Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 257: Before Duel

"Many mages believe that there is no need to invest too much effort in learning the languages of other races, as modern magic incantations can be chanted using standard human common language, and indeed, this is the case."

"But in my personal opinion, learning the languages of other intelligent races is essential for a mage. It helps us understand the essence of magic more deeply, grasp its specific structure and operational logic, and also aids the learner in seeing the world more clearly, preventing the unchecked growth of a certain emotion called arrogance..."

As the class entered its normal teaching routine, Evelyn transformed from a predatory, assertive older sister figure into a dignified and elegant lecturer.

The stark contrast in her persona almost made Astrid doubt whether the linguistics professor before her and the mature woman who had repeatedly teased her earlier were actually two completely different people.

Standing at the podium, Evelyn looked at the students who were generally listless from waking up early and sighed inwardly, diligently writing on the blackboard with chalk.

Like most obscure elective courses, many students chose this course merely to earn the two elective credits, without any strong desire to learn.

As a teacher, Evelyn felt somewhat helpless but had no intention of forcing them to learn.

This wasn’t a compulsory course, and its importance was relatively lower compared to the main subjects. She welcomed those who were willing to listen, and those who weren’t could take a nap in class.

As long as attendance was normal and their final exam performance wasn’t too outrageous, within a range she could adjust, Evelyn wouldn’t deliberately make things difficult for them.

"Chapter One, the basic vocabulary and some simple grammar of the Elven language."

Turning around, Evelyn saw the silver-haired princess sitting upright in the front row, her gaze focused, and felt a slight sense of comfort, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.

"Please turn your textbooks to page three..."

After the first class ended, Evelyn left the classroom to get a cup of hot water.

When she returned, she found Astrid still sitting in her seat reading, so she walked over and leaned forward.

From Astrid’s viewpoint, the woman’s low-cut dress offered a faint glimpse of something she probably wasn’t meant to notice.

Evelyn took a sip of water to clear her throat, rested her arms on the desk, and spoke softly.

"Your Highness Astrid, is there anything you don’t understand?"

Hearing this, Astrid glanced at Evelyn and shook her head gently.

"I’ve previewed this part of the material, so there’s nothing I don’t understand for now."

Moreover, what could be so difficult at the beginning of the course? Just memorize the textbook.

Evelyn blinked a few times upon hearing this, her lips, with a faint pink glaze, curling into an alluring smile.

"Then I’ll have to thoroughly quiz Your Highness Astrid on your progress later in class. Don’t disappoint me~"

Faced with Evelyn’s pointed hint, Astrid nodded slightly and said in a calm tone, "Feel free, Miss Evelyn. But there’s something I’m quite curious about."

"What is it?"

"I heard that the basic linguistics course includes a visit to the literature of other intelligent races. I wonder when that will start?"

While the knowledge in the textbook is certainly useful, Astrid is more eager to see the original texts, especially the inscriptions and stone carvings related to ancient Elven language.

"That’s usually organized midway through the course, when everyone has learned enough. If Your Highness Astrid is really curious, you can also arrange a private visit with me."

"I have the authority to access these historical artifacts, and I just need to register in advance to bring students in."

Sensing Astrid’s keen interest, Evelyn lowered her voice, her tone particularly enticing.

"I’m free after two this afternoon. Shall we go together?"

"Just the two of us. If there’s anything you don’t understand, I can explain it to Your Highness Astrid in a simple and clear manner."

The offer was indeed tempting, but today was out of the question. Astrid had to attend the duel between Lyra and Reneth, no matter the reason.

"Next weekend, or another free time."

Hearing Astrid’s refusal, Evelyn pouted slightly and was about to say something when a crisp set of footsteps came from the doorway.

Charlotte, wearing a deep purple long dress, walked gracefully in. Her tea-colored eyes noticed Evelyn’s half-bent posture, her ample breasts pressing against the desk, and a hint of displeasure flickered in her gaze, though it vanished quickly.

Detecting a different, cooler fragrance in the air, distinct from Evelyn’s, Astrid straightened her back, her slender, smooth black-stockinged legs crossing gently as she smiled at Charlotte.

"Lady Charlotte, what brings you here?"

Upon hearing this, Charlotte first glanced at Evelyn, who stood up naturally and gave Astrid a seductive look, chuckling softly.

Although the two professors were of similar stature, or rather, having had a more direct experience, Astrid believed her aunt was superior, when they stood together, it was evident that Evelyn and Charlotte had different auras.

The former was charming and alluring, like a captivating rose, while the latter was dignified and noble, exuding an unapproachable, aloof presence.

Perhaps only when she had too much to drink would Charlotte show a relatively softer side.

"I’ve been in the research lab for too long and felt tired, so I came out for a walk."

Since witnessing the scene above the Fearless, the royal family of the Valeria Empire had increased funding for magical devices research. However, correspondingly, the rules and regulations had also become more stringent.

Hibbort hoped that magical equipment would first be applied in military and transportation fields, requiring Charlotte to focus her research on lethality, stability, confidentiality, and transportation efficiency.

Although Charlotte had no interest in this, she understood the emperor’s considerations and had to temporarily set aside her true thoughts.

This was the greatest concession the emperor could make at the moment, and Charlotte couldn’t risk offending both Hibbort and the conservatives by insisting on her own views.

"You’ve worked hard, Lady Charlotte."

As she spoke, Astrid took Charlotte’s hand, and the latter, feeling the warmth transmitted through their fingers, gradually softened her expression.

"It’s not too bad. A bit of fresh air will help."

"How is little Astrid’s learning going?"

With that, Charlotte glanced at Evelyn, who was standing to the side, and her grip on Astrid’s hand tightened imperceptibly.

"Quite well, thanks to Miss Evelyn’s excellent teaching."

Hearing their conversation mention her, Evelyn smiled gracefully and spoke slowly.

"That’s because Your Highness Astrid is naturally talented and very diligent."

"Perhaps with a few more private lessons, Your Highness Astrid might not even need to attend weekly classes to pass the exam."

Private lessons?

Upon hearing this, Charlotte’s eyes flickered, sensing that the latter part of Evelyn’s statement carried a special implication.

As an Arcanist level mage, Charlotte’s hearing was no worse than that of knights of the same level, especially when the speaker was her most familiar junior.

She had overheard Astrid and Evelyn’s conversation outside the classroom, particularly the latter’s suggestive and somewhat flippant tone, which made Charlotte frown.

Has Evelyn been alone in the library for so long that she’s gone silly... saying such things out loud...

This was also why Charlotte had felt uncomfortable since entering the classroom.

She’s a grown woman yet doesn’t know how to restrain herself, saying these things to little Astrid. If she’s really that lonely, she should find a way to deal with it herself.

"Evelyn?"

"Yes?"

Charlotte turned around, her tea-colored eyes silently fixed on the other woman. After a moment, her pink lips parted.

"Remember, you’re a teacher. Teach properly."

Evelyn was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then curved her lips into a smile.

"Of course."

"As a teacher, I naturally put my heart into teaching, and I really like Astrid as a student."

At that moment, the preparatory bell rang. Charlotte released Astrid’s hand, said "See you next time," and then gave Evelyn a deep look.

Evelyn, seeing this, touched the long hair draped over her chest, pretending not to notice Charlotte’s warning gaze. After Charlotte left, she muttered softly.

"Professor Charlotte is even more petty than I imagined~"

She had merely flirted a bit, made no actual progress, and certainly hadn’t bullied Astrid. Was there really a need to be so protective?

Taking a sip of hot tea, Evelyn walked up to the podium, gently smoothing her skirt to slightly conceal the slit.

"Break time is over. Please perk up, class is starting now."

Having made an appointment with Evelyn to visit the linguistic literature related to the course next weekend, Astrid returned to the dormitory and saw Lyra sitting alone in the sunlight, lost in thought.

To ensure the afternoon duel went smoothly, Lyra wasn’t wearing her usual dress but had changed into a clean and neat shirt paired with long pants, which allowed for easier movement and effectively prevented any wardrobe malfunctions.

Hearing the door close, Amalia, who was drawing nearby, shifted her gaze from her artwork to the entrance. Astrid took off her high heels and changed into slippers, then gently walked over to the dark-haired girl, kissed her forehead, and comforted her with a few words before moving a chair to sit beside Lyra.

"Oh, you’re back?"

Feeling a chair and a person appear beside her, Lyra snapped out of her reverie and turned to look at Astrid.

"Yes, Elise had other matters and dropped me off at the door," Astrid said.

With the duel approaching, the head maid needed to contact the informants they had planted in advance to ensure they could respond to any situation.

"I see..."

Lyra hugged her knees, her soft, white lace-socked feet resting on the edge of the chair, her smooth pink hair falling quietly, reflecting a delicate sheen in the light.

"You should eat a bit more later, so you’ll have the strength for the duel."

The duel was scheduled for four in the afternoon, and a normal meal might leave her hungry by then, so eating a bit more to last four hours would be best.

Lyra nodded upon hearing this, her gaze falling on the woman’s smooth, straight black-stockinged calves. After a moment, she buried her face in her knees.

"How was your morning study, Astrid?"

Why did they all seem to use this as a conversation starter?

Astrid fluttered her eyelashes a few times upon hearing this and replied softly.

"Quite well."

With that, the room fell into a brief silence. Lyra wasn’t sure what to say next, simply watching as sunlight filtered through her eyelashes.

After a while, Astrid spoke first: "It really is quite nice to sit in the sun like this."

"How long have you been sitting here?"

"..."

"Not too long... maybe half an hour..." Lyra replied.

She had been reading earlier, so strictly speaking, she had only been in the sun for less than half an hour.

Lyra really enjoyed this feeling, with her whole body bathed in sunlight, the air just right, the temperature perfect, as if her entire mind could calm down along with it.

This afternoon was the time for the duel, and this time she not only represented herself but also the dignity of Princess Astrid.

No matter what, she had to win.

Just as Lyra steeled her resolve, thinking she would no longer waver, a fragrant breeze swept by, causing her heartbeat to quicken slightly.

Astrid rested her head on Lyra’s shoulder and spoke softly.

"Let me lean on you for a bit..."

As expected, Lyra’s body stiffened for a moment, and in the blind spot behind her, Astrid’s lips curved into a subtle smile.

Lyra... is still as easy to tease as ever...

With her beloved’s stunningly beautiful face so close, her warm breath and sweet fragrance within reach, Lyra felt something touch the back of her hand and looked down to see a few strands of soft, smooth silver hair.

The strands playfully slipped between her fingers, as if inviting her to caress them gently.

"...Is that okay?" Astrid asked again.

It took Lyra several seconds to realize this was a follow-up to the previous sentence. She lightly licked her lips and answered in a very soft voice.

"Y-Yes."

Princess Astrid... is leaning on her...

And she did it herself.

Her two white-stockinged feet pressed together nervously, rubbing slightly. The dazzling sunlight spilled onto the wooden chair, illuminating the girl’s pale pink soles and the delicate toes that stretched the tips of her socks almost transparent.

This feeling... is even better than sitting alone in the sun...

But why does it feel a bit chilly behind her, as if someone is watching?

In fact, Astrid’s actions weren’t just to tease Lyra and help her relax a bit; she was also genuinely tired.

And leaning like this really was comfortable. Lyra had a lovely scent, different from Amalia’s usual faint lavender aroma that was perfect for cuddling and sleeping. Lyra’s scent was sweeter, somewhat reminiscent of peach blossoms and bath salts.

"Good luck..." Astrid said.

Lyra remained silent for a long while before replying softly.

"I will."

She would never let Princess Astrid down.

Meanwhile, in another dormitory on campus, Elise finished giving instructions and disappeared into the shadows once more.

The freshman she had just spoken to composed herself and walked down the corridor to the end, pushing open her dorm room door.

Reneth saw her roommate enter, shifted her gaze, and continued to stare at the book before her without a word.

No one knew that at this moment, a glass vial, warmed by body heat, was nestled in the girl’s inner pocket, searing Reneth’s heart like a branding iron.