CHAPTER 461: IMPERIAL REGENT

In the underground corridor, Amalia’s voice echoing hearing throughout the entire hall, Astrid instinctively took one step forward. The crisp sound of her high heels blended into the morning breeze.

Bathed in sunlight, a cold, petite girl dressed in a pure white ceremonial gown sat upright upon an ornate throne.

Her bright golden hair shimmered under the warm morning light, and her smooth, fair skin glowed with radiation.

She kept her back straight, legs crossed elegantly, one hand resting on the armrest of the throne, the other slowly grasping the imperial scepter, her entire figure seemed transformed into a radiant sun.

Gazing at the red carpet scattered with petals and bathed in light, with everything in sight glowing brilliantly, Astrid stood motionless for a long while, her crimson eyes, half hidden in shadow, softly fixed on the golden-haired, blue-eyed, white-stockinged girl seated upon the throne.

Now adorned in a magnificent dress and fully revealing the royal aura she once concealed, Amalia looked strikingly similar to the white-gowned tyrant Astrid had glimpsed within her dreams, yet treated differently.

There was no longer that oppressive, violent aura constantly surrounding her, nor the overwhelming, almost tangible sense of world-weariness.

Although she still shone brightly enough to captivate anyone’s gaze, her brilliance was no longer blinding.

Amalia’s growth was indeed evident. All the years of nurturing had not been in vain.

A sense of satisfaction welled up in Astrid’s heart as a guardian. She gently rubbed her thighs, a graceful curve lifting at the corner of her lips.

But the next moment, seeing the elderly golden-haired man descending the steps, that slight upward curve at her lips quickly flattened.

The old emperor had fallen; the new one ascended. An era had ended. A new imperial Empire was about to begin.

As the connecting bond between the old and new emperors, and as a complete witness to this story, Astrid couldn’t help but feel a complex mix of emotions.

Half a minute passed. Heavy footsteps approaching.

"Princess Astrid, it’s time to proceed to the next stage of the coronation ceremony."

Hearing the attendant’s quiet reminder beside her, Astrid turned around and nodded.

"Mm. Hand it to me."

As soon as she spoke, the middle-aged attendant in servant’s attire passed her a tray. On its red cloth surface rested a golden crown, exquisitely crafted, richly decorated, adorned with several jade inlays.

Astrid reached out and took it, feeling the weight of the crown against her wrist, then stepped forward with her long legs, exiting the backstage of the hall.

On the petal-strewn staircase, the sharp "tap-tap" of her footsteps was especially distinct. The imperial princess, dressed in a form-fitting midnight-blue gown, carried a silver rectangular tray. The swaying hem of her dress stirred delicate waves of fragrance, and her silvery-white hair fluttered slightly, revealing a sliver of smooth, ivory-like back.

Amalia sat high upon the throne, her blue eyes fixed on Astrid’s hair fluttering in the morning breeze.

Feeling Amalia’s gaze, Astrid likewise lifted her eyes to meet hers. Under the bright sun, the girl who had just last night nestled in her arms, sleeping like warm, fragrant jade, now sat solemn and dignified, her petite frame exuding an undeniable, powerful aura.

Although Amalia might strongly dislike hearing it, one thing was denied: Astrid truly saw in her a faint trace of Hibbort’s past self.

The same gaze. The same dignity. The same air of supremacy.

Unconsciously staring for a long while, Astrid snapped back to reality, refocusing her eyes on the steps beneath her feet as she ascended one by one.

In such a crucial moment, it was better to carefully watch the path ahead to avoid accidents.

A moment later, Astrid reached the final stone step. Due to the height difference between the throne and the stairs, her vivid red eyes perfectly aligned with Amalia’s.

Astrid gazed quietly at Amalia, who returned her gaze. After a brief exchange of looks, Astrid bent her knees and lowered her body into a reverent audience bow.

"Astrid Calliste, at your service, Great Empress of the Valeria Empire."

Upon finishing, she heard the girl before she spoke softly.

"Rise, sister."

The final word, "sister", was whispered so low that only the person in front could hear it.

Hearing this, Astrid slowly straightened up. The wrinkles in the black stockings around her knees naturally smoothed with the movement. She solemnly raised the crown, and the silver tray in her hand dissolved into specks of light, vanishing into the air.

Seeing this, Amalia’s lips curled into a slight smile. Her delicate body leaned forward slightly.

Astrid promptly extended her slender arm, aligning the base of the crown with Amalia’s dazzling golden hair, gently placing it upon her head.

Feeling the weight of the crown, Amalia moderately tilted her head, brushed her soft hair against Astrid’s fingertips and the side of her hand, then sat back upright, one hand propping her cheek, her two legs elegantly crossed.

"Princess Astrid Calliste, exceptionally talented, surpassing in ability, graceful and proper, outstanding in appearance. The former emperor recognized her as possessing the talent of a royal advisor, and she shares a close personal bond with me. She is worthy of great responsibility."

Amalia gazed at the graceful silver-haired beauty before her, her blue eyes shimmering with gentle light.

"I, Empress Amalia Valeria hereby grants her authority over state affairs, appointing her as Imperial Regent, the one person above all others beneath the throne."

Having spoken, the golden-haired girl upon the throne lifted her scepter, pressing its gemstone tip against Astrid’s waist, then gently drawing it upward.

Feeling the faint pressure trace across her dress fabric, Astrid bowed again, right hand over her chest, allowing the pure black hem to drape over her thighs and half of her intricately designed, openwork high heels.

"By the Empress’s decree, Astrid shall serve with utmost devotion."

This was not just ceremonial, it was also Astrid’s true inner sentiment.

Hearing this, Amalia gave a slight nod, her voice low.

"Rise, my most trusted princess."

"Stand beside the throne."

The Regent holds the authority to manage state affairs, serving as the emperor’s most trusted deputy. Although she could not sit upon the throne itself, standing beside it as an attendant was not considered overstepping.

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Astrid straightened her posture and moved to Amalia’s side, calmly observing the multitude of nobles below.

This was also Amalia’s long-held insistence, to have her older sister stand beside her, sharing the spotlight of the entire empire. And this decision perfectly aligned with Hibbort’s prior request that she appoint Astrid as Regent.

Now that Amalia had become Empress, Astrid, as her elder sister, became a princess, and then Regent. Legally, it was justifiable, with only minor controversy over Astrid’s lack of royal blood.

Seeing the surprise in many nobles’ eyes and the knowing glint on a few select faces, Astrid had already imagined the headline the head maid would write for the next issue of the Imperial Weekly.

[The Empire’s Twin Lotus: Golden-haired, blue-eyed Empress in white gown appoints Princess Astrid as Regent, to jointly govern the Empire.]

Lost in thought, Amalia naturally reached out and grasped her hand, slightly possessively pinning it against the throne’s armrest, then continued her accession speech.

"In the future, we will continue our resistance against the invasion of the Kingdom of Velys, until every enemy is driven beyond our borders."

"Resistance is the Empire’s only path forward, and its inevitable choice."

"Destroying the elite of the Church Knights was only the first step. This battle will let those aggressors know of the Empire’s profound strength, and of our proud soul, so different from their outward might and inward weakness."

"..."

Listening to Amalia’s highly compelling speech, Astrid stood upright and dignified, her crimson eyes lowered, fixed on the girl’s delicate, beautiful profile.

Half an hour later, Amalia’s off-script speech concluded, marking the successful completion of the first phase of the coronation ceremony.

Under everyone’s gaze, the newly crowned little empress took Astrid’s hand and slowly descended the throne steps, one who once held her sister’s hand as the dark-haired girl Livia, though now their roles had shifted, giving an entirely different feeling.

Outside Elizabeth Academy of Magic the royal imperial convoy stood ready. Astrid boarded first, then extended her hand from the shadows, allowing Amalia to use it for support as she stepped up and entered the carriage.

Compared to stiletto heels, Amalia’s petite frame was better suited to small leather shoes.

Even if they didn’t add much height, they were at least far more comfortable. If needed, a small insole could always be added, still maintaining dignity.

According to rehearsal procedures, their convoy will circle the Imperial capital once, displaying royal authority to all citizens. Meanwhile, the capital will temporarily lift its flight ban, allowing the "Fearless" to sail high above the city, showering various petals as part of the celebratory atmosphere.

The entire process will last two hours. Afterward, the new empress and her close retainers will proceed to the imperial palace for a meal, followed by an afternoon military parade, personally overseen by the commander of the Imperial Guards.

Watching the ceremonial flower petals drift outside the carriage like willow fluff, the rolling wheels crushing petals and leaving traces on the gray-brown pavement, Astrid lowered her gaze to find Amalia gently staring at her.

"The most crucial step is finally over."

Astrid elegantly crossed her legs, speaking softly as she reached down to stroke her ankle, smoothing out the slightly wrinkled stockings.

"As long as everything proceeds normally, the coronation ceremony will occur successfully."

As she spoke, the crowd outside the convoy roared with noise. Even though the Imperial Guards had cleared the roads in advance, they couldn’t contain the people’s fervor to catch a glimpse of the new empress.

Astrid adjusted her stocking top, her soft, black-stockinged feet once again resting on the pure black, openwork stiletto heel. She slightly lifted the curtain, many people craned their necks, hoping for just one more glance at the golden-haired, blue-eyed little girl inside.

Drawing the curtain closed, Amalia pursed her lips, her voice low.

"If you had told me four years ago that one day I’d become the supreme ruler of the entire empire, replacing that man as father, I probably wouldn’t have believed it."

Even now, Amalia still felt a bit unreal.

How exactly had she escaped that gloomy old castle? How did she climb step by step to reach this position?

Even novels wouldn’t dare to write such a story.

But the sunlight that had just bathed her was undeniably real. So were the petals scattered on the ground and the sway of her sister’s dress.

Everything told Amalia that these changes were real, no baseless dream. When she woke, she wouldn’t be back on that little bed in the castle.

Instead, she’d be on the soft bed in the Third Princess’s chamber, with a beautiful sister who cherished and loved her, right in her arms.

Hearing this, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes slightly, her voice gentle.

"Four years ago, I never thought I’d grow to love Amalia this much."

Back then, Astrid had only thought that Lucas and Alistair were unsuitable to be emperors, and that another heir must be chosen.

As the villainous princess, she needed to escape her doomed ending, she had to cultivate a good relationship with the fated heroine Lyra, while also ensuring she wouldn’t be purged by the next emperor.

Thus, her only option was to approach Amalia, the "golden-haired, white-dressed tyrant", and see if there was any chance to guide her back onto the right path.

The result? Amalia avoided the tyrannical bad ending, and Astrid, through years of close companionship, gradually grew fond of this soft yet resilient girl.

Someone who had once been a sister could hardly resist such a well-behaved, sweet, and delightful little sister.

It had been a long time since Astrid had spoken such direct words of affection, not as a response to something she said, nor as a passive answer, but as a pure, proactive declaration. Amalia froze for a moment. Her delicate, toes, wrapped in soft white stockings, slightly curled, causing her soft, white-stockinged feet to fully retreat into the silvery-white metallic high heels.

"...I never thought I’d grow to love my sister this much either."

Her cheeks warmed slightly, but Amalia’s cultivated mastery of facial expression prevented this emotion from leaking out. She looked at Astrid across from her, her gaze focused, her clear blue eyes shimmering with gentle light, like a translucent blue gem.

The carriage continued moving. The scorching sunlight shone on the curtain as Amalia stood up and walked toward Astrid.

Seeing the shadow cast before her, Astrid’s expression faltered slightly. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Amalia’s two hands bracing on either side of her shoulders, then slowly leaning down.

"Sister..."

For today’s ceremony, Astrid had dressed in full regalia. Her pure black formal gown perfectly accentuated her mature, alluring figure, and the off-the-shoulder neckline exposing the smooth, rounded shoulders of the imperial jewel to the air.

Amalia gently pressed her knees together. Her legs, sheathed in delicate floral-patterned white stockings, gently trapped Astrid’s body. The friction of the fabric creates a soft, pleasant sound, blending into the rumble of the wheels over the stone pavement.

"Saying such things suddenly... makes me a little... uncontrollable..."

Warm breath brushed against her neck, accompanied by Amalia’s slightly restrained voice, her lips bitten.

Before Astrid could respond, Amalia lifted a strand of silver hair that had fallen down, leaned forward, and gently parted her lips toward the smooth, snow-white shoulder before her.

The next second, she softly bit down, her eyelashes lowered, gentle and restrained in her actions.

Saying such things at a moment like this... was truly unfair.

Sister... you really have no idea how devastating you can be...