair, continued to stand with her legs straight, and elegantly occupied a position in the west corner of the reception hall, neither too close to the center nor on the edge.

After a while, Astrid felt Lydia shake her arm and spoke softly.

"Astrid, His Majesty Hibbort has arrived."

In fact, there was no need for Lydia’s reminder. When Hibbort pushed open the doors of the reception hall alone, all eyes converged on the Emperor.

Tonight, Hibbort was wearing a simple and ancient-style brown velvet robe, paired with a matching colored shirt with dark gold trim. The perfect combination of the two allows one to faintly feel the robust and powerful body beneath.

The slightly curled hair that fell to his neck was as brilliant as gold. His pair of emerald eyes swept lightly over the guests, carrying the unique pressure of an emperor. After the hall fell silent, Hibbort walked to the center of the venue and slowly spoke.

"Hibbort Valeria, the sole and absolute ruler of the Valeria Empire, the supreme Emperor of the Empire."

"I welcome all distinguished guests who have traveled from afar to participate in this evening’s banquet. I hope everyone can feel the enthusiasm of the imperial people..."

Hibbort’s voice was steady and low. At the same time, he gently held the scepter symbolizing imperial power in his right hand. His eyes were half-closed, and he stood in the center of the venue like an awakened lion.

Unlike the loving father who talked with his daughter in the study that day, Hibbort, in front of outsiders, revealed another side of himself, the iron-blooded emperor who had once enacted the Grain Law under the pressure of many nobles and single-handedly consolidated power.

Iris looked at the golden-haired man in the center of the hall, her deep purple eyes flickering slightly.

Is this the person who stands at the pinnacle of power in the Valeria Empire...

Her lips adjusted, tightened, and her shoulder-length purple hair swayed gently. When Hibbort’s gaze fell upon her, Iris quietly tensed her muscles, even her breathing momentarily paused.

Only when Hibbort looked away did the young princess dare to stop holding her breath, inhaling a breath very lightly.

This pervasive pressure... it was even stronger than the feeling she got from her father on the throne...

Are they... really going to provoke a war?

Half a minute later, Iris’s emotions had just about calmed down. In the center of the hall, Hibbort had also finished his brief opening remarks. He moved around slowly, ensuring his gaze swept over every guest present, and spoke in a low voice.

"Now, I ask everyone to relax and enjoy this unique pleasure from beyond your homeland."

With that, the melodious orchestral music began again. The Royal Orchestra’s performance was both a supplement to Hibbort’s words and a signal for the banquet to officially begin.

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

"May I ask if you are the esteemed Third Princess, Princess Astrid Calliste?"

If there was anyone more eye-catching at the banquet besides Hibbort, the Emperor, it would be Astrid, who was outstanding in appearance and also held the status of the Emperor’s adopted daughter.

Hearing the gentle man in front of her strike up a conversation, Astrid politely replied with a "hello" and asked for his name.

"I am Sentos Apulios, from the Saint Clint Academy of Magic of the Pan-Human Alliance."

"It is a great pleasure to meet Princess Astrid Calliste, who is rumored to be the most dazzling gem of the Valeria Empire. You are several times more beautiful than I imagined."

Astrid curved her lips and chuckled, "Lord Sentos is too kind. I heard that a part of the Pan-Human Alliance’s coastline is close to the mermaid’s dwelling, and many people are influenced by their singing from infancy, making them exceptionally handsome."

"Princess Astrid is truly knowledgeable. However, even so, I still believe that Your Highness is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

"Lord Sentos is very eloquent."

After chatting with the man for a few words, Sentos quickly left. Immediately after, another young girl stepped forward, holding a wine glass and smiling as she greeted Astrid.

"Good evening, Princess Astrid~"

Good evening.

"..."

Originally, Astrid thought that the focus of this banquet would undoubtedly be Hibbort and the two princes. But judging by the outcome, it seemed she had underestimated her own charm. In half an hour, people came to strike up conversations incessantly. As soon as she sent one away, another would arrive, not even giving her time to drink.

However, thinking about it carefully, whether it was the Pan-Human Alliance or the Kingdom of Velys, the exchange students who came to participate in the competition were either domestic nobles themselves, who did not need to expend effort to forge political forces that they would likely never use in their lifetime, or they were exceptionally gifted genius mages. Such people generally did not care about power and only interacted with people they were interested in.

Although the truth was cruel, people with high intelligence were indeed more favored in interpersonal interactions, and gaining others’ favor could often be twice as effective with half the effort.

"Perhaps this is a bit presumptuous, but Princess Astrid’s demeanor truly captivates me. May I have the honor of dancing a dance with Your Highness?"

Hearing the invitation from the refined foreign man, Astrid shook her head and replied softly.

"I’m sorry, I’m going to dance with this young lady later."

With that, Astrid turned her eyes to Lydia by her side. The man followed her gaze and politely said.

"I’m sorry, I was too forward."

Astrid added a few warm words to smooth things over, indicating that it was not the case, and then watched him leave.

"Astrid, you used me as a shield again."

Suddenly after the man left, Lydia tiptoed and whispered in Astrid’s ear.

Astrid smiled upon hearing this, her breath like an orchid fragrance.

"How does Lydia know I don’t really want to dance with you?"

Before she finished speaking, Astrid continued, "Esteemed Miss Lydia Rossa, do I have the honor of dancing with you?"

As the idol and the object of the crush of this little fan, Astrid’s invitation would not naturally be rejected by Lydia.

"Y-yes, you lucky," Astrid’s treatment made Lydia blush, and she replied softly.

"But I only know how to dance the female steps."

Astrid heard this, released her arm around Lydia, and gracefully took her hand.

"It’s fine, I know how to dance the male steps."

As soon as she said this, Astrid suddenly thought of something, and the curve of her lips deepened.

It seemed that when dancing with others, she had always danced the female role, whether it was with Charlotte or Lyra. It was rare for her to dance the male role today.

Walking into the venue, Astrid peeked out of the corner of her eye at the two people she was most concerned about, Monica Angelis was talking with a girl from the Pan-Human Alliance, while Iris was idly wandering around the venue, holding a wine glass.

This princess, who was not in the original story, seemed unexpectedly naive...

Following the music to find the rhythm of the opening of the dance, Astrid withdrew her gaze and gently put her arm around Lydia’s waist.

"It’s starting, pay attention to the rhythm, Lydia."

Watching Astrid, who had transformed from a noble and elegant imperial princess into a dashing and decisive lead dancer, Lydia was stunned. Her fingertips felt slightly hot, and then she replied softly.

"...Okay."

In this state, she seemed unable to refuse the Third Princess.

’I’m sorry, she was simply too attracted to Princess Astrid’s looks.’

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

After dancing a dance with Lydia, Astrid finally had time to find a place to eat some pastries and drink some red wine. As far as she could see, Iris was currently talking with Alistair, with a hint of confusion hidden in her purple pupils, as if they discussed a topic with conflicting ideologies.

According to the current intelligence, the ruling concepts of these two were completely different, and they indeed couldn’t agree.

But... where did Monica go...

Without a sound, she looked around, but couldn’t find the mature woman in the white dress. Astrid took a shallow sip of red wine, then heard the rhythmic sound of high heels behind her.

"Princess Astrid’s dancing posture was truly stunning, it made me a bit mesmerized."

The sweet scent of jasmine wafted through the air, entering Astrid’s nostrils with the wind that stirred her skirt. Astrid turned around and saw Monica standing close at hand. Her brows furrowed slightly before quickly relaxing.

She almost forgot, at this time, Monica should be Magnus. Even without using the power of the Holy Light’s blessing, her strength far surpasses that of the Sorcerer. Her perception of sight and concealment of her movements were definitely not weaker than hers.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Monica."

Facing Monica’s flattery, Astrid did not respond directly.

"Miss Monica is also in great form tonight. I feel like I can see that inclusive kingdom from you."

Hearing Astrid’s words, Monica blinked her eyes a few times, feeling in her heart that the other party’s words carried some hidden meaning. Her pupils quietly stared at Astrid.

"Before coming to the Valeria Empire, I had heard of Princess Astrid’s name. Meeting you today, whether it’s your appearance, temperament, or your own demeanor, is indeed well-deserved."

As she spoke, she observed the imperial princess. Astrid seemed to hide her emotions very well. Through those crimson eyes, Monica could only see her own reflection.

It seemed that the other party was much more powerful than expected, worthy of being an important link in promoting the development of mechanical devices in the Valeria Empire.

"Miss Monica, you flatter me too much."

"I wonder if the pastries at the banquet suit your taste, and what is the taste of the imperial vintage wine?"

Monica blinked her orange-golden eyes upon hearing this, her two long, slender, yet fleshy thighs swaying gently, bringing waves of fragrant wind.

"Although there are significant differences in regions and climates, and even the dietary habits of the people of the two countries are not the same, this trip to the Valeria Empire has left me with a very good impression of these unique flavors."

"Especially the wine at this banquet, it is smooth to the palate, delicate in taste, with a balance of astringency and sweetness while retaining a bright crispness."

Astrid’s expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, and she said softly.

"It sounds like Miss Monica knows quite a bit about wine..."

"I thought that given your status in your country, you wouldn’t have much opportunity to come into contact with such things."

The Holy Church did not prohibit alcohol, but Astrid thought that the Saintess of Light, who bathed in holy light every day and seemed to be detached from worldly affairs, was a master of wine in private, which felt like a strong sense of contrast.

"Princess Astrid misunderstands. I don’t drink that much, I just have a more discerning taste for what enters my mouth, so I have some superficiality."

"I see. If Miss Monica likes it, I can give you a few bottles of my private collection when you leave, as a token of my appreciation."

Hearing Astrid’s sincere tone, Monica smiled.

"Then I thank Princess Astrid in advance."

"You’re welcome, it’s just a small gesture of hospitality."

With that, Astrid continued to look at Monica. After a few seconds, she said in a steady voice.

"Miss Monica is truly a wonderful person."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Monica’s pink lips parted slightly.

"Princess Astrid, why do you say that?"

After a brief interaction, Monica could be sure that Astrid’s affinity for light elements was far less than hers, nor did she possess the aura of being bathed in holy light.

But if she had to say that the other party was not a person favored by God, Monica had another inexplicable, mysterious feeling.

Was her judgment wrong?

Looking at the Saintess of Light before her, whose figure and temperament were both mature, Astrid gently parted her lips.

"The people of the two countries have greatly different dietary habits due to regional and climatic differences. Miss Monica, who comes from the Kingdom of Velys, can keenly realize this and still give an objective evaluation..."

"...Isn’t that enough to be called a wonderful person?"