CHAPTER 459: GREEDY

"Sister, what did he want to talk to you about?"

Returning to the bedroom, Amalia, who hadn’t replenished her energy from Astrid all day, wrapped her arms around her from behind, her smooth white arms circling Astrid’s waist, her delicate nose burying into her hair to take in its scent.

Feeling a faint constriction against the fabric of her ceremonial dress, Astrid looked down but saw no arms, her view blocked by the breasts wrapped in silk, revealing only the silver pendant chain and the lace-trimmed satin hem of her dress.

"Nothing much. Just the details about the coronation, and some things we need to pay attention to."

She gently kicked off her high heels, her soft, delicate black-stockinged feet stepping onto the plush carpet. Before she could bend down to tidy her shoes, she heard the light tap of small leather shoes hitting the floor. Amalia’s knees gently pressed against the back of Astrid’s legs, her thighs pressed tightly against Astrid’s.

"Just that?" Amalia whispered.

If Hibbort only wanted to discuss matters related to the transfer of power, there’d be no need to specifically summon her sister while she was out socializing.

Could it be... there was something he needed to discuss privately with Astrid, deliberately excluding her, the future Empress?

Could he have... made some particularly unreasonable request to Sister?

In Amalia’s eyes, Hibbort had now completely discarded emotions, doing everything possible solely for the Empire’s continuity.

Someone like that would sacrifice even his own life, let alone sentimental attachments.

Hearing the deep concern hidden in Amalia’s words, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes and softly replied.

"Don’t worry. It wasn’t anything like that."

Strictly speaking, there was a request, but in Astrid’s eyes, it wasn’t particularly excessive.

Hibbort had sat on the throne his entire life. His only remaining hope now was to keep imperial authority within the family. This didn’t conflict with Astrid’s original intentions, especially since the one about to ascend was Amalia, her beloved younger sister.

Whether as the closest sister, a political ally with shared ideals, or a former fated companion, she would do her utmost to support Amalia.

"..."

Amalia fell into brief contemplation, her cherry-blossom-soft lips brushing against Astrid’s hair, gently rubbing with each breath.

Could it be... really just a coincidence...

Maybe Hibbort had already planned to summon Sister at this time, and she just happened to have other business, so she couldn’t come.

"Really?"

Her clear, crystalline voice echoed through the room, like a string of pearls falling onto a silver tray.

"Mmm." Astrid replied softly.

Judging by that contract alone, it truly wasn’t an excessive request.

And the reason Astrid didn’t tell Amalia everything in full was actually another consideration.

The relationship between father and daughter was already strained. And she, as the adopted daughter beloved by the father and admired by her younger sister, stood precisely at the critical nexus between them.

Thus, during this period when Hibbort was nearing his end, whether for political reasons or personal emotions, Astrid didn’t want to intensify their conflict.

As for the matter of the imperial oath, she’d find an opportunity to tell Amalia after Hibbort’s funeral.

"How was your day?"

After changing into slippers, Astrid let Amalia continue hugging her as she sat down at the desk. Facing the desktop, she gently pried open the girl’s hands.

Seeing this, Amalia naturally settled onto the woman’s lap, her fingertips lifting a silver strand of hair dangling near Astrid’s earlobe. Leaning forward, she kissed her like she always did, expressing longing.

"It’s similar to the nobles I’ve met before. They generally accept my existence."

After all, she was the current Emperor’s officially designated successor, and backed by Astrid’s established network. Even those who oppose her would have to carefully weigh their own influence and underlying interests.

The current Amalia was no longer a naive child without political skill, nor the puppet Empress from the original novel, pushed forward only after various factions balanced their interests, forced to build her own power from scratch.

"I heard the second daughter of Duke Cassian invited you to dinner?"

"Mm. At the table, I discussed some future policies and considerations with her."

After speaking, Amalia pressed her petite body against Astrid’s chest, whispering softly.

"It was clearly a friendly gesture. Seems Duke Cassian isn’t so hard to deal with after all."

At the time, Lucas had privately made many efforts to secure Duke Cassian’s support. Now that the political situation has been trending toward clarity, the Duke no longer needs special courting.

After chatting about politics for a while, Astrid wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but Amalia seemed warmer than before. This white-stockinged girl, who had already fully embraced her authentic self in appearance, wasn’t satisfied with just one kiss. Even her earlobes had become the girl’s target.

"Sister..."

Amalia wrapped her slender, smooth white-stockinged legs around Astrid’s waist. Her gentle, melodious voice was so sweet it seemed to drip with moisture.

"... I missed you."

Although they saw each other every day, their opportunities to interact had clearly diminished recently.

She was busy calming the nobles; Astrid was busy with her weekly duties and social engagements. They rarely got to be close.

"I barely see you during the day. Even meals sometimes get delayed by other matters..." Amalia murmured.

For nobles, afternoon tea and main meals were crucial social times, not to be casually wasted.

Warm breath brushed against her ear, combined with the soft, delicate skin of the girl’s cheek and the earlier teasing at her earlobe, the sensation like being touched by the tip of a moist, creamy ice cream, made Astrid feel slightly flustered.

Although Amalia had often done such things to express affection before, she’d never been so aggressive. This time, even Astrid felt a bit overwhelmed.

"Sister..." Amalia closed her eyes, her long, curved lashes gently scraping Astrid’s neck.

"You smell so good."

Astrid’s cheeks flushed slightly at the words, her vivid red eyes flickering with emotion.

What’s... going on with her...

Is she shy?

Recalling how Charlotte had blushed similarly when Astrid complimented her, it seemed natural that a younger generation expressing admiration to an elder could easily cause shyness.

Not to mention, ever since their sisterly bond was established, Amalia had always preferred the most intimate ways of treating her, some physical contact even exceeds what ordinary sisters would do.

Like earlobes, necks, and collarbones.

For someone with a clearly defined sexual orientation like Astrid, these boundary-crossing actions were indeed prone to causing various kinds of emotional stirrings.

Especially since the person in her arms was naturally warm, soft, and sweet, yet completely unreserved.

"..."

Wait... what am I thinking...

A sudden wave of guilt spread through Astrid’s heart. She snapped back to reality, realizing the source of her body’s warmth. Her eyes shimmered with moisture, her pearly teeth unconsciously biting her lower lip.

Amalia had lived alone since childhood, lacking maternal love. It was normal that she wanted to be closer to her newly found sister.

Rather, it was Astrid, someone who understood her own feelings, who was reacting to her sister’s innocent actions, feeling an indescribable sense of guilt.

Thinking thus, Astrid’s hand resting on Amalia’s hem skirt quietly tightened. Just as she was about to pat the white-stockinged girl’s back, signaling her to get up, Amalia moved faster. Her ten slender, pale fingers exactly found the gaps and tightly interlaced with Astrid’s silver-haired beauty.

Now, the arms that had been hugging her sister were replaced by Amalia’s slender legs, and her hands were completely locked, preventing Astrid from finding an excuse to pull away.

"... I want to hug my Sister a little longer."

Perhaps it truly was because they’d spent so little time together recently. Even Amalia’s voice had grown pitifully soft, gentle and low, like a kitten abandoned by its owner.

Hearing this, Astrid’s heart softened too. Her fingers stopped resisting, allowing Amalia to hold them, their fingers fully intertwined.

"Alright. Then let’s hug a little longer."

"And... I missed you too."

Hearing Astrid remember to respond to her initial words, Amalia let out a soft breath through her nose, her voice carrying a hint of coyness.

"I love you the most, Sister."

And this love was far more intense than you imagined.

After the tender moment, the two drank hot tea served by Elise, prepared for the tasks of the next day, took a bath, and laid down on the soft large bed.

Breathing in Astrid’s familiar, sweet scent, Amalia spoke softly.

"After the coronation ceremony, will I have to move into the Imperial Bedchamber?"

By tradition, every Emperor of the Valeria Empire after completing the coronation ceremony would stay that night in the Imperial Bedchamber.

Astrid nodded in agreement, her voice soothing.

"Mm. There are many rooms in the bedchamber. Father must have already prepared a sleeping place for you, as well as an office study and a private council chamber for the future Empress."

Although the Third Princess’s chambers weren’t far from the Imperial Bedchamber, there was still a certain distance.

"Then... What about Sister?" Amalia asked.

Astrid honestly replied, "I’ll naturally continue resting in my chambers."

The people who could stay overnight in the Imperial Bedchamber on the night of the coronation were either personal attendants or the Emperor’s favored consorts. She belongs to neither category.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Amalia spoke softly.

"I want my sister to stay with me."

On the imperial bed she will sleep, Astrid must have a place.

Hearing Amalia’s unusually firm words, Astrid gently rubbed the girl’s head, her tone gentle.

"Alright. I’ll serve as your bedmate for the night."

In the history of the Valeria Empire, there had been instances of Princes sharing the bed with the Emperor. Even in another world, to demonstrate deep brotherly affection and mutual trust, eating from the same table and sleeping in the same bed was considered a noble act.

Since Hibbort intended for her to become Regent, legally speaking, there was no issue with Astrid reflecting in the Imperial Bedchamber.

Bedmate?

Amalia silently repeated the word in her heart. Her blue eyes swept over Astrid’s silver hair scattered across the pillow, her gaze stopping complexly on the woman’s pale, smooth shoulders.

Although the word was clear just Astrid’s joke, Amalia couldn’t help feeling stirred. Her heartbeat quickened along with her active thoughts.

She had already heard about the Regent matter while sitting on Astrid’s lap. But compared to that title, she had another, more suitable, more desired position she wanted Astrid to hold.

But... if Sister found out, she probably wouldn’t accept it so easily...

Lost in thought, the room grew quiet. Seeing Amalia silent for so long, Astrid was about to speak, when Amalia suddenly said,

"If Sister could be my bedmate, I’d naturally be very happy."

Afraid of revealing her feelings too quickly and afraid of her sister, Amalia immediately changed the topic.

"By the way, isn’t it true that once an Emperor of the Valeria Empire completes their coming-of-age ceremony, they should start considering selecting consorts?"

Typically, the Emperor had one Empress and several favored consorts. Hibbort, who remained devoted to one person his entire life without taking additional consorts, was actually an anomaly among Emperors.

"Mm. Generally, for the sake of continuing the bloodline, this matter is always brought up early in every Emperor’s reign."

Thinking Amalia’s previous words were just a casual joke like her own, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes, her pink lips parting slightly.

"But for a female Emperor, there’s no need to rush."

Male and female physiology differed, and the effort and time required to bear children weren’t the same, so they couldn’t be treated identically.

And in Astrid’s modern perspective, Amalia was still very young. There was no need to consider such matters too early.

Hearing that Astrid’s words contain no hint of personal emotion, or rather, the kind of emotion Amalia desired, the blonde girl’s eyes dimmed momentarily before returning to normal.

"Sister is right."

As she spoke, Amalia gently squeezed Astrid’s calf, her hand resting on the back of Astrid’s nightgown, about ten or so centimeters above.

"And more than anyone else, I prefer sleeping with my sister."

She loved that effortless intimacy, loved the floral fragrance lingering on her body, and loved the smooth softness of skin touching skin. She even loved Sister’s nightgown, the hair ribbon she used, the thigh-high socks she wore.

She loved everything related to Astrid.

"I want my sister to be my one and only Empress."

"... Then we can sleep together forever."

Amalia had originally only intended to say the first sentence. But once the words escaped, without clarification, it sounded overly intimate, immediately exposing her entire heart.

This wasn’t just a younger sister’s attachment to her elder sister. Even Amalia herself felt ashamed by this possessive desire that crossed boundaries.

Hearing Amalia’s words, seemingly another display of a little sister’s clinginess, but actually heartfelt, Astrid vaguely sensed something odd but didn’t fully grasp their meaning.

"Even if not, I’ll still be with you."

Astrid hugged Amalia, her smooth chin gently resting on the girl’s soft hair.

She had sworn upon the scepter, after all.

Amalia’s eyes grew even more tender upon hearing this. She nuzzled Astrid’s chest again, her fingertips playing with the silver strands.

’Sister... When will you finally understand...

I’m far more greedy than you imagine.’