Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress-Chapter 738: Difference in Interpretations

Even Ferdinand’s visit last time had failed to instill fear in them. While it had proven effective with some, not all were deterred.

If even his most recent decree was not enough, then it was no longer their fault that Crux did not comply.

They had been given ample grace periods, yet a lot of the nobles in Crux remained stubborn as Princess Seraphina herself had admitted.

Prudencians had suffered as the victims first. Valeria was merely taking a stand to defend its people.

Therefore, declaring the attack was justified.

Further, Arabella had steeled herself for such a moment ever since Ferdinand’s departure for Sibruh.

She would not hesitate to declare war on Crux. It was a duty she embraced.

Though it was reminiscent of her past actions, her motivations were different. This time, it was for Valeria’s sake, a cause she wholeheartedly supported.

’I have a different goal this time,’ she assured herself.

With a final touch to her lip tint, Arabella sealed her letter with a kiss before the tint dried.

It left the mark she desired.

She smiled contentedly at her work and envisioned Ferdinand’s response. She knew Ferdinand would kiss that spot.

Alwin grimaced at the sight, rolling his eyes.

[Ugh. Why must I witness this?]

Still, he acknowledged it was preferable to the awkwardness, pain, and tragedy of their past life. Arabella and Ferdinand’s affection rather boded well for the future they envisioned.

"Please send this back to him," Arabella instructed, to which Alwin complied.

"Go to sleep. He reminded me to ensure you get proper rest," Alwin remarked

"Of course, don’t worry. I’ll retire now," Arabella responded with a bright smile on her face.

Reading and replying to a letter from Ferdinand had brought her solace, marking a peaceful end to her busy day.

It was indeed time to sleep.

.

.

.

The following morning, Arabella rose early to prepare for the Court Session.

After a swift breakfast in her chambers, she underwent her customary morning routine.

Her maids meticulously adorned her once again, preparing her for the battle of wills in the throne room.

Before proceeding to the throne room, Arabella made a brief stop at her office first to check on her assistants.

"Greeting to Your Majesty!" They all rose and greeted respectfully, bowing lower than usual upon her arrival.

[Should we kneel?! Perhaps she’s here to issue a decree, hence her formal attire.]

[Her Majesty exudes such authority in her official garb! It’s a stark contrast to her usual attire.]

[Seeing her like this, I feel an even stronger surge of admiration! I wish I could serve as one of Her Majesty’s knights, but I know I’m not anywhere strong enough.]

[Is something amiss? Why is she donning her Empress attire for this visit?]

"At ease, everyone. I’m simply here to check on things before the Court Session," Arabella reassured them, amused by their reaction.

Accustomed to her more casual attire in the office, they seemed slightly taken aback by her appearance.

They breathed collective sighs of relief at Arabella’s words.

"Your Majesty is so regal dressed like this!" Nadia commented.

[What is she saying?! Her words could be interpreted as Her Majesty being regal only when dressed like this! She could have omitted the last three words.] Narcissa was wide-eyed at Nadia’s words.

The others shared Narcissa’s apprehension, fearing Nadia’s comment might inadvertently offend Arabella.

"Her Majesty had always been regal and beautiful," Narcissa interjected, seeking to amend Nadia’s statement.

[We cannot ruin Her Majesty’s mood when she appeared looking like a goddess. Her Majesty is kind but being rude is unacceptable even if it was not intentional.] Denzel inwardly fretted.

"Yes, indeed, Your Majesty has always been resplendent, radiating grace, mercy, and love for the people," Denzel chimed in, offering more praise.

[What are they doing? They are making Nadia’s comment seem even more negative. If they had stayed silent, Her Majesty could have brushed it off. They have only made matters worse by reacting so quickly. They should have waited for Her Majesty’s response first.] Norbert observed from the sidelines, disappointed in his colleagues’ lack of tact.

[They wanted to correct her so as not to offend Her Majesty but it may have made things worse.] Odette silently watched as well, worried at what may happen.

Arabella smiled warmly in response to her assistants’ remarks, understanding their well-meaning intentions.

Her assistants, much like her husband, were ever cautious not to offend her. Despite the passage of months, they remained vigilant, fearing they might inadvertently upset her with their words.

They understood the challenges Arabella faced as a princess from another kingdom thrust into the role of Empress through marriage.

Likewise, Arabella appreciated Nadia’s honesty, knowing it contrasted with the usual flattery and veiled insults typical of noble discourse.

"Oh my, thank you, everyone. I’m grateful for your sincerity," Arabella expressed her gratitude, reassured by their steadfast support.

Arabella was grateful for their concern even in small things like this.

She could be rest assured that they will defend her name or at least not join in the negativity when they hear her getting insulted.

Their collective relief was palpable when Arabella showed no offense, reaffirming their loyalty.

It was nice to see them listen to her every word. Unlike previous experiences in her past life when she was disrespected by people around her.

Arabella then took the opportunity to inquire about their well-being and any concerns they wished to address. However, there was none.

Satisfied that all was well, she bid them farewell and proceeded to the throne room.

The Court Session unfolded much like the previous day, with updates on various territorial matters, winter preparations, harvest reports, and other Valerian concerns.

The heads of households remained curious about Ferdinand’s undisclosed whereabouts and the reasons for his absence.

However, it was not yet time to reveal the truth.

Before announcing it, they needed a countermeasure or at least be able to assure the people that the pests and disease they were battling would not spread further.