Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 235: Andrew

Chapter 235: Andrew

The Queens asked Arabella how she was doing in Valeria and how she was treated.

Everything she said was of course, positive. All that she said was the truth anyway. Everyone in the palace treated her well. There were nasty rumors about her among the nobles but everyone in the palace was polite to her. Even Alwin, though he was rude in his head.

But instead of believing her, the Queens wondered if Ferdinand threatened her not to reveal anything bad about him.

The Queens had already even heard about the rumors about her having affairs and making a harem in order to get back at Ferdinand for leaving her all alone after just a month of being with her.

Arabella realized the Queens had their own spies planted in Valeria. And most were among the merchants. They enter as just merchants on the surface but they also sold information about the Empire.

’Should I also build my own spy network again? I just bought their services in the past life so I couldn’t really call them mine. But maybe I need to have my own spies this time?’

Her fellow Queens had their own. Being in such a high seat of power necessitated it. She surmised her mother had her own too.

Arabella was tempted to copy their example and plant spies all over other territories too. But she knew Ferdinand already had his people scatted all over Eliora.

Still, it would be nice if she had her own network than just learning about everything from Ferdinand’s side.

’I guess I should indeed begin with that publishing company. They already have a lot of informants under them. I should acquire the publication before it goes bankrupt.’

If she moved too late, the publishing company’s informants would lose confidence in them first. Acquiring the company too late would mean they would have to begin from the start all over again. She should maximize them early on.

There was nothing free in this world. She understood now that everyone needed some sort of benefit or gain in order to agree to something. Thus, if she was going to hire them, they have to be useful to her as well. It wasn’t a donation.

The Queens had all sorts of questions for Arabella and she did her best to answer them all.

She had to get along with everyone so there would be people on Valeria’s side in case the Secret Alliance begins their move and would still attack Valeria in this life even without her involvement.

Arabella almost facepalmed though when there were already some who were thinking of betraying her.

Those who thought it may be true that Ferdinand wasn’t as bad as the rumors say just like his appearance, made some of the Queens wonder if Ferdinand would take concubines from other nations for more alliances.

They were thinking of possibly sending their daughters once they were able to verify that Ferdinand wasn’t as bad as they formerly thought.

Improving Ferdinand’s image was a double edged sword for Arabella. She might get rivals soon.

Ferdinand in her previous life never had a single concubine but who knows what may happen in this life. So much had already changed.

If the ministers pester Ferdinand for concubines, he might get one or two especially since Arabella hadn’t gotten pregnant yet.

’Should I be worried?’ Arabella wondered but pushed it to the back of her mind as the tea party was finally over.

It was exhausting listening to everyone’s thoughts while something else was spouted on their lips.

To relax after a draining tea party, Arabella decided to take a walk in the flower garden of the Grand Palace she used to frequent every time she attended the assembly with her parents.

’It’s still as beautiful as ever,’ Arabella was pleased. It was still the same as the one in her memories.

The flowers were in full bloom under the clear blue skies. They were well-maintained to still be this pretty despite the heat of summer.

"A-Arabella?!"

She flinched at the voice that said her name. She had a bad feeling about this. She turned around to see who it was and her premonition was right.

’Why now of all times when I’m alone? And the flower garden too.’

It had to happen when she was all alone. Not that Andrew would harm her or anything but if other people saw them in the beautiful flower garden, this could be mistaken for a tryst.

"Arabella! It’s really you," Andrew run to embrace her but Rendell blocked him.

"You are in the presence of Her Imperial Majesty, Arabella Lobelius Valeria," Rendell warned sternly. He meant that Andrew was being extremely rude by addressing her directly. And that Andrew should no longer address Arabella so familiarly since they were no longer lovers.

Rendell was usually silent but it was clear he was very much loyal to Ferdinand as well. He didn’t like his lord to be insulted by this kind of behavior.

"Oh, right. My apologies," Andrew was quick to understand and corrected himself. He spoke formally. "Greetings to Your Majesty, it had been a while since we last met. I hope you had been faring well."

"I am, thank you for your concern, Prince Andrew," Arabella also spoke formally to make it clear once and for all that she was over him. She also didn’t want Andrew to think she hadn’t gotten over him yet when she did not even recognize his voice.

"There are a lot of things I wanted to say after we finally met in person since that time. May I have a bit of your time, Your Majesty?" Andrew asked and Arabella frowned.

What was there to talk about between them now? They were both already married. Their relationship was long over.

[I want to apologize to her properly for getting married even before she did when she was the one who got engaged first. I wonder if her husband is treating her properly. Is he even in the least bit kind to her? I heard he was a terrible person. I feel bad for Arabella having to marry him.]

Andrew simply wanted to give her a proper apology and ask her if she was coping well in Valeria. He was worried if Ferdinand was treating her well or was cruel to her.

From Andrew’s thoughts, it was clear it had been bothering his conscience. He was genuinely worried about Arabella because everything he had heard about Ferdinand so far was negative.

Ah, right. Now she recalled why she had fallen for Andrew when she was young. Andrew was a kind and beautiful soul. And he wasn’t faking it.

It was why his appeal was so strong to the young ladies.

Andrew was the full embodiment of a prince. The kind that was usually in love stories that every young girl dreams about.