Princess’s Struggle for Survival
Chapter 306: She has been getting distracted

Chapter 306: She has been getting distracted

In the suburbs of Imperial Capital at the private estate of the Countess Charlotte, having just taken a bath, changed into a pure white silk dress. Her long hair, falling to her waist, was tied up with a hairband, and her two slender, delicate legs swayed with her steps.

The Elizabeth Academy of Magic had entered its vacation period, not only for the students but also for the professors, who now had more free time to attend to their own affairs. Taking advantage of Charlotte’s availability, Astrid came by carriage to visit, planning to stay overnight at the estate.

Moonlight poured down, and the cool, strappy design of the dress revealed a large portion of the woman’s fair and delicate back. Charlotte walked to the desk, looking at the silver-white figure before her, her pink lips parting.

"Little Astr, have you noticed anything?"

At the desk, Astrid held a metal tube, her gaze fixed on the trigger button on her index finger. Feeling the fragrant breeze blowing against her neck, she turned to look at Charlotte.

"Lady Charlotte has engraved a mana transfer rune in the flame thrower, allowing the energy inside the fire attribute crystal to be released by pressing the button without consuming any mental energy, forming a highly lethal gun-like flame."

Grasping the bluish-gray rifle-like magic weapon, she pressed the handle against her elbow, then reached out to touch the piston at the bottom, continue speaking

"I don’t know much about magic weaponry, and as for the magic circles and runes, I only have a superficial understanding. The last time I dealt with them was during the construction of the Fearless."

"But I can feel that these runes are incomplete."

Disassembling the rear metal part of the flame thrower, she took out the fire attribute crystal from inside. Continuing to channel mental energy along the runes inside the tube, she distinctly felt a strong sense of obstruction.

It was like water flowing along a path, suddenly blocked by some obstruction, unable to advance.

The runes engraved on the metal surface had flaws, something an Arcanist mage with profound achievements in magic weaponry couldn’t fail to notice. Astrid was more inclined to believe that Charlotte had intentionally done this.

Hearing this, Charlotte did not speak immediately but bent down, leaning her body forward, pressing heavily against Astrid’s back, her arm resting on the shoulder, gently grasping the short-handled flame thrower in the other’s hand.

"Those runes, if looked at individually, are indeed not suitable for mana transfer."

"But if you add a crystal engraved with another part of the magic circle, forming a whole, they can create a circulatory pathway, achieving the proper transportation of fire element particles."

Ordinary magic devices, like kettles and faucets, merely use runes to activate the elemental activity within the crystals, thereby providing various conveniences. The magic circles play the role of an energy pusher.

"Lady Charlotte, are you saying that the structure of this flame thrower and the crystal are actually one?"

"Yes, Little Astr, you’re correct."

Taking the magic weapon from Astrid, Charlotte reinserted the crystal, and mental energy flowed into the flame thrower and the energy core at the rear. A faint wave of mana rippled through the space.

Through the elemental vision, Astrid saw the runes and magic circles flickering with light, each inch of the pattern perfectly matching under Charlotte’s delineation. The thrower and the crystal, at this moment, were like two complex puzzle pieces, fitting together seamlessly.

"This design is for ease of management. The flame thrower and the crystal need to be combined to function, preventing any unscrupulous individuals from obtaining the thrower and using any fire crystal to trigger the fire gun."

As Charlotte spoke, her fingers traced the body of the thrower, the mature and alluring fragrance of the woman’s skin wafting into the air.

"Additionally, I’ve engraved identification barriers on each of them to confirm the user’s identity."

Under the influence of the new legislation, Charlotte had to focus her attention on the research of magic weapons and strictly adhere to the regulations, prioritizing the safety of magic weapons, safety that includes both the personal safety of the user and the overall risk reduction of the noble class facing magic weapon threats.

Astrid felt the warmth like water spreading across her back, her body gradually relaxing.

"Identifying the user... is this arranged for the officers?"

If deployed in large numbers on the battlefield, the runes on the fire thrower will likely be activated by a specific soldier, while the fire attribute crystals used to fire the gun will be controlled by the officers, strictly regulating the quantity.

Separate management of weapons and ammunition can indeed ensure safety to a certain extent.

"Indeed, that is my current conception."

"The only trouble is that doing so requires us to inscribe more circles on each mana crystal, increasing both the time and cost."

However, Charlotte was supportive of this idea. Dangerous weapons should be shackled; unrestrained abuse will only lead to social turmoil.

"The cost is not a problem. I remember my father has provided considerable support in this regard."

Compared to a year ago, Charlotte, now with official backing, was much more comfortable than before. Not only did she have ample research funds provided by the national treasury, but she could also prioritize obtaining the magical materials needed for experimental development. Except for the research direction not being entirely to her satisfaction, everything else was fine.

"Yes, thanks to Emperor Hibbort, otherwise the development of magic devices would have stagnated for a long time."

Smelling the sweet fragrance from Astrid’s hair, Charlotte’s curved lips, her chest pressing closer, her clear tea-colored eyes exceptionally gentle.

"But compared to the Emperor, I should be more grateful to you, Little Astr."

"You’ve been a great help."

Although she was much younger than her, she was remarkably reliable.

Thinking back to the days when she used to have tea and chat with those superficial sisters, the arrogant and domineering imperial princesses, the current Astrid Calliste was simply adorable to the core.

Hearing Charlotte say this, Astrid actively grabbed the wrist of the other’s hand that had reached her shoulder, gently pressing it against her body.

"I just did what I could. After all, Lady Charlotte has taken care of me for so many years, I should do something for you too."

"Being alone for so long, it must have been hard."

Feeling the warm softness of the arms pressing against the two warm mounds, the thin nightgown unable to hide the smoothness of the girl’s skin, Charlotte’s eyes suddenly moistened upon hearing Astrid’s words, and after a moment, she replied.

"There’s no need to say that to me... it’s a bit too sentimental, Little Astr..."

"You’ll get used to it."

During the period when her relationship with Astrid had cooled, Charlotte had indeed felt a sense of loneliness.

No one could understand, and no one knew what she wanted to do. The private estate in the suburbs of the imperial capital, while away from the hustle and bustle, also isolated her from all the warmth of human life.

Being able to have it like this now, she was already very satisfied.

After briefly enjoying the warm atmosphere in the bedroom, Astrid slowly spoke.

"Lady Charlotte, has the Elizabeth Academy of Magic discovered anything about the Monster Mountains?"

According to the intelligence network established by the head maid, the one who went to investigate the Monster Mountains this time was not the professors of various disciplines but the academy dean, Fario Gestaro, who had reached the level of a peak Arcanist mage.

Hearing this, Charlotte remained silent for a moment, feeling the warmth transmitted from Astrid’s palm, and after a while, she replied.

"The Monster Mountains serve as a buffer zone between the Valeria Empire and the Kingdom of Velys on the eastern and western borders, inhabited by millions of high-level magical beasts. The academy has even confirmed the existence of more than five super-level magical beasts of the twelfth rank."

"These magical beasts are generally hostile to unfamiliar creatures appearing in their territory. Even someone as strong as the academy dean cannot delve deep into the mountains without restraint. Therefore, he only conducted a shallow exploration along the location you reported."

After three days and nights of searching, Fario Gestaro discovered a large amount of dark element particle residue inside the mountains, as well as a bone-filled graveyard.

"Beneath the graveyard is a pitch-black cave. Although there is no wind around, it constantly emits a strong smell of blood. The academy dean felt slightly uncomfortable just by releasing a portion of his mental energy for detection..."

"...Finally, in order to obtain more information, he still ventured deep into the cave after making sufficient preparations."

The reason Charlotte knew this was that the academy dean had convened a meeting upon his return, specifically inviting all the professors who had investigated the Jones Farm.

The aura of this burial ground was strikingly similar to that of the outskirts of the imperial capital, leading one to suspect that if they had not interfered in time, this magnificent imperial capital might have become a breeding ground for millions of undead when the time came.

"So, Mr. Fario is very concerned about this new discovery?"

Astrid looked up at the mirror on the table, the reflection showed the woman’s smooth and alluring collarbone, her skin as delicate as milk after a bath, emitting a lustrous white glow.

"Yes, just as the academy is on summer break, there’s no need to maintain the barrier that accelerates mental energy recovery, allowing him to take time to conduct an on-site investigation of the Monster Mountains."

In fact, it wasn’t just the academy dean Fario; Charlotte was also very interested in that burial ground. However, she needed to lead the reformist faction in magic device research, making it difficult for her to leave the imperial capital.

"If Little Astr is really curious, you can wait for him to return and ask him personally."

She is the daughter of the empire’s youngest Arcanist mage, Fanya. Even without the identity of the third princess, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to meet the academy head.

Astrid nodded slightly upon hearing this, slowly standing up.

"I understand, Lady Charlotte."

Seeing Astrid stand up straight, without high heels, she was only half a head shorter than her. Charlotte pursed her lips, gently helping Astrid lift a strand of silver hair that had fallen on her shoulder, her voice soft.

"Let’s talk more when we go to bed."

"Since you’ve grown up, it’s rare for us to share a bed."

Facing the sleeping invitation from the mature woman, Astrid had no reason to refuse, so she nodded and got into the bed.

As soon as her legs stretched out, another warm body simultaneously slipped into the bed. Astrid, smelling the fragrance from Charlotte, smiled and said,

"Lady Charlotte really likes the perfume I gave her."

It seems she sprayed it right after her bath; the initial subtle notes had now become rich, smelling exceptionally sweet.

Hearing this, Charlotte turned her body, the originally erect peaks now transformed into ridges, pressing up and down within the fabric, like piled-up fine snow.

"Because Little Astr gave it to me... and it really does smell good..."

Noticing that Astrid had grabbed a strand of her hair, pressing it to her nose and sniffing slightly, Charlotte half-closed her beautiful eyes, looking at the other with a gentle expression, her tea-colored pupils overflowing with care and affection.

"It seems you also like me using it?" Charlotte asked.

If it helps you sleep better, next time we share a bed, I’ll continue using this perfume.

Hearing this, Astrid’s lips curved slightly, and she spoke softly.

"To say something that might be a bit embarrassing, the perfume I concocted does indeed smell good."

"But... perfume is just an embellishment..."

"What really smells good is the natural body fragrance of a beauty, which serves as the base to evoke a truly unforgettable aroma."

After saying this, Astrid held Charlotte’s waist, gently pulling her into her embrace, their two smooth and delicate legs lightly entwining.

Feeling Astrid’s initiative, Charlotte’s brows showed a hint of surprise, thinking to herself that Little Astr had previously been quite shy, why was she so direct today, and holding her so naturally.

In the midst of her thoughts, she noticed Astrid leaning her cheek against her ear, the warm and moist breath blowing against her earlobe, giving Charlotte a tingling sensation she had never felt before.

"What I mean is, Lady Charlotte’s natural fragrance is already very nice."

"It smells really good."

Even as an adult, or rather, a senior with deep experience, hearing a junior hold her and say in a low voice that she smells nice would inevitably cause a sense of shame.

"Little Astr, you really..."

Her heart rate slightly accelerated, this mature countess, who had never let anyone into her heart, now feels a bit of the shyness only a young girl would have.

"...you’re getting too big for your boots, and too slick with your words."

Holding her so skillfully was one thing, but also saying things that could make one’s ears burn.

After a brief acceleration of her heartbeat, Charlotte returned to her usual dignified and elegant self as a professor.

"I asked Elise, and heard that Little Astr’s safe escape this time was largely thanks to Lyra."

"That child really has extraordinary talent; the Elizabeth Academy of Magic has indeed found a treasure this year."

As an Arcanist mage, she couldn’t even discern Lyra’s elemental affinity level, and that uniquely shaped sword didn’t seem like an ordinary item either.

"Lyra?"

Hearing Charlotte mentioned a certain foolish maid, Astrid’s eyes showed a hint of a smile she herself hadn’t noticed, her pink lips parting.

"I have a premonition that she will become a powerhouse in the empire in the future, even perhaps usher in a new era."

Even without the protagonist’s halo, given the resilience Lyra has shown so far, she is bound to achieve great things in the future.

"But lately, I don’t know what’s wrong with Lyra. Ever since she returned from Linda Jostlin’s residence a few days ago, she’s been acting very strange, often distracted."