Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress-Chapter 689: Marriage Dynamics

But Arabella and Alwin do because they were given the task of preventing the tragedy that happened in the past.

However, Elder Satara had just recently told them that the gods themselves had acted so there was no need for them to go to extreme lengths to correct something of the past.

Arabella thought she was the one whom Elder Satara had said to have cut the ties between her and Ferdinand. She assumed it was due to her actions in the past and ending her life after ruining Ferdinand.

But when she spoke with Elder Satara in private, the Elder said that her actions were just after-effects of something someone else had done.

It was not her or Ferdinand who cut the ties between them.

Elder Satara said it was someone else’s actions that led to their paths diverging instead of meeting and going forward together.

When the Elder said that, Arabella thought it was Renee/Evania or Marcus or Chester, but with how the Elder talked, it was something else. But Elder did not specify and Arabella did not learn about it from the Elder’s thoughts either since the latter quickly changed the topic.

Elder Satara then repeated her words to Alwin; that Arabella should not blame herself either for the past anymore or take on the responsibility of correcting everything because it was not her fault things ended up the way they did.

[What’s wrong with them? Why are both of them suddenly spaced out?]

"Arabella?" Benjamin called out. "What’s wrong?"

"Oh, nothing... Nothing. I’m sorry. I just recalled something," Arabella shook her head.

Before her older brother could reply, she was suddenly wrapped in a tight hug.

"Uhm, Ferdinand?" Arabella paid attention to her husband next. She looked up to see his face and he looked deeply concerned.

{I’m sorry for even thinking that. I won’t do it. Don’t ever get injured, okay? I’d hate to see you hurt in any way.} Ferdinand kissed her forehead.

[Why am I seeing this? What are these two up to? First, they kissed right in front of me yesterday. Now, they are hugging and all affectionate in front of me. Are they doing this on purpose? Are they showing off knowing that I’m single?] Benjamin thought and Arabella finally recalled her brother was still with them.

{Yes, I won’t. You have assigned such capable people to guard me.} Arabella assured her husband.

When Ferdinand still did not unclasp his embrace, Arabella had to remind him.

{Uhm, my Elder Brother is still with us. Let’s continue this later.}

"..."

Ferdinand was wide-eyed when he realized he had forgotten they were supposed to be talking about why Benjamin went all the way to prank them.

[Right! I have to maintain a good relationship with her brother. What if I make a mistake and he brings up Icarus? With his actions earlier, he’s already warning me he could prevent their younger siblings from getting close to me if he wanted to.]

Ferdinand quickly reverted to a composed look and finally stopped hugging Arabella.

’Geez. I forgot for a second my brother is here.’

"Oh, how nice is it to be married, Ella? Should I give you some time and just go on ahead?" Benjamin teased.

"Let’s go to the dining hall now, everyone’s waiting."

Arabella tried to act all cool about this situation but in truth, she still felt awkward about it. Her cheeks were colored with a blush as heat rose to her face.

After all, in her previous life, her family did not see her be this touchy and affectionate. Even when she was with Prince Andrew, they did not engage in hugs or hold hands in the presence of her family.

This time, in Valeria, Arabella was already comfortable with hugs even in front of their personnel when in the Imperial Palace. And at times, even pecks or kisses. But never in front of her family. It was simply awkward. She would never get used to letting her family see such things.

Thankfully, Benjamin no longer teased her and simply sighed and lamented that he was still single. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

[I’m happy that this terrifying man is so in love with her and treats her well. But can’t she spare me from seeing such things? It’s no fun seeing my little sister like this! Not at all! She was just a small child like a few years ago and now she’s married. Have the years gone so fast? Even Lei is talking about marriage now. Why are they growing so fast? Is it time I get married?] Benjamin was suddenly having such emotional thoughts.

In her past life, Arabella naively thought it was because their parents and elders were allowing them to marry for love. However, Arabella now understood it was not as simple as that.

Their parents preferred if they could marry for love, but Benjamin had no fiancée yet, despite being the Crown Prince, as part of their strategy of reigning in the nobles.

Since Benjamin had no betrothed, the noble households in Lobelius were doing their best to impress the royal family and thus, excelled in military, academic, and social affairs. It helped in maintaining the status quo in Lobelius and prevented a shift of power from one household to another.

Whoever among the households in Lobelius Benjamin chooses a bride from, would become more closely associated with the royal family; and thus, would cause a shift of power if it was not a daughter from the most powerful household..

Shifts of power among the most powerful households tend to cause conflict so they avoid it if possible. Thus, Benjamin did not get engaged with anyone yet.

Likewise, they had to be reserved because, in case of war, Benjamin might need to marry someone from another kingdom to strengthen alliances.

This was exactly why Benjamin had begun meeting with princesses from other kingdoms when they were in Medeus because war might break out with Fynnia.

Other princes had done the same and there were already engagement announcements last time in some of the kingdoms in Eliora.

.

.

.

A/N:

Hi everyone!

Thank you very much for your patience!

Once again, I deeply apologize for suddenly going on hiatus.

The reason: My insomnia and anxiety got so bad I cannot asleep at night at all. As in zero minutes asleep. Nothing I tried to do to sleep worked so my mind was a mess and I could not even work.

I totally stopped working and writing to due to this since I could not do any of the two. I managed to sleep in mornings but just two or three hours and my mind didn’t work well. My blood pressure was high and my head was throbbing quite often.

It was crazy. Not being able to sleep no matter what you do is probably one of the worst things I have ever experienced since I could not even get the rest and peace I wanted.

I had to take measures so I could finally sleep properly again and thankfully, it’s working.

Thank you very much for your support and all your patience this whole time.

I cannot promise to update daily but I will update whenever I can.

Hugs and kisses to you all!

Whoever and wherever you all are, I hope you are doing well.

To anyone and everyone going through difficulties, stay strong! I hope the solution to your problems come to you soon.

Fighting!