Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 525: Seriously

This was a pivotal moment in the war between the Kingdom of Velys and the Valeria Empire. Regardless of Monica’s intentions, the moment these words left her lips tonight, the balance of victory will inevitably tilt slightly in favor of the Valeria Empire.

The composition of the personnel guarding the holy relic, the true reason behind the Pope’s revision of the new scripture, the collective sentiment within the Kingdom of Velys, any one of these secrets, once exposed by Monica Angelis, would lead to her being condemned by the Church, even the entire kingdom.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Monica fluttered her eyelashes. Her pale golden eyes slowly lifted, gazing at the silver-haired girl before her.

"Everything I do is for the sake of the majority."

"My fundamental motivation is faith in the Lord, and carrying out His will."

The woman’s voice was low and devout, her expression carried a faint but firm determination.

"Yet, Miss Monica, what you’re doing now is plunging the Kingdom of Velys into civil unrest."

"Is that truly the Lord’s will?"

Astrid’s tone remained calm. Her crimson eyes fixed on Monica, the gaze she cast down carrying such scrutiny that it created an illusion in Monica’s mind, the figure in the light mirror was the same majestic, solemn statue standing within the central cathedral of the Church of Light.

And she herself was kneeling, hands clasped in prayer, undergoing an examination of faith.

After a moment, Monica spoke softly.

"The Lord is the merciful and compassionate mother of all creation, the source of all light and warmth. He loves humanity equally, like the sun in the sky, warm and radiant. As His believer, I too must love humanity."

"War crushes human nature and distorts life. Protecting people from war is the blessing granted by the Lord in the scriptures."

"Today, some have abandoned the teachings, raising the banner of false faith to wage war. This is blasphemy against the Lord’s will and desecration of the Father of all Gods."

"Punishing sinners is, in itself, without sin."

In the scriptures, standing beside the Lord was the God of Judgment, who purifies evil and erases sin. Even the founding doctrine of the Church’s Knight Order was rooted in this very principle.

"Those who commit sins go unpunished, yet those who rise up and strive to restore faith to its rightful path are condemned, blamed for lacking devotion and endurance."

"Princess Astrid, I believe you wouldn’t approve of such actions."

In Monica’s view, both the Kingdom of Velys and the Church of Light have become corrupt, riddled with internal contradictions and suspicions. The powerful elites refused to compromise and leveraged the ability to implement reform, leading to the current state of affairs.

The brainwashed commoners fight to the death on the battlefield, while those giving the orders sit in their opulent palaces, treating everything as a necessary sacrifice.

"I’m simply choosing to stand on the side of the majority."

Finishing, Monica straightened her posture slightly. Her light golden eyes reflected Astrid’s pale face as she spoke softly.

"If the person I was speaking with weren’t Princess Astrid, I wouldn’t have chosen to cooperate with the nobles of the Valeria Empire or speak these words just now."

"You are an individual with exceptional insight, and remarkable rationality."

In their limited interactions, Monica had sensed Astrid’s genuine kindness toward the common people. Unlike the majority of Valeria Empire nobles who knew only pleasure, Astrid’s vision, abilities, and intellect far surpass her peers.

Most importantly, Astrid Calliste possesses a heart as merciful and compassionate as the Lord’s. Her status as the Lord’s Proxy meant she wouldn’t use this advantageous intelligence like a tyrant, directing vengeful fury towards the common people.

After listening to Monica, Astrid lowered her hand from her thigh, her expression thoughtful.

In the original storyline, Monica chose to cooperate with Lyra because they shared certain similarities, their mutual disdain for the child-empress’s militaristic regime and their sympathy and compassion for the common folk.

She hadn’t expected that in this timeline, that person would become herself.

"Miss Monica flatters me," Astrid said softly.

"However, your thoughts truly match the position you hold."

Although she looked like a succubus, Monica was actually a merciful and benevolent Saintess of Light.

Hearing Astrid’s words, Monica’s expression faded slightly. Her golden eyes seemed to tremble faintly. Her legs pressed together, and her delicate, fine-stockinged white feet shifted, causing the thin black high heels behind her buttocks to slightly touch.

After a few seconds, she calmed the intense trembling in her chest. A visible flush colored her pale cheeks, and even her voice took on a subtle change, as if submerged in water.

"To receive such praise from Princess Astrid..."

"Monica... feels deeply honorable...."

What could be more exhilarating than a devout clergywoman being praised by the Lord’s embodiment?

At this moment, Monica felt her body growing warm, her mind drifting into a dazed state of overwhelming joy.

The Lord’s Proxy had acknowledged that her path was correct, that her faith remained steadfast.

Even if countless former colleagues had turned away from her, walking down different roads, as long as she still stood on the Lord’s side and followed the path bestowed by His grace, Monica could continue forward with unwavering resolution.

Why does she seem... happier than I would be if Astrid praised me...

Watching Monica’s flushed face in the light mirror, Lyra quietly pressed her lips together. Her gaze swept over the woman’s delicate body, trembling slightly from excitement, and those two parts that resembled soft clouds, yet when quivering, resembled jiggling custard pudding, so proudly full and abundant.

And... why is she blushing like that...

A faint twinge of jealousy rose within her. Lyra lowered her head, glancing at her pristine knight’s breastplate. Her palm slowly pressed against the armor’s surface, her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of white. Her legs pressed together as she pondered something silently.

Inside the room, it wasn’t just Lyra who noticed Monica’s odd behavior, Astrid, too, sensed something amiss about the woman in the mirror.

Why is her reaction to that sentence... So intense?

It felt as if she had done something strange to this Saintess of Light.

Recalling everything that had happened tonight, Monica’s near-total openness with her, Astrid narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke slowly.

"Miss Monica... do you care deeply about my opinion of you?"

Facing Astrid’s question, Monica gave a slight nod.

"Princess Astrid and the Lord I serve... share certain similarities...."

As Monica finished speaking, Astrid raised an eyebrow, her confusion deepening.

For a devout believer to equate a living person with her own faith, was that appropriate?

Did Monica truly believe the omniscient, omnipotent Lord wasn’t a singular, unparalleled existence?

Noticing Astrid’s subtle reaction, Monica, now returned to her composed Saintess demeanor, gracefully released her hands and gently adjusted her clothing.

"Princess Astrid may not understand what I mean, but it’s alright."

The scriptures speak of the Lord’s incarnations walking the earth, some of whom were unaware of their true identities. Astrid’s reaction was actually normal.

However, someone who had accomplished so many great deeds, standing at the center of the era’s tide, at the convergence of all critical events, could only be the Lord’s Proxy.

The silver-haired statewoman who had nurtured the Valeria Empire’s new emperor, the great pioneer who invented the imperial weekly and improved magi-mechanical devices, the young regent admired and followed by the Holy Light Knights, the great Astrid Calliste.

"If you can end this long-standing war and lead humanity into a new era, my concept will be absolutely correct."

After speaking, Monica straightened her posture. Her slender nun’s robe could not hide her magnificent figure. It was as if she deliberately displayed her beautiful form, her golden garter belt between her legs was clearly visible.

"Then, I shall become Princess Astrid’s devoted follower, serving you for life, offering you my everything, including my soul and body."

Serving the supreme Lord was the duty and honor of every Saintess of Light.

Serving Astrid... offering... soul and body...

Upon hearing this, Lyra’s eyelid twitched involuntarily. Her sky-blue eyes turned toward Astrid beside her. Her heart clenched tightly, but she couldn’t voice her feelings due to the seriousness of the matter.

What on Earth is going on?

About half a minute passed. Sensing the sincerity in Monica’s gaze, Astrid vaguely began to understand something. Fleeting glimmers passed through her crimson eyes.

Could this Saintess of Light... possibly have mistaken her for some strange existence?

That would explain why she placed such trust in her.

Quickly reviewing the possibilities in her mind, Astrid roughly identified the reasons behind Monica’s assumption, the ever-present Lyra, the chosen one of destiny, and the holy relic that allowed mid-range communication with the holy sword, something Monica knew clearly despite never having met her.

Considering it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing to let Monica continue with this misunderstanding, indeed, it could benefit their upcoming plans, Astrid chose not to clarify the matter, merely responding slightly.

"I, too, hope that day comes, Miss Monica."

She truly hoped she could end the war and let magi-mechanical devices flourish.

Hearing this, Monica gave a slight nod and spoke gently.

"Princess Astrid, shall we end our conversation here for tonight?"

"Though I possess the holy relic and can temporarily borrow its blessings, the guards come by at regular intervals to confirm its presence, ensuring it hasn’t been lost."

This was a safety measure, no one could afford the responsibility of losing the holy relic, not even Monica.

"Understood, Miss Monica." Astrid lowered her crossed, silk-covered legs, her voice soft.

"I look forward to our next conversation."

Monica nodded. "Likewise, Princess Astrid."

After finalizing the details for their next contact, the light mirror gradually faded, its scattered light-element particles dispersing into the air. At last, everything returned to silence.

"The Sword of Light, when fully activated, can resonate with nearby holy relics to establish a connection."

Inside the bedroom, Astrid sat on the edge of the bed, holding Lyra’s holy sword. She placed the translucent light blade and the silver-white scabbard, engraved with flowers, onto her thigh, pressing down on the smooth silk and soft flesh underneath.

Tonight’s experiment was a complete success. The specific form of communication between the Holy Sword and the holy relic was somewhat similar to a video call from her past life.

As long as Lyra initiated the call, Monica would feel a tremor. Whether she answered or not depended on her willingness, the Holy Sword couldn’t force a connection.

Which was good, actually. It prevented Monica, who might be under surveillance, from being exposed by an unexpected call.

After patiently organizing the night’s findings, Astrid returned the sword to Lyra. The moment Lyra grasped the scabbard, her body shivered slightly.

"?"

The session had ended long ago, why was she still distracted?

"Lyra?" Astrid spoke softly, her gaze settling on the pink-haired girl’s profile.

Hearing her name, Lyra’s ears flushed faintly. Her white-stockinged legs pressed tightly together, not a single gap remaining.

"What is it, Astrid?"

"..."

Seeing Lyra somewhat out of it, Astrid blinked, casually lifting a strand of silver hair and planting a kiss on the girl’s cheek.

"Eh?" Caught completely off guard by her lover’s action, Lyra froze.

The lips on her skin lingered for less than a second before Astrid spoke.

"Just as I thought, warm."

"Were you thinking about kissing?"

"..."

"...Yes."

"Then this time, Lyra should take the initiative..."

Ten minutes later, walking into the washroom to bathe and change, Lyra’s face was flushed red. Even her hands, resting on the edge of her pantyhose as she undressed, trembled slightly.

If Astrid hadn’t brought it up... she wouldn’t have thought about kissing...

But since her partner mentioned it, she simply admitted and accepted it openly.

After all, she truly enjoyed it... the feeling of kissing Astrid...

After removing all her clothes, Lyra stepped under the showerhead, letting the hot water soak her entire body, dispelling the growing chill as her skin was exposed.

What truly embarrassed her, though, was... Astrid’s grip on the Holy Sword...

While fully activating the Holy Sword for complete communication, part of Lyra’s spirit was actually linked to the blade, though "linked" might not be the perfect word. Ever since the Holy Sword had recognized her as its master, the blade and its later manifested scabbard had become extensions of Lyra’s own body.

During battles, Lyra deliberately blocked out these sensations to prevent her spirit from being harmed by blades and magic. So tonight, when establishing the connection with the holy relic, she had felt the scabbard’s surface texture again after a long time.

At first, it was fine, Astrid merely used her soft, cool palms to gently caress the scabbard, her delicate skin like fine silk, sliding and rubbing back and forth.

But later, after the light mirror displaying Monica’s faded image, Astrid, lost in thought, placed the scabbard on her thigh, touching it with one hand while lightly resting her smooth elbow against the other side.

Thus, Lyra could clearly feel the tactile sensations from both sides, skin and stockings pressing against the scabbard.

That unique warmth from the Regent’s thighs, slightly light yet incredibly smooth, radiating gentle heat.