Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress-Chapter 736: Hidden Motives

She could not shake the feeling that there was more at stake here than just what they originally intended.

Princess Seraphina’s words seemed to hint at something else. Especially about the change she mentioned she wanted in Crux.

Even as she tried to push it to the back of her thoughts in the meantime, Arabella was consumed by a persistent sense that the unfolding events held greater significance than they initially thought.

Thus, she decided to reread Seraphina’s letters to her.

As she kept rereading, Princess Seraphina’s cryptic words and eagerness to meet hinted at undisclosed motives. Something she could not disclose if not in person, particularly concerning what she and her companions were seeking for Crux.

Arabella could tell it was so much bigger. And the fate of countless lives hung in the balance.

’Should I really be involved in this? What if this turns out to be a wrong decision?’

Arabella felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. However, she knew she had to push through with the meeting.

It wasn’t merely the fate of the Prudencians that concerned her, but also the ripple effects on those embarking on the rescue mission and the knights and soldiers poised for conflict with Crux.

After all, not only the Prudencians but likewise the lives of those who would go and try to find them. Plus, their knights and soldiers who would go to war with Crux could be affected in this as well.

With how Princess Seraphina spoke in her letter, it was also as if the life of a lot of people in Crux might be hanging onto this meeting.

The stakes were high even if this was something that they only had a few hours to prepare for.

Thus, Arabella could not afford to let her guard down, not for a moment. Not when the future, their goal, and the well-being of their people were involved.

’Right. I had promised to protect them in this life. I have to do this.’

It was scary to make a mistake but it was better than doing nothing.

With a deep breath, Arabella turned her attention back to the task at hand.

There was a lot of work to do, but Arabella was determined to see it through to the end.

She still had a pile of letters to read and reply to. She cannot ignore these either since they might contain important information that could affect the future.

Likewise, she had to inform her maids to prepare her attire for the sudden meeting tomorrow. They would be in a whirl preparing everything.

There was much to be done before the meeting could take place.

Thankfully, the food and beverage would be in Alfredo’s good hands.

The safety of the venue would be in Alwin’s and the maid to serve tomorrow for the meeting would be Blanca.

But before that, she would have to survive the Court Sessions in the morning first.

’Hopefully, we would gain something useful from the meeting with Seraphina,’ Arabella clung to the hope that their interaction with Seraphina would yield valuable results.

She was already feeling bad about having to hide this from Ferdinand first. But likewise, she wanted to be able to handle matters like this without having to disturb him.

Thus, the meeting had to be fruitful and productive.

’I better list the questions I need to ask,’ she needed to get as much information from Seraphina.

The hours quickly passed by as she worked on everything she needed to do today and prepare for tomorrow.

The night came before she knew it and she was elated when Alwin came with a letter in hand. Just from the color of the envelope, she knew it was from Ferdinand.

"His Majesty sent this for you," Alwin said in a neutral tone.

Meanwhile, Arabella could not help her excitement and quickly rose from her seat with a smile on her face.

"Let me see!"

Arabella wanted to see her husband’s face after a long tiring day of work but she understood they both had their priorities.

Since they are the Emperor and Empress of Valeria, they have no choice but to prioritize their people and the empire. For now, at least.

Once they are in Estrella, they could spend their time however they please and focus on each other and the family they would form.

Despite her excitement, Arabella gently opened the letter, suddenly somewhat nervous of what Ferdinand would say.

What if it was about him having to stay there much longer than they formerly thought?

’That’s okay. I have to root for him,’ Arabella countered her negative thoughts.

It was even more reason that her meeting with Princess Seraphina tomorrow needed to be productive.

The more she was able to help, the less Ferdinand would have to do. Thus, the more they could be together.

***

To be my beloved Arabella,

I long to see you and hold you in my arms again.

I already miss you so much.

However, things are quite a mess here so I regret that I won’t be able to go back there and see you even for a bit.

I have to take care of matters here before it gets worse and bring even more work for us.

I hope you understand.

I will do my best to be there once the week given to Crux is over and declare the attack myself.

I do not wish for you to have something like that on your name and conscience so please be rest assured, I will be there to announce it.

As for other work matters, I apologize that I would have to rely on you to take care of them while I am here.

I am very much grateful for your efforts and hope I can return soon so you won’t be overworked.

Please eat on time and get as much sleep as you can.

I’ll be back before you know it.

Your one and only husband,

Ferdinand

***

Arabella smiled as she read the letter. She could not help but feel emotional.