Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 410: You Don’t Have to Thank Me

Chapter 410: You Don’t Have to Thank Me

Arabella was giving her husband his well-deserved hug when...

"Ahem."

Arabella and Ferdinand were both startled when they heard someone clear his throat. They remained in each other’s arms though. Rather, it only made them hold onto each other tighter.

"It seems, this old man is not needed here. I shall take my leave then."

"F-father?!" Arabella was wide-eyed when she heard her father’s voice. She instantly distanced herself from her husband as if they were caught in the act of doing lewd things.

’Why didn’t he tell me Father is here?!’ she glanced at her husband, and he was as startled as she was.

"My deepest apologies. I cherish your daughter so much that I was too elated to be welcomed by her like this," Ferdinand bowed. He tried to maintain a dignified look despite apologizing but his face was red with embarrassment since he completely forgot that her father was with him.

Arabella did not see her father since she run into Ferdinand’s arms right when the door was opened. Ferdinand was several inches taller than her father too.

"It’s alright," her father replied. "I will take my leave since I have already seen my daughter."

"Father, please don’t leave. Let’s go inside," Arabella grabbed her father’s arm and did her best to make her father go inside the mansion first.

"You seem to have taken quite the liking of your husband," her father teased her.

"No, just a little bit," Arabella denied in embarrassment. How could Alwin not warn her when he saw her father?

"It is a good thing so there’s no need to deny it," her father chuckled since he saw them getting along so well and sweet earlier.

"Father, please have some tea. This is from Valeria. It is..." She changed the topic by discussing the tea. And it only made her look even more flustered.

Thankfully, her father stopped teasing her.

She invited her father to dinner, but he refused since he only came to say his goodbyes since he could not earlier. They only spoke for a bit since as the new Head of the Council, her father still had a lot of work to do. He had another meeting scheduled as well.

"Always take care in Valeria," her father gave her a hug. He was also worried due to the monster attack. "And do feel free to visit us if you have the time. Oh, and please do inform us if we will be getting a grandchild soon."

"Ye-" Arabella was just about to say yes when she realized what her father said. No wonder he was smiling like that. "G-grandchild?!"

"Yes. Do not forget to notify us too, okay?"

Her father thought it was only natural since she was getting along with her husband, and it had been several months since they got married. News of pregnancy would indeed be expected soon.

Rather, Ferdinand’s ministers had been anticipating it just a month after their wedding. But there was no news at all because they had not even gone all the way yet.

"R-right. Of course. I’ll send a letter if there is any news," Arabella replied with a red face. She felt shy again because of earlier.

"We will be looking forward to it," her father beamed.

"Please don’t expect too much. We are also very busy," she reasoned since she knew her plan was to have children later to match the timing of Fermin’s birth in the last life.

Now that she thought about it, she forgot to ask Alwin about it. He had assured her that Fermin would be born to her and Ferdinand no matter what since he was meant to be their son. But she forgot to ask if she needed to match the conception day, birthdate, and the like.

She would have to ask Ferdinand what his plan was as well since they would go all the way soon. He said he was willing to wait until she was willing. But he may have meant that the extent of that waiting was since they would begin going all the way. They have to discuss it clearly.

"No pressure at all. You two can take your time," her father patted her head. He said his goodbyes again and they saw him off.

. . .

{Alwin, do you think I have to match the conception date for Fermin?} Arabella decided to inquire now before she forgets.

{I guess it does play a role in when he would be born. But even if you match the conception date, we are still not sure he would be born on the same day. The season he was born in, the day, and the year, do matter, I believe. It could affect his magical abilities and personality as well. But would you feel different about him just because he is a bit different from before?} Alwin asked.

{No. Of course, not. He is my son no matter what.}

{Then, you have your answer.}

{I see. Thank you, Alwin! You might get a younger brother in 9 months then.} Arabella sighed in relief. It was a weight off her chest.

Alwin was right.

How could she have not thought about that? Even if Fermin was a bit different from how he was in her previous life, she would accept him no matter what. Since he would be born to her and Ferdinand no matter the day or month he was conceived, then she would happily welcome him soon.

But then, her husband had an unexpected response to it.

"Ferdinand, what do you think about having children?" Arabella inquired once they were in her room after dinner and washing up.

They would not head to Estrella today since they had to pretend to depart at the same time as other royals tomorrow. Ferdinand was also still waiting for Zion to return as well so they had to wait for one more day.

"I’d love to have as many children as you want." His response was quick.

"Oh, then does that mean, once we go all the way, we would be looking forward to having children?" she meant if they didn’t need to use contraception or whatsoever. She needed to know if she should keep drinking the Venus tea or stop it.

"You mean, having children right now?" Ferdinand suddenly tensed.

[I thought she would want it a bit later since she’s still young.]

’Wasn’t he the one who had been thinking we could have children whenever I want one? Look at him freeze.’

"Uhm, do you want to have a child soon?" Ferdinand rubbed the back of his neck and looked away after asking the question.

[When I didn’t know if she had any feelings for me, I was so scared that she might run away from me at any moment, so I was willing to do anything just to keep her by my side. And having at least one child between us would tie her to me. But now, I know she has feelings for me too. And I just heard from the other married men that having children could be quite troublesome.] Ferdinand was having second thoughts.

"I am not in a hurry. I’m asking you because I want to know what you think. Having children is both our duty but it is also our responsibility to raise them, so we have to know what we both want," she said and her husband perked up.

[If she’s not in a hurry, then maybe we can have children later.]

"You can tell me whatever’s on your mind, Ferdinand." Arabella encouraged him to tell her directly instead of just thinking about it. Even if she could read his thoughts, it might make a bad habit if she lets him just think about things for her to know instead of telling her directly.

"I... Can we have children later? I want you all to myself for now," Ferdinand held both of her hands and searched her eyes waiting for an honest reply.

[I heard women get busy with the children and give them all the love. The other rulers and knights said they barely get any attention from their wives once they had children. I am already fighting for her attention now. How much more when we have children? If our time together is reduced even more, I don’t think I can bear it. I want her all to myself.]

’I see. He heard a slap of reality from those with experience.’

She wanted to meet Fermin soon. But she could wait a bit more. She’s assured he would give birth to him no matter what so it should be fine.

For now, she needed to get to know Ferdinand more and spend lots of time with him. There’s also a lot to do in Valeria so she should probably focus on Ferdinand and her work as an Empress for now. So that once Fermin was born, everything was ready so he would not have to go through so much hardship and suffering and grow up worriless instead.

"Yes, of course. We do need to get to know each other more. We haven’t even gone all the way yet. Nor did we discuss this clearly until now. Let’s have children later once we are both ready," Arabella replied, and she couldn’t help but smile at how her husband’s eyes brightened.

"Thank you," Ferdinand kissed her forehead and embraced her tight.

"You don’t have to thank me since we both decided on it," she pointed out, but her husband still stubbornly thanked her.