Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 119: Small Disappointment

Similar questions weren't the first time Amalia had asked. Livia remembered the last time she was asked, when Amalia was curious about what type of girl she preferred.

Although her answer had been ambiguous at the time, she had given a relatively clear response by the end of the conversation.

She liked gentler people, whether it was the head maid who took care of her, the Countess who doted on her, or the heroine of destiny, Lyra. These people all shared a common trait: they were gentle and not at all impatient.

Compared to them, Livia actually didn't like the tyrant emperor from the later parts of the novel.

If she had arrived in this world a few years later, she would have undoubtedly stood on the opposite side of Amalia, in a life-and-death struggle.

This antagonism didn't just stem from the plot but more from their personalities and values.

By that time, Amalia had become a cold-blooded warmonger, and everything she did was solely for revenge and venting her emotions. She was far from being a qualified Emperor.

"Why are you suddenly asking me this?" Livia asked softly.

Amalia pursed her lips and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Because I read about it in your story."

Just looking at the current part of the plot didn't reveal much, but Amalia had noticed the rough outline Livia had left aside, which mentioned that this domineering and cold prince would eventually fall in love with the heroine and live happily ever after.

As an artist, Amalia deeply understood that no matter whether an author injected their personal biases or deliberately mixed in their own emotions, their thoughts and perceptions would inevitably seep into the work to some extent.

If the protagonist Livia wrote was so domineering, did that mean there was a small part of her that might like such a person?

Someone who could be gentle at times, domineering at others, and once they set their sights on a goal, would remain fiercely loyal.

After hearing Amalia's words and realizing that her soon-to-be-published story had been read from start to finish by this younger sister, Livia appeared calm on the surface, but her internal embarrassment grew more intense.

"This is just a story I wrote for others to read..."

"I don't like people who are domineering or ostentatious."

This statement wasn't just to express her true feelings but also to subtly guide Amalia.

Livia knew why Amalia was asking these questions. It was nothing more than a fear that Livia might dislike her or distance herself from her.

That's why Amalia was trying so hard to understand what Livia liked and disliked. This careful attempt to please was especially evident in children who had long lacked love.

Amalia was afraid of losing everything she had now. No matter how much she understood or how well Livia treated her, it couldn't fundamentally solve her lack of security.

Happy people are healed by their childhood, while unfortunate people spend their lives healing from it.

This was a fear that had accumulated over the years. Only when Amalia truly became independent could she break free from these shackles and become an emperor who wasn't completely controlled by her emotions.

Hearing this, Amalia lowered her eyes, the light in them flickering.

Livia... doesn't like domineering people...

After a moment, Amalia masked her disappointment and looked up, her tone slightly tinged with jealousy.

"Who are you writing this story for...?"

Could it be for Princess Astrid?

Even the slightest possibility of this thought caused Amalia's existing animosity toward Astrid to deepen uncontrollably.

That silver-haired woman... it would be best if she stayed as far away from Livia as possible...

Sensing the faint hint of jealousy in Amalia's words, Livia gently patted the girl's head and spoke softly.

"It's not for any specific person but for a group of people who enjoy such stories. The clothing recommendations earlier were for the same purpose."

Livia patiently explained to Amalia the process of publishing a magazine and analyzing customer needs. The golden-haired girl nodded thoughtfully after listening and said softly,

"So, you're using this story to attract readers..."

"Yes, Amalia, you're very clever."

Livia was somewhat surprised that this young princess, who had spent most of her life in the depths of the palace, could understand so thoroughly. Her tone carried a hint of praise, which Amalia found particularly pleasing.

"I've read a bit of the history of the Valeria Empire, and it hinted at the general rules of commercial activities," Amalia said.

Delving into a book with a calm mind was far more effective than skimming through it hastily.

Not to mention, Amalia had read that book multiple times, and she was almost familiar with every part of it.

Her understanding of the subject was naturally clearer than that of an average person.

For Livia to sell her magazine, the product needed to be attractive enough.

Just like her biological mother, who would choose her daily attire based on the types of customers at the tavern to ensure she received as many tips as possible.

Recalling the cruel woman from her childhood who was indifferent to her and quick to scold or beat her, Amalia clenched her fingers, her long lashes trembling slightly.

If she hadn't been useful, she might not even have gotten a single piece of coarse wheat bread for the entire day.

She could have been thrown into some alley and left to starve on the seemingly prosperous streets of the imperial capital.

She wasn't worthy of being compared to Livia...

Seeing the emerald eyes shimmering in the candlelight, Livia smiled gently.

"I've also read the history of the Valeria Empire, but it wasn't as detailed as yours."

According to the original plot, Amalia could only access these books through the corrupt maid.

The latter probably never expected that the person she was extorting would be the future empress of the Valeria Empire, and those seemingly insignificant books would have a profound impact on her.

"Amalia, being too modest isn't good either."

Hearing Livia praise her again, a faint sense of joy welled up in Amalia's eyes.

She gently wrapped her arms around Livia's arm, her slightly rising chest pressing against the other's skin, feeling the warmth radiating through the fabric of the dress.

"Sister, have you finished writing it?"

"Yes." Even if she hadn't finished, Livia would have said so. Her primary purpose in coming to the castle was to accompany Amalia.

Everything else was secondary and could be put aside if necessary.

Hearing this, Amalia rested her head on Livia's shoulder, her golden hair brushing against the hem of the dress, intertwining with Livia's own strands, making it hard to distinguish whose was whose.

Breathing in the comforting scent of Livia, Amalia closed her eyes and leaned against her quietly, like a kitten that had completely let its guard down and snuggled up to its owner.

Seeing the exposed part of the girl's leg, Livia used her other hand to gently pull down Amalia's nightgown, covering the smooth skin.

After holding Livia for a while in the warm atmosphere, Amalia suddenly spoke.

"Sister... I want to take you somewhere..."

A place only she had been to, a place no one else had ever visited.

Hearing this, Livia raised her delicate hand, her slender fingers brushing a strand of golden hair behind Amalia's ear, her voice soft as water.

"...Where do you want to take me?"

They had even shared the same bed. Was there any place they couldn't go together?

"You'll know when we get there."

"Amalia nuzzled her head against Livia, her tone carrying a hint of playful affection."

Seeing the girl so eager, Livia smiled slightly, touched the small bag at her waist containing potions and snacks, and replied gently.

"Let me go to the bathroom first. We'll leave when I come back."

"Okay." After hearing Livia's words, Amalia reluctantly let go.

Livia left the room, went to the bathroom, and drank a transformation potion.

After washing her hands and splashing some water, she opened the door to see Amalia standing gracefully in the hallway, her eyes flickering with a hint of thought as she looked at her.

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"Let's go, Amalia~"

As soon as Livia finished speaking, Amalia naturally wrapped her arm around Livia's, her body pressing close, the fabric of her nightgown wrinkling slightly in the narrow space.

Before Livia could say anything more, Amalia's hand slid down her arm and gently landed in Livia's palm, not minding the dampness from the recent washing.

Her index finger found the gap between Livia's fingers and lightly brushed against it.

After two or three seconds, confirming that Livia wasn't going to let go, a faint light appeared in Amalia's eyes. Her fingers moved up and cleverly interlocked with Livia's.

What had started as a simple hand-hold between sisters gradually turned into a more intimate intertwining of fingers under Amalia's deliberate maneuvering.

Amalia's skin was tender, and holding her hand felt soft, almost as if there were no bones, like grasping a cool, gentle snow.

Livia exhaled softly through her nose, letting Amalia know she was aware of her little trick.

Amalia didn't show any shyness but instead tightened her grip, interlocking their fingers more firmly.

The warmth transmitted through their palms created a relaxing atmosphere that made Amalia feel as if the flow of blood in her body had slowed down.

She could almost sense the pulse of Livia's veins through her skin, her sensitive fingertips brushing against the back of Livia's hand as if kissing every line.

Walking half a step ahead of Livia, Amalia's face remained calm as they ascended the deep, dark staircase.

The castle was tall, second only to the main palace in the imperial grounds. As Livia followed Amalia upward, their nearly synchronized footsteps echoed in her ears.

When they reached the top floor and the door covered in a thin layer of dust, Livia realized Amalia intended to push it open.

She softly chanted a spell, summoning a breeze to blow away the dust.

Gripping the handle, the iron door creaked softly as Amalia pushed it open slightly.

The cool evening breeze ruffled their hair, blending their scents together and dispersing them into the air.

Stepping outside, they found themselves on a spacious terrace. Leaving the corridor, their view suddenly expanded.

"This is a place I've come to alone many times before."

Amalia released Livia's hand, her voice soft as she clasped her hands behind her back and walked slowly.

The terrace was exceptionally quiet, with only Amalia's voice and the crisp sound of her sandals on the ground breaking the silence.

Livia looked up and saw the entire dome of the sky covered in a blue glow, the vast expanse dotted with countless dazzling stars, pure and immaculate.

Amalia stood under the moonlight, her white nightgown wrapping around her slender waist.

She pursed her lips, her delicate, snow-white legs standing straight, her golden hair cascading down like a beautiful and fragile elf.

"Sister, isn't the scenery here more beautiful than anywhere else in the palace?"

Amalia stopped about two meters away from Livia, her voice gentle.

Livia's expression softened, her cherry-colored lips parting slightly.

"Yes... I've never seen such a beautiful night sky..."

The stars twinkling thousands of light-years away cast a thin, faint light over the earth, the brilliant constellations shining in harmony, eternally surrounding the world.

Seeing the starlight reflected in Livia's eyes, Amalia smiled slightly, her voice clear.

"I'm glad you like it."

Noticing Amalia's visibly relaxed demeanor, Livia blinked, her emerald-green eyes like a clear spring, shimmering with the light of the stars.

"Why... did you suddenly bring me here?" Livia asked softly.

The evening breeze blew, and the surroundings were silent, a perfect place for a heart-to-heart.