Princess’s Struggle for Survival

She couldn't tell if it was her imagination, but Livia had placed many books about imperial politics, economics, and history on the shelves, while miscellaneous and encyclopedic books were relatively scarce, with only one out of ten books falling into that category.

Although Amalia didn't know how much weight her sister held among the royal family, since she bore the Valeria surname, it was only natural to learn more about the empire.

There was nothing strange about that.

It was just a pity that someone like her, destined never to leave the castle, would find no use in reading so much.

The so-called descriptions of the outside world in the books were nothing more than a form of self-comfort.

Patiently finishing the last few chapters, Amalia looked up at the clock. It was exactly 10:00. Livia would be here soon.

Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Amalia closed the book, stepped into her small leather shoes, and walked down the spiral staircase with a tap-tap sound.

The temperature wasn't too low today, and she wasn't wearing a nightgown, so waiting a little longer wouldn't be a problem.

Reaching the first floor, feeling the evening breeze, Amalia stood by the railing, gazing absentmindedly at the exit.

After an unknown amount of time, familiar footsteps came from outside the castle.

Amalia leaned forward slightly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the visitor half a second earlier.

Livia was carrying a large bag. Seeing Amalia standing gracefully at the door, she was momentarily stunned.

Today, Amalia wasn't wearing her usual silk nightgown but had changed into a casual outfit she hadn't seen before, a white princess dress with lotus-leaf pleats, long sleeves made of satin that covered her arms down to her wrists, adorned with tassels and bows at the waist.

Her golden hair was tied back with a ribbon, but most of it still cascaded down her back like a waterfall.

Looking down, her smooth legs were encased in delicate white stockings, the sock tops featuring a playful lace design.

Her calves were as white and smooth as milk, contrasting with the black leather shoes she wore, creating a striking and adorable look.

"Why are you dressed so formally today?" Livia asked softly, the items in her hands clinking with a metallic sound.

Hearing this, Amalia smiled slightly, her face tilting forward with a faint smile.

"I just wanted to see my sister before I had a chance to bathe tonight."

Usually, living alone in the castle, she didn't have to worry too much about her appearance. But now that Livia was here, Amalia naturally wanted to change herself.

Just as cats and dogs would act cute to gain their owner's affection, and children would cry to get their parents' attention, Amalia felt that neither of these methods suited her and Livia.

So, she decided to use another approach.

For example, dressing up cuter might make Livia like her more.

Seeing Livia carrying a large bag, Amalia obediently reached out to help, but Livia shook her head and gently refused.

"I'll handle it. It's too heavy for you."

With such a large load, even Livia had to use strength-enhancing magic to carry it, let alone the petite Amalia.

Seeing that Livia didn't intend to let her help carry the large bag, Amalia obediently nodded, took the small bag the woman had placed at her waist, and spoke softly.

"Good morning, sister..."

"And, I missed you."

The girl's cool yet slightly sweet voice blended into the evening breeze, gently carried into the ears like the melodious chirping of a forest bird.

Hearing this, Livia smiled slightly, looking at the golden-haired loli dressed up in front of her, and slowly spoke.

"I missed you too, Amalia."

Receiving her affirmation, Amalia remained composed on the surface, but the slight brightness in her emerald eyes betrayed her current joy.

She liked it when Livia responded this way.

Though it was just a few simple words, it greatly satisfied her otherwise empty heart.

Walking up the spiral staircase inside the castle, listening to the reassuring sound of high heels clicking on the tiles, each step like raindrops falling on a lake, creating subtle ripples.

Amalia held an oil lamp, her fluffy princess dress swaying slightly with her slender, smooth white-stockinged legs, creating arcs in the air.

By the faint candlelight, Amalia caught a glimpse of the large shadow cast behind Livia and softly asked.

"What's in sister's bag?"

"Which bag are you asking about, Amalia?"

"Both."

Usually, Livia didn't carry so many things, so Amalia rarely had the chance to help her.

But this time, the latter could clearly feel the weight of the small bag, which looked bulging and made slight noises with movement, likely filled with many items.

Were those dark green medicines?

As Amalia pondered, Livia casually brushed aside a strand of golden hair that had fallen by her hand, her cherry lips parting slightly, confirming her guess.

"That bag has the medicine I need to take today and tomorrow, along with some grape juice and snacks."

As soon as she finished speaking, Livia pointed to the large package she was currently carrying and whispered.

"This one has some food for tomorrow and some small toys to pass the time."

"After all, we'll be spending the whole day together. We can't just lie in bed all day, telling stories from morning till afternoon."

The entertainment options in this world were limited, unlike her previous life, where she could take her sister out for a meal or a movie when she was tired from work.

For a child like Amalia, who lived alone in the castle and had no interaction with the outside world, entertainment options were even fewer.

Without the afternoon teas and social gatherings the nobles loved, even taking a walk was confined to this small area, and going out was a distant dream.

Hearing this, Amalia fell silent for a moment, her steps slowing slightly, before she spoke softly.

"As long as I'm with sister, even lying in bed all day wouldn't be boring."

Often, she didn't need Livia to do anything special. Just holding her and talking aimlessly was enough to make Amalia very happy.

As for the occasional desire for more, she could still control it for now, Amalia didn't want her overly intense emotions to scare this gentle and kind sister who treated her so well.

Hearing this, Livia's eyes curved into a smile.

She freed one hand and gently patted Amalia's head, adjusting her hairband and lightly pressing the bow at the edge.

"Alright, I understand."

The more she interacted with Amalia, the more Livia realized that beneath the cold and aloof exterior of this golden-haired girl lay a clingy and straightforward heart.

If the original Astrid had shown her a little care and love, things wouldn't have ended so badly later.

Arriving at the room, Livia put down the bags she was carrying. Just as she sat on the bed, she felt a warm and soft sensation on her lap.

Amalia parted her knees and sat directly on Livia's thighs, her small hard-soled shoes falling to the floor with a clatter.

"Sister..."

The girl's voice suddenly became low. Amalia hugged Livia, her hands moving up from her slender waist to gently rest on the woman's back.

As if trying to merge her into her body, Amalia's grip gradually tightened.

She leaned her head against Livia's neck, her breath brushing against the skin like a fine feather lightly sweeping, causing a ticklish sensation.

"You haven't yet..."

Amalia paused halfway, lifting her face to look at Livia.

"...kissed me."

Feeling the warmth so close and looking into those clear, bright eyes, Livia blinked a few times and slowly lowered her head.

Since that one time, Amalia had been eagerly remembering it. Because of this, their meetings now included an additional activity besides hugging.

A kiss on the forehead.

As sisters, a kiss on the forehead was neither overly intimate nor too distant, perfectly expressing their closeness.

Feeling the light touch on her forehead, the golden-haired loli slightly closed her eyes.

After Livia finished, Amalia used her knees to lift herself slightly, bringing her pink lips close to the woman's smooth forehead, returning the gesture in the same manner.

Physical contact was often more infectious than words.

Amalia loved this way of expressing emotions, especially when it was with Livia, her dearest sister.

After the brief kiss, Livia released Amalia, who had buried her face in her chest.

The latter, being considerate, got up from her embrace, found the small shoes she had kicked off earlier, bent down, and gently lifted her white-stockinged feet, hooking her fingers into the heels to put them back on.

"Amalia, what did you have for dinner?"

"Fried beef, fried tomatoes, some mashed potatoes, and pea soup."

"That's good. No fried fish, which you dislike the most."

Livia took out a small burlap bag from her bag and softly called out to Auri.

"Auri, come eat."