Astrid's innate reservoir of mental energy was relatively low compared to ordinary individuals.
This deficiency manifested in spellcasting as a severe lack of endurance. If forced into direct combat against a mage of equivalent rank, without resorting to ancient magic or relying on her exceptional ice-element affinity, the Imperial First Princess would most likely lose due to premature exhaustion of her mental energy.
The reason this disadvantage had never been exposed until now was mainly because, whether as the Third Princess, the First Princess, or the Regent, Astrid had never needed to personally engage in battle.
As for security, the head maid skilled in infiltration and assassination, along with Lyra, whose combat prowess in direct confrontation was overwhelming, were more than sufficient to protect Astrid.
