Ferdinand smiled back and nodded. They then focused on the next report.

The Head Minister of Taxation followed since it was where the national budget came from. There were still a lot of taxes to be collected since the harvest in other areas of Valeria was not over yet.

Since Valeria was so broad, they did not have the same seasons.

Thus, other areas harvest early while the others harvest late.

Meanwhile, those closest to Estrella had fertile lands and good weather and could plant and harvest all year round.

Because the world now had so much lesser mana compared to the past, the rich mana emanating from Estrella maintained their fertile soil and blessed their harvest. Hence, they were usually the ones who provided food supplies to Valeria in times of war.

It was one of the reasons Valeria often won in wars. They had a reliable supply system.

After taxation, the overall harvest of Valeria this year, and the general report for winter preparations and other concerns followed.

"This year, the Empire once again had a great harvest.

It surpassed last year’s harvest by 10%.

It was a massive increase considering that some areas in Valeria suffered floods, storms, and droughts.

Thankfully, despite these disasters, we still had a bountiful harvest.

Harvest festivals were conducted in thanks to everyone’s hard work and the blessings and protection of our venerated Dragon God of Valeria," the Head Minister of Agriculture reported.

The areas that experienced natural disasters and thus, had low harvests would receive support from Riva. They would pay lesser taxes or be tax-exempt depending upon the gravity of their situation.

This was the benefit of being part of Valeria. They do have to pay their taxes to Valeria but when they experience hardships, Valeria would take care of them.

They did not have to fear attacks from neighboring countries either since Valeria had an overwhelming number of knights and soldiers.

Thus, they could focus on what they needed to focus on the most instead of fearing for their safety all the time.

They could also prepare for Winter much better.

Minister Alphonse, the Minister of Winter Preparedness and Risk Reduction followed.

"Winter preparations are progressing as planned.

Areas whose harvests were already over are now focusing on winter preparations.

Necessary materials and safety equipment that could not be purchased were already distributed.

I have coordinated with the Head Minister of Defense regarding the new weapons for fighting beasts and monsters," Minister Alphonse reported.

Winters were the most dangerous season for Valeria since the number of monsters usually increased.

Add the beasts who look for food far from their dens due to the lack of food to hunt, and the danger increases even more.

Thus, every winter, usually new weapons were purchased by the areas where winters would likely be much worse.

Knights and soldiers would also be stationed and focused in the northern part of Valeria compared to the south.

The southernmost part of Valeria had no winters so they did not have to worry about monster attacks.

Thus, knights and soldiers were usually focused on the north and other areas that needed them.

Territories who could not afford to buy their own weapons and hire their own knights would usually be aided by the Emperor.

Since winter preparations were generally going well, the other ministers followed with their reports.

Today’s court had become a whole day event because of everyone gathered here.

They had to maximize the presence of all rulers of each territory and update them with how everything was going thus, they also had to listen to the ministers’ reports to know the direction of the Empire from an official source.

After the reports of all the ministers, it was already lunchtime time so everyone was served their meal at the banquet hall.

The Great Elders had a table of their own and did not bother disturbing Ferdinand since he had already spoken with them the other day about matters he needed to talk about with them.

A lot of the ministers and nobles wanted to approach Arabella to try getting close to her but they could not with Ferdinand giving them glares, indicating that he did not want any disturbance while they were having their meal.

They were already sharing their table with Raymond and Alwin so Ferdinand did not want any more people joining them.

So that they could eat comfortably, Alwin had also cast a barrier around them so that everyone else would not be able to hear their conversation. He also cast a spell on himself so the people would still see him with his cloak and hood on even though he already removed it.

"How is your first experience in attending the court session, Your Majesty?" Raymond inquired.

"It’s so much better than I thought," Arabella smiled; and Ferdinand, Raymond, and Alwin stopped eating, and stared at her.

’Eh? Did I say something wrong?’ Arabella blinked.

"Just how bad did you expect it to be?" Raymond asked.

"I don’t mean that it should have been bad. I just thought that they would not like me as the Empress since I’m from Lobelius," Arabella clarified.

[Ah, from her past experience.] Alwin thought.

"Why wouldn’t they like you? I will kick out anyone who says they do not like you as the Empress. Who gave them the right to decide who’s going to be my Empress?"

Ferdinand glanced at everyone else eating in the banquet hall searching for eyes who were looking at Arabella with dislike, hate, or malice.

Thankfully, he did not find one since everyone had busied themselves with the scrumptious meal after they realized they would not have a chance to speak with anyone at this table today. Thus, no one was kicked out.

"It was just a thought, Your Majesty. You do not have to kick out anyone," Arabella added.

"Then, why would you still think you are unwelcome, Your Majesty? You had been working so hard as the Empress when you had just become one recently," Raymond said.

"It’s just that there were bad rumors about me when His Majesty and I just got married. Haha," Arabella tried to laugh it off and change the topic.