CHAPTER 465: "...WAIT FOR ME, OKAY?”

An unfamiliar room, yet a familiar fragrance. A slender, pale arm wrapped around the silver-haired girl’s neck, glistening under moonlight like smooth, warm jade.

Night had fallen. Dew clung to the treetops. The entire palace lay in silence, and so too was the chamber where the new Empress rested, aside from the faint chime of a clock, so quiet that only the sound of their steadily drawing hearts could be heard.

Amalia rested her head against Astrid’s neck, her soft, delicate body pressed tightly against the other’s back. Her golden hair cascaded down, veiling Astrid’s bare shoulder exposed by the off-shoulder nightgown, cool, smooth, and intermingling with the pale hue of her skin.

Although her petite, adorable body powered by the mature aura of someone like Charlotte, whose embraces carried an unconscious, older-sister charm, Amalia’s embrace from behind, the gentle press of their silk-covered skin, still gave Astrid an overwhelming sense of security.

Time passed minute by minute. After murmuring that she’d always be there, Amalia fell silent. Kneeling on the bed, her tender little feet pressed apart beneath the pillow, the golden-haired girl simply held Astrid quietly, using her bathed body to warm the heart that had grown slightly sorrowful with the loss of family.

If no one were there to confide in, perhaps this bitterness could still be endured. But now, her younger sister’s tenderness had briefly cracked the sturdy barrier around Astrid’s heart, giving her emotions an instant outlet.

The once-calm lake of her heart began to ripple, uncontrollably.

Fifteen minutes later, a clear feminine voice echoed through the room.

"Amalia... I might have told you before... about some of our past..."

Astrid’s lashes trembled slightly. Her crimson eyes remained lowered, gazing at her own arms bathed in moonlight, soft and tender like young lotus stems.

"Mmm." Amalia hummed softly, pressing a gentle kiss onto Astrid’s nape.

Feeling the girl’s touch, light as water, Astrid continued.

"Three years after my mother disappeared, he brought me into the palace, raising me as a royal daughter..."

"At that time, the Emperor, known to outsiders as ruthless and firm-handed, had already suffered the loss of his wife. He had grown colder, harder to approach. Even his two sons treated him with utmost reverence, never daring to defy him."

"Only I, the adopted daughter from outside the royal bloodline, received his rare tenderness and affection."

Over Astrid Calliste’s more than twenty years of life, Hibbort had accompanied her through most of it. In terms of duration, he had surpassed her biological parents, who disappeared during her childhood.

"Father treated me as his own. Even the rare treasures and exquisite garments the nobles presented annually to the royal family were offered to me, the Princess, first. Only after I had chosen did the rest go to the Empress."

"Every New Year, the Third Princess’s chambers received a vast trove of imperial gifts, jewels, paintings, so grand in scale that officials would petition against it. Newly developed magic-powered devices were also installed in the Third Princess’s residence first, ensuring her living quarters were constantly upgraded."

"Beyond that, regular tokens of care never cease. Whenever I had a conflict with anyone, he always unconditionally took my side, spoiling me, if anything."

Of course, the reason the villainess princess in the original story could grow into such an arrogant, domineering character wasn’t without reason, she had the strongest, most doting backing in the entire Empire.

Amalia listened intently, her bright emerald eyes fixed on the warm, soft figure in her arms, dressed in a black silk nightgown. Her nearly flat chest pressed against the woman’s smooth, snowy back. Her delicate nose exhaled gently, spreading a genuine, warm sense of security.

From their daily interactions, Amalia could clearly see that Hibbort was a kind and forgiving father to Astrid, completely different from how he treated his own biological daughters.

But much of what happened before she left the castle, Amalia had never really heard.

Most likely, Astrid had avoided bringing it up, fearing it would hurt her. After all, Amalia had personally experienced Hibbort’s coldness; seeing him display such a different side toward his adopted daughter might have plunged her into deeper emotional turmoil. So Astrid had repeatedly chosen to stay silent.

But tonight, on this night of Hibbort’s passing, Astrid’s emotions were visibly stirred, and for the first time, she spoke of her memories of Father with a tone of nostalgia.

Unaware, the tower clock began to chime, the arrival of a new day.

Having rambled on so long, Astrid stopped speaking as the deep chime drifted in through the window, waiting quietly until the twelve tolls had ended.

"...I talked about so many unimportant things."

From casual family conversations, to the imperial capital’s New Year gatherings, to spring and summer outings, she had brought up millions of trivial matters.

Her voice had grown hoarse, far from her usual cold tone. Amalia shook her head gently, her pink lips parting.

"Not at all, Sister..."

"These tiny fragments woven through everyday life, they’re the real traces of a person’s existence."

A mere stroke of ink in a historical record about the previous Emperor will feel distant and unreal.

Her arms tightened slightly, and Amalia spoke again.

"Sister..."

"I’m here."

"Though I can never fully understand what you’re feeling, at least... I can comprehend a little of your sorrow."

Her hand gently stroked upward, touching the woman’s smooth, delicate chin, still dry, not wet as she’d expected. Amalia continued upward, her slender white fingertips nearing Astrid’s eyelids, when faint moisture dampened the skin.

’Sister... I really can’t let go...’

Her fingers gently caressed the tear at the corner of Astrid’s eye. Although only a small amount, for someone as emotionally restrained as Astrid, who rarely showed her feelings, it was already quite rare.

"The passing of a loved one always brings sorrow and pain," Amalia said.

"Don’t suppress your emotions too much. You’ll hurt yourself."

As she spoke, she felt a warm trickle slide across her fingertip. The body in her arms trembled slightly, yet consciously restrained the movement.

Sighing softly inside, Amalia held Astrid tighter, cheek to cheek, as if wanting to merge completely with her.

"It’s okay, Sister."

"I’m here."

"Now, and in the future... you won’t be alone."

She would do her best to fill the void, to remind her sister that others loved her deeply.

"Life’s journey is long and arduous. Few can walk side by side all the way to the end, this is the norm of life..."

"But one thing is certain. No matter where you are, no matter what you face..."

"I will love you, forever."

Perhaps those words moved Astrid. Amalia felt her fingertip grow wetter. She closed her eyes, her expression growing even gentler, continuing to hold her as they both processed the emotions together.

It would be hard for anyone to believe: on the first night the Empire’s new ruler slept in the Empress’s chambers, the only thing she did was bathe, change clothes, and sit on the bed comforting her beloved Regent.

If it were Lyra from another worldline, she’d likely be shocked by the tender side this Blonde tyrant showed in private.

After a long while, sensing Astrid’s emotions had calmed slightly, Amalia loosened her arms and shifted slightly to the right. She saw the silver-haired beauty’s long, delicate lashes brimming with tears. She casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, brought her cherry lips close, gently brushed across Astrid’s lashes, then kissed her eyelids.

"I love you, Sister."

Carefully kissing away the tearstains, a faint saltiness lingered on her tongue, like warmed saline. Amalia continued holding Astrid, as if pouring all her love into that embrace.

A few minutes passed. Amalia, now lying sideways, felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. Looking down, she saw Astrid’s hands, previously limping at her sides, now gently holding her. The grip was light, but undeniably present.

"Thank you... Amalia..." Astrid said.

At a time like this, having someone offer a warm embrace, listen to her rambling words, and accept the sorrow spilling from her heart, this was truly a blessing in life.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Amalia pressed her lips together softly, replying gently.

"Sister, you don’t need to thank me."

If they were to truly exchange gratitude, the things Astrid had given her were already far too much, more than she could ever repay.

"Then..." Astrid paused, her voice soft.

"I love you."

"...?"

Now that... was a bit too unfair.

Amalia gazed at the tear-streaked gem of the Empire, blinked her lashes rapidly, then lowered her body and gently kissed the corner of Astrid’s lips.

"In any case, if my sister needs me, I’m always here."

Whether seeking comfort, companionship, or something more intimate, she will accept it all.

Or rather, she desired it.

Astrid softly hummed in response, her pink lips parting.

"Talking so much with Amalia... I really do feel much better."

The sorrow remained, but after releasing it once, her heart no longer feels so heavy.

Amalia faintly, speaking in a soft voice.

"I’m glad to have made my sister feel better."

To be relied upon, needed, to become one outlet for emotional release, did this mean she had become a little more like a dependent adult in Astrid’s eyes?

At this moment, Amalia felt both the lightness of having eased Astrid’s heart and a quiet joy at being a little closer to her.

Returning under the covers, she found those two legs and wrapped them around herself like a serpent. Amalia lay on her side, bringing Astrid with her.

Gazing into those blue eyes, Astrid’s gaze drifted slightly, not even noticing that her legs were now entwined with Amalia’s.

Without her knowing, the golden-haired girl before she had quietly matured, reaching a point where she could now emotionally support Astrid in return.

It wasn’t just a little sister’s childish clinging, it was a calm, peaceful sense of security that allowed Astrid to relax.

Her little princess... has truly become an adult...

With the ability to stand on her own, even towards her own sister, she was no longer a little girl who needed constant care.

Realizing this, Astrid’s heart grew complicated, regret at her daughter growing up and no longer depending on her, yet also a quiet pride in Amalia’s growth.

Noticing Astrid’s distant gaze, Amalia narrowed her eyes, thinking she might have remembered Hibbort again. Gently, she moved the soft sole of her foot against Astrid’s calf, speaking softly.

"What’s wrong, Sister?"

As she spoke, Amalia leaned closer, slipping her arm beneath Astrid’s and clasping it from behind.

"Nothing," Astrid replied, her crimson eyes reflecting Amalia’s face.

"Just that... the Amalia of now is so different from the past."

To comfort someone so perfectly was truly unexpected.

Amalia blinked, replying softly.

"If I stayed childish forever... wouldn’t I be letting down my sister’s nurturing?"

She had longed to give something back to Astrid, to repay her love and gentleness.

And if she didn’t do something soon, her most important sister might be taken away by someone else.

"I actually think... in front of family, being a little childish isn’t so bad," Astrid said.

When facing ministers, Amalia could be the dignified Empress. But if she wanted hugs and kisses, Astrid could also embrace those childish, affectionate moments between sisters.

Amalia gazed silently at Astrid, her eyes faintly shimmering with possessiveness.

"But... that’s quite not what I want."

She was no longer satisfied with just being a sister.

"I want to support my sister..."

"To be the one who protects you... for life."

This was practically laying her cards on the table.

Unfortunately, Astrid, long blinded by sisterly affection, didn’t understand the meaning behind Amalia’s words. She only vaguely sensed something odd, which was quickly replaced by emotion.

"I’m glad you feel that way."

Her carefully nurtured little sister was obedient and thoughtful. How could Astrid not be moved, as her only sister?

Staring into Astrid’s clear, beautiful crimson eyes, Amalia trembled her lips slightly, the heat in her heart intensifying.

She could barely hold back.

She wanted her sister to understand the weight behind these words, and the turmoil in her heart right now.

"Sister..."

Amalia opened her lips, then remembered, the former Emperor had just passed tonight. Confessing her feelings now would be inappropriate, and her chances of success were low. She struggled to calm her surging emotions.

"...Wait for me, okay?"

Wait until she completed her coming-of-age ceremony. Wait until she proved through actions that she had the ability to care for her sister for a lifetime.

Hearing Amalia’s words, Astrid nodded slightly, lowered her lips, and kissed the girl’s slender collarbone.

"Okay."

Although she didn’t know exactly what the girl meant, she had always been patient with Amalia.

Receiving Astrid’s response, knowing the other still didn’t understand her true meaning, Amalia gazed deeply at the woman, then closed her eyes and, as usual, nestled into Astrid’s arms.

"Then... good night, Sister."

The last two words were deliberately emphasized. Astrid’s gaze softened as she heard them, gently patting the other’s back, responding in a warm voice.

"Mm, good night, Amalia."

"Thank you for tonight."

This girl, far more thoughtful than she had imagined, truly helped her step out of the shadows, at least to some extent.

Amalia didn’t reply, but her legs tightened around Astrid even more, speaking through action.

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

Late into the night, feeling the girl’s breathing in her arms grow steady, Astrid, having sorted out her plans, recalled everything that had happened tonight, and warm welled up in her heart once more.

Emotion, after all, is most precious when it flows both ways. Undeniably, on this night of Hibbort’s departure, Amalia had offered her immense comfort through both actions and words.

The long years spent living in the castle hadn’t dulled this golden-haired girl’s empathy.

Thinking back to the girl’s final words, to those emerald eyes that gazed at her as if holding the entire world, Astrid, now calmer, let her thoughts wander, and a thread of doubt quietly sprouted.

Wait for me, okay?

That sentence, spoken with a hint of restraint, paired with Amalia’s slightly suppressed gaze at the time, seemed to carry another meaning.

As if... it wasn’t just a sister’s feelings for her older sister...

Gazing at the sleeping, peaceful face of the soft, delicate girl beneath the moonlight, Astrid fluttered her lashes, and more unnoticed details from the past surfaced in her mind.

"..."

After a long pause, she suppressed an absurd thought and closed her eyes again.

Impossible...

It must be the special nature of tonight, making her unusually sentimental.