Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress-Chapter 678: You Were Worth It

"Alright then," Ferdinand sighed deeply. "I used five of my mana cores to remove the cursed spell and used ten more to mend your mana heart back. So fifteen mana cores."

"Fifteen mana cores?!!"

Σ(ﾟ口ﾟ;)//

Σ(ﾟ口ﾟ;)//

Σ(ﾟ口ﾟ;)//

Everyone from the long-lived races in the room was shocked. Even Rendell who usually does not react was wide-eyed with his mouth agape. He did not know it cost Ferdinand that much.

[I... I cost him that much?!!!] Alwin was horrified.

’This is bad. He would further try to do everything for Ferdinand without a care for himself,’ Arabella got worried.

Alwin was already throwing everything just to get Ferdinand’s approval which he thought he did not have yet. Alwin still thought he was very much lacking and thought that Ferdinand and his other elders did not approve of him yet because he was still lacking.

Arabella knew Alwin was already very much capable but what happened in their previous life could not be erased since they both knew it and it was weighing down heavily on Alwin no matter how many times she told him not to blame himself for it.

Alwin kept trying to blame her with his words but internally, he blamed himself the most for everything that happened. And that was why he kept having an attitude towards her in the past because of all the frustration he was feeling as he blamed himself.

No words from Arabella had been able to stop him from blaming himself. Thus, knowing that Ferdinand had saved him at such a price would further make Alwin feel like it was his responsibility to ensure Ferdinand was happy in this life.

’What should I do?’ Arabella wondered if there was anything she could do so Alwin’s obsession and self-blame would not worsen due to this.

After all, mana cores could also be said as a lifeline for the long-lived races and one of the reasons they could live for so long. Fifteen mana cores could be equal to fifteen times Ferdinand could have died but used his mana cores to survive.

[He is a Great Primordial indeed. Despite using fifteen mana cores on Alwin, he still has such an imposing presence. Just how many does he have?]

Elder Satara nodded her head slowly as she eyed Ferdinand. Mana cores were not so easy to create and obtain so the Elder was awed and deeply grateful that Ferdinand used fifteen to save Alwin.

[So primordial dragons can have more than fifteen mana cores and they are just fine despite losing it all at once?!]

Laurence and Laurencia were astounded and eyed Ferdinand with reverence. The two were born and raised here in the human realm so Elder Satara had limited what she taught and divulged to them.

[I did not know it cost him that much just to save Alwin. He simply brought over Alwin and said he found him injured and cured him.]

Even Rendell did not know about the mana cores Ferdinand used to heal Alwin. Ferdinand had kept mum about it and only revealed it now. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"B-but even just one mana core takes so long to form. Why would you use it on a random child you met for the first time?" Alwin’s already pale complexion turned green.

"I had no use for my mana cores anyway. And you were the first child I have encountered in so long to have survived having your mana heart shattered to pieces with a cursed spell. It was such a waste to let a child with such promise die in a few years. I wanted to see what you would be able to do in the future and I was satisfied with your feats. It was worth it," Ferdinand clarified and Alwin was speechless.

[My Lord is satisfied with my feats?! I was worth it??! I was?!]

Alwin perked up at the thought that Ferdinand thought saving him was worth it and was already satisfied with the feats he had achieved so far.

However, Alwin had such high standards because of all the capable people around Ferdinand, and once again doubted himself.

"W-was I?" Alwin inquired in a low voice, nervous at what he might hear.

Arabella could tell that he was seeking verification. He was unable to hide the emotions in his eyes even when he tried to.

"Of course," Ferdinand replied without faltering. There was no doubt in his eyes either. He meant what he said and he fully believed it.

"..."

(⸝⸝⸝O﹏O⸝⸝⸝) (╥﹏╥)

Alwin ended up in tears with so much relief and emotion he turned around to hide his expression but Elder Satara followed him and wrapped her in his arms.

Alwin buried his face in the Elder’s hair as he silently cried.

Arabella was grateful Elder Satara was here to hug him since she could not possibly do it with her husband’s watchful gaze. It would seem appropriate as well since they were about the same age if Alwin was human.

[It’s been a while since I saw him cry. Had he been worried about this all this time?] Ferdinand wondered.

"This child. What had you been thinking all this time? I wouldn’t have let you stay on my island if I thought otherwise," Ferdinand added and Alwin peeked at him but quickly hid his face again.

"W-who knows," Alwin muttered in a low voice, embarrassed that he was not able to stop himself from tearing up.

{This is why you must tell people you value how you feel or think about them. He’s so happy and emotional to know that was how you thought about him.}

Arabella communicated with her husband through their wedding ring.

{I see...}

A gentle smile curved Ferdinand’s lips and his eyes softened at the sight of Alwin in such a vulnerable state for the first time in so long.

Arabella could not help but smile too and held Ferdinand’s hand. She was glad Alwin got to hear something he had been longing for, even in their previous life, to hear from Ferdinand.