Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 182: Meeting the Great Elder Maximus [Bonus - ]

Chapter 182: Meeting the Great Elder Maximus [Bonus Chapter]

The coachman soon announced that they had arrived at the Maximus Estate so Raymond’s stories were cut.

Raymond got out first and escorted Arabella out of the carriage. Everyone gasped when it was her in the carriage and not Clarisse.

[It is Her Majesty!]

[She’s so beautiful!]

[I finally get to see the Empress. I’m glad I attended this party.]

[Why is she with the Prime Minister?]

[His Majesty is not her date?]

[Isn’t Her Majesty supposed to be escorted by His Majesty?]

[Would His Majesty arrive with another woman? I thought he loved Her Majesty?]

Everyone had the same thoughts since the news about Ferdinand leaving for the northern borders a few days ago was still just a rumor.

Only those who had families among the knights who went with Ferdinand were sure that it was true.

"Her Imperial Majesty, Arabella Lobelius Valeria, has arrived. May everyone be honored with her presence," the courtier announced and the attendees bowed. Raymond’s presence was announced after hers.

Arabella entered the hall with Raymond and all eyes were on them.

"Greetings, Great Elder Maximus," Arabella and Raymond both greeted.

Great Elder Walter Maximus still looked beefy and strong. He didn’t look retired at all. His family members were the same. They were indeed a family of knights.

Arabella saw Oscar sitting near the Great Elder and she smiled at him.

Oscar bowed respectfully in response. He felt honored for being the one she first smiled at in this hall and that she recognized him despite only meeting him once during the selection.

"Welcome to the Maximus Estate, Your Majesty. I am delighted and honored to have your presence in my humble celebration," the Great Elder responded.

"The honor is mine, Great Elder. Please accept these gifts from me and His Majesty," she presented the gifts carried by her guard knights.

"Oh my. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Majesty," Walter was delighted by the gifts.

[His Majesty would not gift me a single thing. I know he had no part in this.]

’Oh, it seems there are more people Ferdinand never showed his appreciation to.’

"My apologies for His Majesty’s absence. He departed for the northern borders a few days ago," Arabella said and her voice was heard in the silent hall.

Everyone had been listening-in to their conversation for some explanation as to why it was Raymond who was with her.

Most were relieved to hear that it was because Ferdinand had to head to the borders.

The others were worried though at the confirmation that Ferdinand had to go to the borders since it meant something was up.

"It’s alright. Since he sat on the throne, His Majesty always headed where there is war. His Majesty is still young and quite inexperienced with women so I hope Your Majesty doesn’t get offended by his behavior."

[I heard he was enamored by Her Majesty and fell in love the first time they met and yet, look at him leaving for the borders right after they got wed. Now he left again after returning for a short time. Lobelius would feel insulted and dishonored if they hear about this. There are a lot of rulers ready to snag Her Majesty from him and yet, look at him acting so full of himself. I pity this woman for having to live with such a man for a long long time. Is she really even his mate if he could leave her side so easily?]

’Is he also from Estrella?’ Arabella blinked twice at the elder’s thoughts. Those who referred to her as Ferdinand’s mate in their thoughts so far were only those who were from Estrella.

"Oh, please do not worry about it. I understand that His Majesty has to prioritize his responsibilities as the Emperor," Arabella smiled and the attendees were charmed both by her response and her smile.

"I am relieved. I have been watching over His Majesty since he was young so I worry sometimes.]

"Thank you. I am glad that someone is looking after His Majesty."

[She’s still young but I’m glad she’s quite mature. Other women would have been complaining after what His Majesty did. I hope she makes a good Empress. After all, she even hired my grandson.]

"By the way, Your Majesty, this old man is grateful that you hired my grandson Oscar as one of your assistants," Walter grinned. He looked more relaxed speaking about Oscar.

"There is nothing to thank me for. It was all because of Oscar’s performance. He did very well in the selection so he was chosen."

Arabella glanced at Oscar, who, his grandfather had beckoned to sit beside him. Oscar obediently did and some of the men in the hall who looked like him made a face. She figured they were his siblings.

"Today is indeed my birthday but I also held this event in celebration of my grandson’s success in the selection Your Majesty held. I am honestly shocked when one day this boy suddenly said he doesn’t want to be a knight and wants to be an official instead. I did support his choice and I am delighted his hard work seems to have paid off. Oscar is still young and lacking but he is hardworking and determined. I hope he does well as your assistant. Please do feel free to inform me if he does anything wrong."

Oscar flinched at that and noted to make sure not to make a single mistake.

Arabella was relieved that the Great Elder was much kinder than she thought. She had been nervous earlier that he might be strict and a man of few words like Ferdinand in her past life. He was more talkative than she thought though.

Hiring Oscar probably helped with it though. Her choice to get Oscar worked effectively. He would be a good assistant as well.

Walter was in his grandfather mode for a while before he finally allowed Arabella and Raymond to mingle with the other guests.

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A/N:

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