Start of Banquet
The guest list was small, mostly consisting of Countess Charlotte's acquaintances.
Astrid noticed that neither Earl Velmont nor Prince Lucas was present, nor were any of the four ministers under Emperor Hibbort.
As she crossed her legs gracefully, the black silk of her dress shimmering under the light, Astrid took a sip of red wine.
Just then, the room fell silent, and the guests turned their heads in unison toward the entrance.
Following their gaze, Astrid's eyes met those of a stunning black-haired beauty.
The woman wore a long, dark dress that accentuated her slender figure.
Her snow-white skin glowed like satin, and her ink-colored hair cascaded over her shoulders, adorned with delicate jade ornaments.
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.
They were smooth and radiant under the light, complemented by a pair of intricately patterned stiletto heels that added to her air of nobility.
Countess Charlotte entered the venue with grace, her presence commanding attention. She announced the official start.
Countess Charlotte is the youngest Arcanist in the entire Valeria Empire, with the exception of Astrid's mother, Fanya.
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.
Charlotte is one such individual.
Similarly, knights have their own unique way of prolonging life.
They use mental power to strengthen their bodies, eliminating weakness and illness, which also allows them to achieve a form of immortality.
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.
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.
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.
Astrid listened to the rhythmic sound of high heels and followed Charlotte's footsteps as she made her way to the high platform.
Charlotte looked around the room, the metal iris pendant in her ear swaying gently.
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.
"It's an honor to welcome you to my birthday party."
"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."
With that, Charlotte glanced at the attendants, and the delicacies were served one after another.
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.
Charlotte had cut through the usual red tape of aristocratic formalities, allowing the banquet to proceed straight to the point.
"Please."
Lyra, who was standing behind Astrid, heard the voice and turned her head.
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.
Astrid also noticed these small gestures, and her affection for Charlotte grew even more.
The guests present had more or less brought their own servants and attendants.
According to aristocratic etiquette, the master and the servants could only wait by the side and were not allowed to serve themselves without permission.
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.
Instead, this treatment was more appropriate.
Whether the servants could dine or not depended on the mood of their masters.
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.
"You haven't eaten all afternoon after practicing, so take something if you're hungry," Astrid said as she cut her steak.
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.
Meanwhile, at the dinner table, Charlotte, the center of attention, gracefully sipped red wine, occasionally whispering to those around her.
They discussed the latest news of the Empire, as well as some magical ideas and opinions.
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.
However, today Astrid's seat was placed two spaces away from Charlotte, a noticeable distance.
This move carries strong implications of alienation, and it seems that the original owner's interference in admissions has truly angered Charlotte.
Through the transparent goblet, Astrid noticed Charlotte's gaze lingering on her cheek for a moment.
When Charlotte put the glass down, her complicated expression quickly shifted away, and she continued conversing with the person beside her.
Recalling the blood-red eyes from earlier, the roast beef in Astrid's mouth suddenly lost its flavor.
Charlotte never imagined that Astrid, once meek and well-behaved in her arms, would become the strange and rebellious figure she is now.
Could it be that she hadn't cared enough about her, allowing Astrid to stray further and further from the path?
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.
Fanya... What on earth should I do...
Thinking of the deceased who vanished into the abyss and her increasingly rebellious daughter, Charlotte suddenly lost all interest in her birthday celebration.
When the dance began after dinner, she excused herself from the venue, citing discomfort.
Watching Charlotte stride away on her long legs, Astrid drained the wine in her glass.
She instructed Elise and Lyra to wait in place, explaining that she was going to visit an old friend.
"That's right, Lyra..."
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."
"Don't get too close to her. Remember the agreement between us."
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.
"I understand, Your Highness Astrid," Lyra replied softly.
Astrid's willingness to allow her relationship with Miss Lina had exceeded Lyra's expectations.
She had anticipated that Astrid might react more possessively, even going so far as to blacklist Lina socially.
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?"
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."
....
Following the familiar route through the elegantly decorated villa corridor, Astrid turned right and ascended the stairs.
Her black silk stockings swayed slightly with each step, leaving a faint trace of fragrant air in her wake.
Due to Astrid's close relationship with Charlotte, the servants guarding the area did not stop her.
After briefly inquiring about her purpose, they allowed her to proceed up the staircase.
A few minutes later, Astrid arrived at a closed door. Gathering her thoughts, she tapped lightly on the door.
"Who is it?" came a gentle female voice from within.
"It's me, Astrid," she replied. "I heard from the servants that you weren't feeling well, so I came to check on you."
After a brief pause, Charlotte's voice responded, "...Come in."