Raymond explained that because she hired one of the family members from the most powerful houses, they noted that she recognized their value. Thus, they decided to support her for now.

If her treatment towards them changes over time, their support for her could change as well.

"Noticing and understanding their value is very important to most noble houses. Especially the most powerful ones. They know they have power and influence too and they want those who are on the throne to recognize that but not antagonize them, instead, utilize and maximize them," Raymond added.

He explained that the nobles wanted someone who did not fear their growing power and influence but instead was able to wield it for their advantage.

The nobles were willing to be used if they also benefited from it.

It was exactly why they liked Ferdinand since he did not get intimidated in the least bit no matter how powerful their houses grew.

Ferdinand was confident that he could rein them in if ever they went overboard and tried to do something they should not.

"Moreover, the issue with Prudencia and Safiro came to light because of Your Majesty. A lot of people are grateful because of it. Those who are near Prudencia and Safiro were even embarrassed that they did not notice anything," Raymond continued.

[Indeed. Even I felt so ashamed that I did not know about it beforehand.] Ferdinand agreed.

"Once the news about it was spread, they forgot all about the bad rumors and finally looked at Your Majesty in a better light.

Then, the events in Medeus happened.

They kept hearing news that you had nothing but praises for His Majesty and did not speak a single word of bad things about Valeria.

You even wore Valerian dresses and accessories without any complaints.

You also did your best to improve Valeria’s image.

And you were poisoned because you did something for Valeria.

Yet, you returned to attend the assembly and helped a lot to encourage the other royals for the abolition of slavery that plagued some of our people.

You also worked so hard here in the palace every day.

Of course, everyone was delighted."

Raymond smiled with a look of pride in his eyes as if he were so proud of her. After all, he was her teacher when it came to work in the palace.

"I... I really did not do that much," Arabella felt somewhat embarrassed.

After all, she achieved all those because she had some kind of cheat. She felt somewhat ashamed that it was not at all because she was that capable.

"You did that much and even more," Ferdinand held her hand and kissed it.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. There’s no need to be too humble," Raymond assured her. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

[Hmph. Fine. I’ll give her the credit. She did so much better now than in the past.] Alwin also thought, albeit with a bit of reluctance since he knew of her cheat skill.

Thanks to all their words, Arabella felt better. She was assured that she was improving and was successfully correcting her mistakes from the past.

. . .

Once lunch was over, they continued their court session.

After the ministers of Riva were done reporting, it was the turn of the rulers of the other territories in Valeria to report in more detail about their harvests, winter preparations, and other concerns they could report about their territory.

It began from the most powerful houses followed by the others.

There were no problems in the most powerful houses since they had ample resources and had their own knights and soldiers for patrol and defense in winter. They were also prideful and solved their problems before word about it reached the Imperial Palace.

The other territories then followed and most were doing well.

But that was until one of the rulers of one of the small territories raised his concern.

"Your Majesty, we are one of the territories that did not have enough harvests.

Our harvests are not enough to support the population through the winter.

The people do not even have enough to protect themselves this winter," the Count of Gallia said and further reported in detail. "We implore your aide for the sake of our people."

[I hope His Majesty shows mercy.

I know we are just a small territory but we are still a part of Valeria.

A lot of people will die this winter if our supplies do not last.

We cannot even buy enough weapons and traps for the beasts.

If the people do not die of starvation or the cold, they would die from beast and monster attacks.

I would beg if I had to.]

Arabella stared at the Count when she heard his thoughts. The situation was quite desperate.

"Give me a copy of your report," Ferdinand asked after the Count told them his story.

However, Ferdinand needed some proof before deciding what to do which was why he asked for the written report.

The Count walked forward and kneeled below the podium, offering his report.

Alwin went down and fetched it, checking if there was magic, curses, or poison in it before bringing it to Ferdinand.

Ferdinand’s eyes glowed with magic and he flipped through the report. He read the whole thick report in just a few minutes.

[Hmm. He did well in recording and writing everything in detail.

It seems they suffered too much due to the floods.

There were fewer casualties due to the knights and soldiers we sent but the plantations could no longer be saved so they had to plant again after the rains had stopped coming too often.]

Ferdinand read quickly and closed the report.

[Did His Majesty even read it?] The rulers who had not seen Ferdinand do this before wondered.

Arabella realized they could not see the glow of Ferdinand’s eyes due to magic that further hastened his already fast pace of reading.

In this life, she had been able to see the glow of magic when they used it, but apparently, not everyone could see it.

"I see. List everything your territory will need and submit them to Head Minister Alphonse," Ferdinand said and the count sighed in relief.