Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress-Chapter 722: The Throne Room Without Ferdinand
She took a deep breath before finally continuing to walk to the throne room.
People’s support was quite expensive. It does not come for free.
But, once she had done her part, she would be assured that she had their support as long as they still benefited from her. This was something she learned in her past life.
They might betray her at some point, but only if something or someone offers more use, benefit, or value than she does.
Thus, Arabella needed to be as useful, beneficial, and valuable to them as possible to maintain their support.
She recalled the time she was standing by the window of the Magic Tower. Her allies back then betrayed her and came to kill her. And she understood now that she was betrayed because her use was done. She was their way into the securely guarded capital and when that was done, she was set to be disposed of.
This time, she’s on the other side. She was the one who needs to ensure Valeria does not end up like it did in her past life. And getting the nobles on her side was one of the methods to reach such a goal.
It was true that as Alwin had said back then, Valeria might never fall. However, if they do not prevent the tragedies from the past, a lot of betrayal and bloodshed would still happen.
Arabella did not wish for that anymore. She wanted Valeria to be peaceful and united this time so that even when outside forces come to attack them, they would be able to withstand it all and come out victorious. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
’Yes. I can do this. I have something I must do at all costs. This is just the start,’ Arabella pumped herself up and smiled confidently as the doors to the throne room were opened.
"Her Imperial Majesty, Arabella Lobelius Valeria has arrived," the courtier announced her arrival.
[Just Her Majesty?!]
The ministers and nobles gathered inside murmured as only Arabella’s name was announced.
They eyed the door as it was opened and gawked that it was indeed just her. Their emperor was not nowhere.
[Why is His Majesty not with her? She will be the only one to attend the session?]
[Sure she had done quite a lot of things but Her Majesty is still new. Will she understand all the concerns of the Empire?]
[Why would His Majesty not be with her? Is their relationship already waning?]
They had all sorts of thoughts as Arabella entered without Ferdinand.
[Look at them change their attitude so quickly. This is exactly why His Majesty didn’t like dealing with them.] Alwin thought. He was the one who escorted Arabella this time.
Raymond was already inside and was waiting for their arrival.
"Greetings to Her Imperial Majesty," Raymond, some ministers, and the households who support Arabella greeted her first before the others realized they should give their greetings as well.
She was grateful to her maids and assistants whose households’ had kept in mind to greet her as usual even without Ferdinand by her side.
"Greetings to Her Imperial Majesty," the other nobles seconded.
With their greetings done, Arabella finally began walking to the throne. It felt so long as she listened to their thoughts.
When Ferdinand was with her, she did not feel how far the entrance was from the throne room.
Now, the path suddenly felt so long and the throne too far.
Arabella felt like her ankles were shackled as she walked. Her heels felt like they were made of iron as they made walking heavy and difficult.
Thankfully, though Alwin was not bulky, he was also sturdy and provided her with support.
Arabella held onto his arm to ensure she would not trip. She was not about to embarrass herself in front of everyone on her first day to attend the Court Sessions without Ferdinand.
[Her Majesty is indeed alone as Ivan said.] Count Cordelia thought.
Arabella heard from his thoughts that Ivan sent him a letter that she would attend the Court Sessions alone today.
Even Ivan was concerned since he knew some nobles could be bullies especially when grouped together with their social circle. Thus, he sent a letter to Count Cordelia to support Arabella as much as he could.
[It must be hard for Her Majesty with everyone gathered here.] Eunice’s parents thought.
[I’m glad my daughter quickly informed me about this. I didn’t have to be as surprised as the others.] Irene’s parents also watched as Arabella walked to the throne.
[Carla has matured a lot. To think she informed me about this in advance, being by Her Majesty’s side is good for her. I’ll do my best to support Her Majesty as Carla asked.] Carla’s father thought.
Meanwhile, the others curiously wondered why Ferdinand was not around and let Arabella be here on her own.
Once Arabella was seated, Raymond made the announcement.
"His Majesty will not be here today since he has important matters to attend to. In his place, he had asked Her Majesty to precede the Court Sessions today and the following days until he returns."
[What would be more important than these sessions when winter is about to begin and everyone is gathered here?]
[Is war about to erupt somewhere?]
[Is this due to Crux or something else entirely?]
[No matter how important that matter is, why would His Majesty let Her Majesty join these sessions alone in her first few days to attend it?]
[Is His Majesty already losing interest in her?]
Everyone had their opinions as to why Arabella was alone. Some even wondered if Ferdinand was already starting to get bored with her when they were so affectionate just the previous days.
Meanwhile, some wondered if Arabella could handle these meetings all on her own and concluded that Raymond would probably make all the decisions again while Ferdinand was away.
They thought Arabella was only here to listen and would let Raymond handle the rest without giving her inputs or whatsoever.
