Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 114: "Would you mind undressing before me?"

Mastering the art of controlling one's expressions was an essential skill for every noble in the Valeria Empire.

Even though Astrid was inwardly flustered to the point of fear, her outward composure remained impeccable. With her lashes lowered, lips gently pressed together, and a delicate sip of tea, she exuded the poised elegance befitting an imperial princess.

Beyond Elowen's line of sight, however, her slender heels tapped subtly against the tiled floor, while her pale, delicate toes curled tightly within her stockings, straining to the point of nearly tearing the fabric.

This title sounded so embarrassing that even Astrid, who usually had a calm mind, couldn't help but feel ashamed at this moment, and at the same time, she became more and more determined to come up with a pen name.

Fortunately, Elowen did not react too much when she heard it.

She just felt that although the name sounded a little unconventional at first, the meaning it wanted to express was very clear and in line with the content of the article. It should be the result of Princess Astrid's careful consideration.

"It turns out that "Her Royal Highness Astrid is not only skilled in writing but also demonstrates remarkable creativity in naming."

After hearing what Elowen said, Astrid gave an awkward yet polite smile and answered softly.

"I just wrote it casually. It would be best if it is acceptable."

This kind of storyline has already been explored by major authors in the previous life, but here, it still feels fresh.

At the very least, the necessary conflicts and anticipation have been properly set up, though those aristocratic ladies yearning for romance might not be interested.

Elowen nodded, glanced at the parchment in her hand a few more times, and said gently, "Her Royal Highness Astrid is being too modest."

There isn't much that can be learned from an introduction and a brief description.

Elowen doesn't know how Astrid's narrative rhythm and novel framework are, but judging from the writing style of these few thousand words, it's pretty good.

And the most important thing is that Astrid's story can give people a very strong sense of anticipation.

Even Elowen wants to see how the prince will let go of his stubbornness, face his inner feelings, and win back the noble lady who has been completely hurt by him.

She is 35 years old this year, and theoretically, she has long passed the stage of romantic love.

Even she is so curious about the subsequent plot. How much more so those young girls who are eager for love will be so fanatical if they watch it seriously and put themselves in the story.

Although the novel has not yet been published, Elowen is sure that the story is captivating enough and may even become the primary motivation for customers to buy books.

She also discussed some topics related to newspapers and periodicals with Astrid.

Apart from soft advertising placement, the latter mentioned module expansion, claiming that in the future, the content of each book or periodical might be adjusted according to readers' needs.

This way, they could attract other potential customers while maintaining their core audience.

After listening to Astrid's talk about future business plans, Elowen took a sip of hot tea and parted her thin lips slightly.

"It's truly worry-free to work with Her Highness Astrid."

Not only did the girl have a strong background and offer favorable conditions, but the novel ideas she mentioned between the lines also surprised Elowen.

Many people may have wild ideas, but most remain at the fantasy level. Unlike them, Princess Astrid considered feasibility and incorporated those ideas into future plans.

It was a pity that Astrid didn't seem particularly fond of her nephew now. Besides, Tristian himself was stubborn and unlikely to accept an arranged marriage.

Otherwise, Elowen would have loved to tie Astrid to the Velmont family through marriage.

As for the throne dispute between Lucas and Alistair, a marriage alone couldn't determine the family's stance.

Until the situation became clear, Tristian's father, the current Duke Cedric Velmont, would remain neutral.

Noticing Elowen's complicated expression, Astrid scooped a piece of Black Forest cake and spoke softly.

"Professor Elowen is a pleasant person to interact with, and discussing business with you is always enjoyable and comfortable."

Pausing briefly, she added, "These days of interaction have also answered a long-standing question of mine."

Elowen adjusted her glasses and asked quietly,

"What question?"

Astrid smiled and replied,

"I've always wondered how the Velmont family grew step by step to become the empire's leading business tycoon."

"I think I've found the answer in Professor Elowen."

"Your market sensitivity and openness to new ideas are remarkable. This spirit of constant exploration, experimentation, and progress is what keeps a family vibrant."

Seventy percent of this speech was commercial flattery, but thirty percent was genuine.

From perfume to newspapers, Elowen readily embraced innovation, unlike conservative aristocrats who scorned new things.

Working with such a person saved Astrid considerable effort, allowing her to focus on the product itself.

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As if she hadn't expected such words from Astrid, Elowen stared at the silver-haired princess across the table for a long moment before responding calmly.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness Astrid, but I'm not as remarkable as you suggest..."

Looking at Astrid's long silver hair fluttered in the breeze, and her delicate features looked even more striking under the shade of the parasol.

For some reason, Elowen felt a sudden twinge of certainty.

One day, Tristian might regret a decision he's made.

...

After parting ways with Elowen, Astrid left Fries Restaurant and boarded a carriage back to the palace, where she was to meet the portrait artist Elise had arranged for her.

"Miss Astrid, the person you requested is waiting in the reception room," Elise reminded softly.

Walking briskly down the palace corridor, Astrid's legs, clad in sleek black stockings, moved with effortless grace.

The sharp click of her heels against the marble tiles echoed crisply through the grand hallway.

When it came to fashion and beauty, words alone weren't enough, visual references were essential.

That meant Astrid needed a skilled portraitist who could accurately depict clothing and aesthetics.

Initially, she had considered Amalia for the task, but given their strained relationship and Amalia's lack of expertise in figure drawing, the idea was quickly abandoned.

"As expected of Elise—you work impressively fast."

Just one day after assigning the task, Elise had already found a suitable candidate, all while managing the jewelry auction preparations without a hitch.

If not for her head maid's efficiency and meticulousness, Astrid would have been buried under far more worries.

"By the way, what's her background?"

Since Elise had vetted the painter per Astrid's instructions, safety wasn't a concern. Astrid asked purely out of curiosity.

"Miss Mary Tyrell, one of the maids assigned by Countess Charlotte to attend to your household. Both her parents were tenant farmers, and she hails from a small northern village called Rist..."

Elise recounted Mary's history in detail, and Astrid listened thoughtfully.

"A maid… with tenant farmer parents..."

This information basically proved that Mary had never attended a specialized art school for further studies.

She was a down-to-earth folk painter, the kind of unconventional artist the Valeria nobles looked down upon the most.

"She taught herself to paint?"

"Well, Miss Mary came to the capital to study at the Elizabeth Academy of Magic, but unfortunately, she failed the art exam at the academy."

"Because she wasn't good at painting?"

"That's not the case. I heard from Countess Charlotte that Mary excels at portraits, and her style tends to be realistic. However, in recent years, the academy's assessments have leaned more toward classical architectural paintings."

There was another reason Elise didn't mention, but Astrid could probably guess: Mary's commoner status.

Those old-fashioned traditionalists would never allow a self-taught, lowborn painter into the Art Department of Elizabeth Academy of Magic, it would tarnish the "art" they took such pride in.

Compared to skill, these people cared more about background.

This attitude permeated every corner of the empire.

It also showed just how difficult it had been for Lyra, a commoner, to pass the entrance exam and earn her magic studies qualification, and how cruel Astrid's act of stealing her spot had been.

"Wait, Lady Charlotte knows I want someone to paint my portrait...?"

Astrid murmured, and the next second, Elise explained, "Yes, Countess Charlotte also heard that the young lady was short on funds, so she bought the jewelry at a high price, claiming she wanted to keep it for her personal collection."

"..."

Once again moved by Charlotte's gentleness and attentiveness, Astrid fluttered her eyelashes, a faint warmth blooming in her chest.

This mature and beautiful countess truly treated her like her own daughter.

When they arrived at the reception room, a black-haired girl with brown eyes, dressed in a maid's uniform, stood waiting by the door.

Seeing Astrid approach, she bowed slightly.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness Astrid."

The girl was about 1.6 meters tall, with a pretty face.

Though not as strikingly beautiful as Astrid or Lyra, there was a quiet charm to her, the more one looked, the more comforting her presence felt, carrying a subtle sense of familiarity.

"Are you Mary Tyrell?"

Facing the maid, Astrid adjusted her tone slightly, letting the natural authority of an imperial princess return to her voice, that effortless majesty that required no anger to command respect.

"Replying to Her Highness Astrid, yes, it's me."

Ordinary maids typically only followed Elise's assignments and rarely spoke directly to Astrid.

Meeting this formidable-looking third princess for the first time, Mary couldn't help feeling nervous.

Lyra observed the flustered black-haired maid and was suddenly reminded of herself.

When she first met Princess Astrid, she had been much the same - barely able to string together a complete sentence.

Princess Astrid isn't actually a bad person... She just habitually treats maids this way...

She's truly kind at heart.

Unaware of Lyra's mental reassessment, Astrid studied Mary before speaking softly, "I heard you can paint portraits. Show me your work."

"Y-yes, of course."

With slightly trembling hands, Mary produced the paintings she had prepared in advance, passing the drawing paper to Astrid.

These were works she had created during her time at Charlotte Manor.

After becoming a maid, her free time had diminished and opportunities to paint became scarce.

Accepting the drawings, Astrid gave them a cursory glance. Since Elise had vetted the artist, this inspection was merely procedural.

As expected, Mary's portraits were indeed skillful - the lines flowed smoothly, the composition was clear, and the realistic style perfectly suited newspaper illustrations.

"Mary, what's your current monthly wage?"

"Reporting to Her Highness Astrid, four gold coins and ten silver coins."

Hearing this, Lyra's eyes widened slightly as she looked up at Astrid.

This amount was more than double what an ordinary maid earned.

Was this special treatment for personal maids?

Or was there something different about Mary...

Before Lyra could ponder further, Astrid spoke measuredly.

"Would you like to earn additional income? Or perhaps leave maid service entirely."

Such artistic talent was wasted on household chores.

"Your Highness Astrid... I... don't quite understand..."

"I'll pay eight gold coins monthly. You'll only need to complete a few paintings each week. All art supplies will be provided."

For Mary, accustomed to menial work, this was an ideal opportunity - doing what she loved while earning better wages.

Seeing the clear interest in Mary's eyes, Astrid outlined her requirements and mentioned the strong possibility of future raises.

"If you agree, give me your decision by week's end."

Otherwise... we'll consider alternatives...

After a brief hesitation, Mary finally accepted Astrid's offer.

"Your Highness Astrid, I may need some painting supplies..."

Astrid nodded and glanced at the head maid.

"Elise, arrange for the painting materials. Also, take Miss Mary to get her glasses fitted."

She had noticed how Mary strained to focus her gaze. The girl's eyesight had likely deteriorated from long hours of painting.

I should remind Amalia about this tonight too, Astrid made a mental note.

How did Princess Astrid know about my nearsightedness? Mary wondered silently as she followed Elise out.

But the cost for glasses will be deducted from my pay...

After their departure, Astrid turned to Lyra. The girl stood obediently, her sky-blue eyes bright and clear.

The white silk stockings hugged her slender legs, making them appear as smooth and delicate as fresh cream.

"Lyra, accompany me to my room," Astrid said softly.

"As you wish, Your Highness."

Without hesitation, Lyra followed Astrid to the princess's bedroom.

Upon entering and approaching the bed, Astrid posed a question that seemed quite ordinary to her:

"Would you mind undressing before me?"

Lyra froze, her pupils trembling visibly.

"Wha—!?"