Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 132: But what does it matter to him what Astrid prefers?

"Tomorrow, I will be with the Fourth Princess all day. If anyone asks for me, tell them Princess Astrid is too tired to receive guests today and to come back the day after tomorrow."

"Meals will be served as usual. Bring the food to my bedroom to create the illusion that someone is there. Also, Elise, make sure all the maids stay away tomorrow. If you have time, you can guard the room yourself, so there's no need to tell them. It will look more natural that way."

"Lyra, you too. Follow Elise's arrangements."

Although Lucas is not in the capital, his spies are still around.

Additionally, Hibbort probably doesn't want his precious daughter to have too much contact with the tainted princess, so Astrid had to conceal her interactions with Amalia as much as possible.

"Understood, Miss Astrid."

Hearing Elise's response, Lyra was a bit slow to react but quickly replied, "Oh... yes, Your Highness."

Will she be with the Fourth Princess for that long? That means she won't see Princess Astrid all day...

"Also, regarding the newspaper sales, Elise, keep an eye on the market news during this time. Try to find some talented individuals to prepare for establishing an intelligence network."

From the moment she chose to intervene in the struggle for the throne, the needle of fate had already shifted.

Although she had the original story as a foundation, who could guarantee that the series of butterfly effects she triggered wouldn't lead to significant changes in the plot later on?

Even for her own sake, Astrid had to plan ahead to ensure that even if the two princes didn't eliminate each other in their struggle, she could still use enough political leverage to force Lucas and Alistair to acknowledge Amalia's legitimacy to the throne.

Gaining the support of the Velmont family was the first step. Using Amalia's royal bloodline as a foundation was the second step.

Establishing a newspaper to control public opinion was the third step.

After that, she would need to enter the Elizabeth Academy of Magic to understand the most important and fundamental magical rules of this world before making further plans.

"As you wish, Miss Astrid," Elise replied.

When Astrid first established the newspaper, she had already received Emperor Hibbort's permission and support, effectively giving it an official background.

Much of the intelligence didn't need to be sought out; it would come to her on its own.

However, since it had an official background, the intelligence channels that Astrid Calliste could use were also available to Lucas Valeria, who had royal blood.

He could easily manipulate them. Astrid's words clearly indicated that she wanted Elise to start cultivating trusted individuals now, establishing a private intelligence organization that originated from the royal family but was free from the control of other members.

Miss Astrid has put in a lot of effort to ensure Amalia's succession.

On the other hand, listening to Astrid's calm and cool voice as she instructed the head maid, Lyra pursed her lips, feeling a warmth in her heart.

Princess Astrid has many maids, but only she and Elise are trusted enough to share future plans in the same room.

A sense of joy from being trusted spread through her chest, gradually extending to her limbs.

Lyra couldn't help but think that in Princess Astrid's heart, she might also be someone special.

Just a little less than Elise, who has been by her side for many years... If it weren't for that strange imaginary rival status, it would be even better...

As Lyra was lost in her thoughts, another key figure who seemed to stand between them but actually didn't exist, Tristian Velmont, was sitting in his room, listening to his servants' reports.

"My lord, Princess Astrid said she is unavailable to meet tomorrow and asked you to come another time."

Oh? Astrid actually refused?

Tristian was busy signing documents when he heard this. His quill paused, and a slight surprise crossed his mind.

In his impression, the silver-haired princess had invited him to dinner countless times, but he had always declined, citing busy official duties.

Apart from that one time in the private room discussing transaction details, they had never dined together.

This time, he had taken the initiative to invite Astrid out for dinner, but she had refused so decisively. It didn't make sense.

Didn't she like him? Why would she pass up such a good opportunity...

Seeing Lord Tristian frown slightly, the servant hesitated, unsure whether to continue. Soon, the man spoke.

"What are you waiting for? Continue."

"Yes, my lord."

The servant nodded and continued, "The sales report for last month's coarse wheat beer is out... The profit increase in Capital City is higher than in Lelin, while Kole City continues to decline..."

"Miss Lina has recently secured a new deal to purchase smoked meat from scattered farmers..."

Listening to the servant's firsthand reports, Tristian flexed his wrist, the fine tip of his quill scratching against the parchment.

After a quarter of an hour, the servant finished his report. Tristian dismissed him, instructing him to close the door, and leaned back in his chair.

First, he silently digested the business matters, then considered how to train his younger sister Lina. His thoughts extended until they finally settled on the first matter the servant had mentioned.

The image of the silver-haired, black-dressed beauty flashed through his mind.

Tristian frowned, his broad fingers rhythmically tapping the desk, producing a soft tapping sound.

Recently, Astrid's impression in his mind had indeed changed.

Not only because of her perfume-making skills, which were even more refined than his aunt's, but also because of her surprising negotiation skills and business acumen.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Tristian would never have associated these traits with the love-struck woman who had once pursued him relentlessly.

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Astrid really has become different from before...

Realizing this, and recalling the elegant imperial princess dining at the table, and the business partner who hadn't even glanced at him during the ribbon-cutting ceremony,

Tristian keenly sensed a faint sense of dissonance.

Can a person change so suddenly? It seems too far-fetched...

Or were Astrid's previous foolish actions just an act when Lucas was around?

Thinking carefully about the recent intelligence, Prince Lucas's transfer from Capital City was a sudden decree from Emperor Hibbort, while Astrid's contact with the Velmont family had occurred long before that. The timing didn't match.

Perhaps he was mistaken, and Astrid had simply become more intelligent, hence her composed demeanor.

But does she still like him? Or is everything she's done these days just a ploy to play hard to get...

Undeniably, her actions had indeed piqued his curiosity.

Recalling Astrid's passionate and affectionate gaze in the past, and the radiant mood she exuded whenever they met, these didn't seem like an act. Tristian tapped the desk, quickly confirming his thoughts.

Astrid must be doing this to get his attention. There's no other explanation.

Selectively ignoring the contradictions in his thoughts, Tristian picked up the Empire Monthly on the table, his fingers resting on the corner as he flipped through the pages.

As the heir to the Velmont family and the future Duke, Tristian had naturally read the newspaper thoroughly before its release and had a deep understanding of each section.

The eye-catching fashion section, the professional jewelry evaluations, the art appreciation for certain audiences, and the serialized novel to build anticipation, these sections, when broken down, shared many similarities with various techniques in business activities.

However, after hearing from Elowen that the novel was personally written by Princess Astrid, reading it now gave him a new experience.

Tristian looked at the story's domineering imperial prince, his eyes darkening.

What... Does Astrid prefer this type now...

A moment later, Tristian realized what he had just been thinking and frowned, putting down the newspaper.

But what does it matter to him what Astrid prefers?

....

In the castle, Amalia stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the sleeves of her dress near her wrists.

Her smooth golden hair, which was usually left loose, was tied back with a milky white ribbon, the edges adorned with a light pink bow. The lace material added a touch of cuteness to the girl.

Livia had said she would stay today and spend the entire day with her tomorrow.

Looking at the doll-like golden-haired girl in the mirror, Amalia brushed her hair, hiding her small, cute ears within the strands.

The hem of her lotus-leaf skirt swayed slightly with her movements.

Glancing up at the clock, it was 8:20. There was still some time before Livia would arrive.

Outside the window, the crescent moon hung low, the ink-black night sky dotted with scattered stars.

Tick-tock, tick-tock... The clock continued to move, producing a series of soft sounds...

After waiting for twenty minutes, Amalia realized that sitting idly wouldn't help, so she opened the book on the desk and continued reading from where she had left off earlier in the day.

"In fact, after stripping the Holy Light Church of its religious authority in the empire, the emperor held all the power in the empire. Whether it was the four dukes or the small merchants, they were all unified under the imperial authority, existing to defend it."

"To some extent, this prevented the empire from repeating the Three Lords' War of the Kingdom of Velys and greatly weakened the Holy Light Church's influence within the country."

"Undoubtedly, this young fifth king shaped the backbone of the entire empire, and it was this series of reforms that ensured the Valeria Empire could stand tall on the land despite the storms."

Reading about the political reforms recorded in the book, Amalia's eyes deepened as she tried to immerse herself in the reading.