Chapter 607: Level Up

To let her little knight depart with greater peace of mind and to ease the other’s lingering thoughts, for several consecutive days, Lyra enjoyed Astrid’s most meticulous care. Already at the age of savoring pleasures deeply, and faced with her perfectly compatible soulmate, also the empire’s undisputed number one beauty, Lyra, who was still at level 1 in certain aspects, stood no chance of resistance.

Of course, Lyra didn’t have any intention of resisting either, warm, soft beauty within arm’s reach, two black-stockinged legs loosely resting on the bed, cherry-pink lips gently blowing against her ear, her peripheral vision filled with cascading silver hair falling past the hem of a dress. Just this alone was enough to melt her completely; how could she even think of anything else?

The two seemed to have completely forgotten their previous agreement about maintaining restraint even while in love. Every bit of daytime pressure was released at night, a different yet equally beautiful melody from the classical orchestras of the imperial palace frequently playing within the regent’s private bedroom, yet completely concealed by a transparent soundproof barrier, undetectable by outsiders.

A silver moon hung high in the sky, tree branches casting uneven shadows, dewdrops clinging to grass blades, refracting fine, bright glimmers.

Who knew how long had passed before dawn finally broke. Waking up after eight, Lyra first went to the washroom for a shower, then tidied herself up and joined Astrid and Amalia for breakfast in the palace dining hall.

"The carriage is already parked at the palace gates. Lyra, take it to the East City Gate to get off, then unfold your light wings. imperial city’s no-fly zone only extends that far; beyond that, toward the northeast, you can fly at full speed."

Astrid took a silk handkerchief and, just as she used to do for Amalia, gently wiped the corner of Lyra’s lips, then cupped her face and gave her a tender kiss.

"Elise has already calculated the detailed travel plan based on your flight speed and mana consumption. With some energy reserved, Lyra should be able to reach Morin Village by the afternoon of the third day."

"Landmark buildings are all marked on the flight map. Remember to check it."

Inhaling the woman’s pleasant natural fragrance, feeling her smooth, thick silver hair brush against her clothes, Lyra softly hummed in acknowledgment, her two dazzlingly white-stockinged legs straightening again as she followed Astrid toward the palace gates.

Amalia had to attend a weekly meeting and also wanted to give them more time together, so she didn’t follow. The head maid simply accompanies them from a distance, instructing the other maids not to disturb.

The carriage waited by the gate, its luxurious decorations glittering in the sunlight. After a few final words of reminder from Astrid, Lyra stepped into the carriage.

The next second, the sound of high heels tapping on the steps reached her ears. Seeing the silver-haired beauty step in, Lyra froze for a moment.

"...Astrid?"

Hearing this, Astrid’s lips curled upward slightly, her voice soft and gentle.

"It’s not very convenient with so many people outside the palace watching."

"So I came along~"

Having spoken, Astrid reached out and caressed Lyra’s cheek, her slender legs sheathed in sheer black stockings spreading apart her smooth, round white-stockinged knees as she leaned forward.

Compared to her behavior earlier during breakfast in front of her younger sister and the head maid, this kiss was deeper and longer-lasting, so much so that even as the carriage began moving forward, Astrid and Lyra hadn’t yet parted.

After a long while, the kiss ended. Feeling the carriage’s vibrations, Lyra moistened her lips, raised her hand which had been resting sideways on the seat, and firmly secured the carriage curtain.

"Astrid... you’re too sneaky..."

She had already braced herself for the farewell, yet suddenly the other climbed in and kissed her like that.

Wasn’t this just... making her more reluctant to leave?

"Could it be... you didn’t like it?" Astrid asked.

"..."

How could she not like it? If possible, she even wishes Astrid could accompany her all the way home, to meet her parents.

Of course, such thoughts were best left as fantasies. There were still many troubles to handle here in imperial city. If Astrid left the capital for personal desires, she wouldn’t be the imperial princess Lyra knew.

"I like it," Lyra answered.

Then, the pink-haired girl took the initiative. Her snow-cone-like white-stockinged feet wrapped around Astrid’s calf, pressing the other’s back, covered in smooth dress fabric, against the carriage wall.

Outside, the morning light was perfect. Hooves and wheels rolled over stone paving. The wooden carriage conceals passionate springtime emotions, keeping that exquisite scene unknown to all.

After expressing their reluctance once more, Lyra didn’t sit on Astrid’s lap like Amalia had done to show physical intimacy. The two merely sat upright, chatting casually.

She hadn’t noticed when she first entered, but now, glancing sideways, Lyra spotted several items placed inside the carriage, several small, exquisitely decorated gift boxes.

"What are these?"

"Health supplements for your parents, and some personal gifts I wanted to give."

Astrid, crossing her legs, explained softly.

"Plant essences for eye care, anti-aging magic potions, some well-reputed fine wines, and imperial palace spices that are sure to be used at the dinner table."

Her daughter had been away for many days; naturally, her parents would most want to see Lyra herself. But considering how rare this home visit was, her lover also wanted to take this opportunity to show extra care.

"There aren’t many items. Lyra can just store them in your Sword of Light."

Although the gifts were placed inside gift boxes, invisible to the naked eye, just thinking about who was giving them, the regent of the empire, Astrid Avercia herself, allowed Lyra to easily guess their value.

"Tha...ah, I understand."

She’d just begun to thank her when she met Astrid’s half-smiling, teasing gaze. After answering, Lyra leaned forward and planted a sweet kiss on the woman’s cheek, her clear blue eyes sparkling brightly, brimming with the happiness of being in love.

Astrid... so thoughtful...

After storing everything, including the gift list, into her light sword, Lyra again heard Astrid say she should greet her parents on her behalf. She softly hummed in agreement.

Even if Astrid hadn’t said it, she would’ve done it anyway.

"Astrid... do you think there might come a day when magic-powered airships could become affordable transportation for everyone..."

Her voice trailered off. Feeling she might have sounded too unrealistic, Lyra, having witnessed the difficulties involved, slightly adjusted her wording.

"I mean, when most people could try flying into the sky."

To drastically improve travel speed between distant places, to make every separation in the world brief.

Hearing Lyra’s question, Astrid paused briefly before responding.

"Perhaps."

Was it really possible? Astrid wasn’t entirely certain. Even in highly industrialized countries of her past life, those who had flown on airplanes definitely weren’t the majority.

But who could say? This world possesses magic that her previous life lacked. Humanity, following a different technological path, might one day not even need magic airships, and could instead directly use spatial teleportation arrays to travel elsewhere.

Hearing this, Lyra blinked her eyes, her small leather shoes gently tapping together as she softly spoke.

"With Astrid and Professor Charlotte, along with those mages at the forefront of magical research... I believe it can definitely be achieved..."

Even if not now, then in a few years, or a decade, at least within their lifetimes, they will surely see it happen.

Astrid had always been the one who created miracles.

"Lyra really has a lot of confidence in me."

"Of course, because Astrid can do anything."

"You’re practically the embodiment of miracles themselves."

Listening to the destined heroine’s gentle praise, thinking that the one who had actually spent the longest time consistently challenging far stronger opponents was Lyra herself, Astrid suppressed a smile.

"In my heart, Lyra is the one who best fits that description."

"Eh? Me..."

"Mm."

"You’re the finest Holy Light Knight in my heart."

Suddenly hit with a direct compliment from Astrid, Lyra shyly lowered her head, her cheeks faintly reddening as her fingertips lightly tugged at the white stockings on her legs.

"I-is that so..."

The Holy Light Knight.

And also the sworn knight belonging solely to Her Highness the Princess.

Thinking of this, Lyra recalled the past few days, when a certain silver-haired succubus had bound her wrists with warm black stockings, her ears burning unusually hot.

When treated that way... even the most righteous knight would fall quickly, wouldn’t they...

Where did Astrid even come up with so many (techniques)!!!

Interest is the best teacher. Lyra now completely understands this principle. Although she was still level 1 now, with Astrid as her teacher, who knew what the future might hold?

At most, she just got emotionally stimulated too easily, quickly spiraling out of control. But when it came to physical stamina, the hardware, there was no way a frail mage could surpass a knight with superior constitution.

Just bid your time, Lyra.

Princess Astrid will feel your changes.

The distance from the palace to the city gate wasn’t far. With casual chat and a few interspersed kisses, it was almost over. Feeling the carriage stop and hearing the driver’s call, Astrid gave Lyra one final kiss before deactivating the soundproof barrier, speaking softly.

"It’s time to go, Lyra."

Lyra nodded, her voice gentle.

"Mm, Astrid, please take good care of yourself too."

"Remember to eat on time, sleep on time, don’t just work all the time. Treat yourself well."

Although she wouldn’t be around, Amalia was still in the capital. Even if Astrid herself gets too busy to remember, the former should remind her.

Thinking of this, Lyra didn’t feel much bitterness inside, only a slight reluctance of parting and a fervent anticipation of returning home.

"Alright, Lyra too."

After exchanging a few more words, Astrid and Lyra stepped out together. In the slightly chilly morning wind, Astrid took a pure white scarf from her glove and gently wrapped it around the girl before her.

Feeling Astrid’s movements, gazing at the snow-white delicate face nearly touching her own, Lyra’s heart pounded like drumbeats.

Fingers carefully finishing the knot, using the moment to adjust the scarf, Astrid leaned close again, whispering in a voice only they could hear.

"Suddenly I realized I forgot something..."

"What?"

"Should I give Lyra something... to remember me by?"

"???"

Faced with this question, Lyra’s first thought was actually that Astrid should’ve said this earlier, she could’ve properly considered what to choose.

But the next second, she quickly cleared this seemingly crazy thought from her mind, the speed only slightly slower than the blush rising on her face.

"Um, I... probably don’t need that..." Lyra replied softly.

She was only going home for a month; she likely wouldn’t need it.

Hearing this, Astrid’s lips curved into a smile. Her fingers touched Lyra’s cheek, brushing aside a loose strand of pink hair, softening her voice.

"I was imitating~"

If she truly needed it, she still had several other items stored with Lyra. If she couldn’t bear it, doing some strange things wouldn’t be a big deal.

After finally confirming the scarf was neatly tied, Astrid gazed at Lyra, whose gentle pink hair fell between the cotton scarf, revealing only her fair, pale-pink face and her watery blue sapphire dog-like eyes, speaking softly.

"I’ll miss you, darling."

"Me too..."

"...Darling."

"When you get home, spend good time with your family. Don’t always think about me."

"I understand, Astrid."

After confirming no one was watching, Astrid smiled gently, her hand circling behind Lyra’s back, lightly patting the firm, round curve covered by white pantyhose.

"Go on, Lyra."

Startled, Lyra’s face reddened. Her materialized spiritual energy formed wings at her back.

"Be careful on the way."

"I will, Astrid."

Her small leather shoes left the ground. The sweet pink-haired, blue-eyed girl spread her wings, flapping the air currents.

Glancing once more at the silver-haired regent standing on the ground, dressed in a black gown and exuding noble grace, Lyra waved and shot upward at high speed.

This time, her feelings upon departure were completely different from that day when she’d headed toward Duke Charles’s territory.

There was no fearful anxiety about the future, nor an intense sorrow akin to a life-or-death separation. Only a faint warmth and anticipation remained.

Because Lyra knew, they would reunite. This was merely a brief separation in life.

Sunlight fell upon her head, bringing gentle warmth. The surrounding cold wind was pushed aside by her light wings, only a small amount brushing against her cheeks, then blocked by the loving scarf, preventing it from directly rushing down her neck into her chest and exposing her entire body to the cold.

Watching Lyra’s figure disappear into the horizon, Astrid gently touched her left chest, feeling intense reluctance while turning around and stepping back into the carriage with her long legs.

A thousand-mile journey must eventually end in parting.

Thinking of what Lyra had said, about hoping magic-powered airships could become convenient mass transportation, there was still much work left for her.

Lady Charlotte should be arriving at Elizabeth Academy of Magic soon.

It has been a week since their last meeting. The perfect opportunity to discuss with her what she’d wanted to deeply understand since White Maple Town.

That special structure exists within Elizabeth Academy of Magic, suspected to be a spatial formation.