[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-princess-s-struggle-for-survival":3,"chapter-princess-s-struggle-for-survival-princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-29":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Princess’s Struggle for Survival",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1801179,2401,"Chapter 29 29: Start of Banquet","princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-29",29,"\u003Cp>The guest list was small, mostly consisting of Countess Charlotte's acquaintances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid noticed that neither Earl Velmont nor Prince Lucas was present, nor were any of the four ministers under Emperor Hibbort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she crossed her legs gracefully, the black silk of her dress shimmering under the light, Astrid took a sip of red wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the room fell silent, and the guests turned their heads in unison toward the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following their gaze, Astrid's eyes met those of a stunning black-haired beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman wore a long, dark dress that accentuated her slender figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her snow-white skin glowed like satin, and her ink-colored hair cascaded over her shoulders, adorned with delicate jade ornaments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The simple yet elegant dress hugged her form perfectly, and her slender legs, visible through the slit in the skirt, needed no stockings to enhance their allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were smooth and radiant under the light, complemented by a pair of intricately patterned stiletto heels that added to her air of nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countess Charlotte entered the venue with grace, her presence commanding attention. She announced the official start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countess Charlotte is the youngest Arcanist in the entire Valeria Empire, with the exception of Astrid's mother, Fanya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to common knowledge, when a person's magical attainment reaches the level of a Magnus or above, their body will spontaneously absorb life elements from the surrounding environment, thereby achieving longevity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte is one such individual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, knights have their own unique way of prolonging life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They use mental power to strengthen their bodies, eliminating weakness and illness, which also allows them to achieve a form of immortality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, whether it is a magician who studies magic or a knight who specializes in physical training, neither can escape the natural cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the most powerful and wise legendary Arcanist or Crusader, who can conquer the skies with their bare hands, have a lifespan of no more than three hundred years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless they can achieve another breakthrough in their lifetime, becoming a Spell Creator who controls part of time and space, or a Transcendent, they cannot attain true immortality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid listened to the rhythmic sound of high heels and followed Charlotte's footsteps as she made her way to the high platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte looked around the room, the metal iris pendant in her ear swaying gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After ensuring that all the guests on the invitation were present, her delicate and beautiful cheeks broke into a slight smile, and the corners of her lips rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's an honor to welcome you to my birthday party.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since we're all familiar with each other, I won't say too much. I hope you can enjoy a night of good food and conversation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Charlotte glanced at the attendants, and the delicacies were served one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True to Astrid's impression of the maverick countess, there were no lengthy opening remarks, nor any comparison of the value of the guests' gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte had cut through the usual red tape of aristocratic formalities, allowing the banquet to proceed straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lyra, who was standing behind Astrid, heard the voice and turned her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a young woman holding a tray, the plate filled with various small foods that were easy to eat without staining one's clothes, perfect for casual dining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid also noticed these small gestures, and her affection for Charlotte grew even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guests present had more or less brought their own servants and attendants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to aristocratic etiquette, the master and the servants could only wait by the side and were not allowed to serve themselves without permission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Charlotte had set up a separate table for the servants to dine at the party, it would have been seen as either too respectful or too inferior, potentially offending other nobles and earning her a reputation for impropriety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, this treatment was more appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the servants could dine or not depended on the mood of their masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte simply provided an option, offering easy-to-eat pies and drinks that expressed care while allowing the maids to step back at any time to respond to their nobles' requests and orders during the meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You haven't eaten all afternoon after practicing, so take something if you're hungry,\" Astrid said as she cut her steak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her master's approval, Lyra thanked her softly, changed her gloves, took a piece of beef pie from the plate, and took a small bite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, at the dinner table, Charlotte, the center of attention, gracefully sipped red wine, occasionally whispering to those around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They discussed the latest news of the Empire, as well as some magical ideas and opinions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, to show their closeness, Charlotte would always seat Astrid to her right during meals, so she could attend to her needs at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, today Astrid's seat was placed two spaces away from Charlotte, a noticeable distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This move carries strong implications of alienation, and it seems that the original owner's interference in admissions has truly angered Charlotte.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the transparent goblet, Astrid noticed Charlotte's gaze lingering on her cheek for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Charlotte put the glass down, her complicated expression quickly shifted away, and she continued conversing with the person beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the blood-red eyes from earlier, the roast beef in Astrid's mouth suddenly lost its flavor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte never imagined that Astrid, once meek and well-behaved in her arms, would become the strange and rebellious figure she is now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that she hadn't cared enough about her, allowing Astrid to stray further and further from the path?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a sip of red wine, the bitter taste spreading across her tongue, Charlotte forced herself not to look at Astrid, absentmindedly responding to the well-wishes of the banquet guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fanya... What on earth should I do...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of the deceased who vanished into the abyss and her increasingly rebellious daughter, Charlotte suddenly lost all interest in her birthday celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the dance began after dinner, she excused herself from the venue, citing discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Charlotte stride away on her long legs, Astrid drained the wine in her glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She instructed Elise and Lyra to wait in place, explaining that she was going to visit an old friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, Lyra...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering Lyra's infatuated and somewhat jealous nature, Astrid added softly before leaving, \"I'm not against you having a relationship with Miss Lina, but there's something you need to keep in mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't get too close to her. Remember the agreement between us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During her time as a valet maid, without Astrid's permission, Lyra was required to stay by her side at all times, never leaving for a moment, and never meeting with the Earl Velmont.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand, Your Highness Astrid,\" Lyra replied softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid's willingness to allow her relationship with Miss Lina had exceeded Lyra's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had anticipated that Astrid might react more possessively, even going so far as to blacklist Lina socially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Astrid left the scene, Lina, who had been observing from a distance, hurried over and anxiously asked Lyra, \"Don't hide it from me, did she do anything to hurt you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lyra looked at Lina's nervous expression and quickly shook her head, explaining in a serious tone, \"No, Princess Astrid is a very good person most of the time, except for the occasional overbearing behavior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the familiar route through the elegantly decorated villa corridor, Astrid turned right and ascended the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her black silk stockings swayed slightly with each step, leaving a faint trace of fragrant air in her wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to Astrid's close relationship with Charlotte, the servants guarding the area did not stop her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After briefly inquiring about her purpose, they allowed her to proceed up the staircase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, Astrid arrived at a closed door. Gathering her thoughts, she tapped lightly on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is it?\" came a gentle female voice from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's me, Astrid,\" she replied. \"I heard from the servants that you weren't feeling well, so I came to check on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Charlotte's voice responded, \"...Come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1352,"2026-06-09T04:47:03.705Z",1,"novelbin.me","f5075337281ccbb044ce5e0ff9d667d7e4680f0eeca615f5e21a86d6b86cb5a1","princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-30","princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-28",607,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fprincess-s-struggle-for-survival-cover.jpg"]