Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 143: Overthinker

Chapter 143: Overthinker

[Why is she so against Alwin getting married? She can still bully Alwin anytime she wanted even if he’s married... Wait! Alwin’s just the kind of man she likes. Did she fall for Alwin?!!]

Arabella gawked at Ferdinand after hearing such thoughts from him.

’How the hell did he go to such conclusions?!!’

She thought they were done with things like this. They even had a date last time. But then again, being in a relationship had always been complicated.

[Now that I think about it, she had been staring at Alwin a lot the past few days. No, even in Prudencia and in the palace. She had been relying on Alwin so much more than she does on me. She’s always mentioning him too wherever we were. Did she fall for Alwin who was more her type than me who’s the exact opposite?!]

Ferdinand suddenly glared at Alwin and the latter got cold shivers.

[Why do I suddenly feel like I am about to be doomed?!]

’WHAT?! How could he interpret all my actions in such a way?! I was relying on Alwin as a way of relying on him since Alwin is his mage. And I was just amazed at Alwin’s magic. I have no romantic interest in him at all.’

Arabella wanted to sigh out loud but held it in. She realized Ferdinand’s insecurities were stronger than she thought. She still kept on thinking of Ferdinand as the confident man who believes in himself and his abilities because that was how she used to perceive him.

But now, after being able to hear Ferdinand’s thoughts for a while, she learned that he wasn’t as confident as he seemed. Ferdinand also had a lot of worries and he was actually kind of an overthinker.

Arabella reminded herself not to forget that Ferdinand also had a lot of doubts despite seeming so strong and invincible on the outside.

’I’m sorry, Alwin. I probably made things worse.’

"Alwin, the time has come for you to choose a wife. Even if it’s not Blanca, you should begin searching for the one meant for you. Moreover, even if you were just trying to help Blanca, it’s true that she would have a hard time finding a match now. Shouldn’t you take responsibility and consider her at least?"

Ferdinand spoke as if he was the epitome of a responsible man despite saying this out of his selfishness just because he thought Arabella might be attracted to Alwin. He was blocking the possibilities and getting rid of Alwin as a possible rival to Arabella’s affection.

[I’m sorry, Dear Wife. I won’t let anyone else have you. You are mine and mine alone.]

Arabella felt her heartbeat race at such possessiveness. But her guilt condemned his actions.

’How can he not think of Alwin’s feelings too? Isn’t Alwin like a son to him since he took him in when he was little?’

"Y-Your Majesty, I... I wish to keep on staying by your side. I haven’t even contributed enough yet," Alwin was so pale now.

"You can still remain even after you are married. I don’t see a problem with it. Look at Raymond. He’s doing well," Ferdinand was shameless and had no guilt. He still pushed Alwin to get married soonest.

[What’s going on?!! Will I really be married to him? I was just saying it so I could get more mana from him. I just wanted to fully recover right now. I didn’t mean to truly get married. I’m still too young.]

Arabella blinked when she heard Blanca’s thoughts. She found a loophole to help Alwin.

"Then, why won’t we wait for several months before deciding? Blanca would stay in the Imperial Palace anyway, right? Then while she is staying there, she can then figure out if she truly wants to be engaged with Alwin or not. Alwin can make up his mind by then too. Marriage is very important so they both should be given some time to think about it and decide for themselves what they want," Arabella suggested. She tilted her head when Ferdinand flinched at her words.

[Is she reminding me that I gave her no choice at all which was why she’s in Valeria against her own will?!!]

’That wasn’t my intention. But so be it if it would help solve this situation. Alwin can probably find a way to dissuade Blanca by then since Blanca wasn’t even really set on marrying him. After she gets enough mana, she would probably give up on Alwin.’

"Alright, then. Let’s go with that for now," Ferdinand relented out of guilt. He actually had some but didn’t spare any for Alwin. He also didn’t want Arabella to say more words to remind him that she was forced to go to Valeria because of his marriage proposal.

Alwin sighed in relief now that he had several months of leeway to think of a solution to dissuade Blanca from marrying him or reporting him for assault.

Alwin didn’t know Blanca was relieved as well since she wasn’t really planning on marrying him either. Blanca just wanted to recover immediately since she could feel that Esmeralda’s life was waning. She wanted to be with Esmeralda before she passes on.

{So this means you are temporarily my fiancé.}

Arabella could imagine Blanca smiling slyly when she said it.

"No. It means we will think about it for a while before deciding," Alwin glared at Blanca.

{Whatever. At least for now, you have to compensate me with your mana for costing me the first touch to my wings.}

"What are you going on about again? Stop stealing my mana already. Haven’t you had enough? In just a few months, you would be able to recover with the amount you have stolen," Alwin was getting exhausted speaking with Blanca.

{I am not stealing. This is compensation for marking me as taken. Let me take as much of your mana as I need so I can fully recover and grow my body to how it should be. I have no plans to get married either so don’t be so full of yourself just because you are so beautiful.} Blanca countered.

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