Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 475: Adoption

Chapter 475: Adoption

"It’s true that Alwin told us not to go back to Valeria if he’s not yet back but the time we agreed about was a week to a month. And that time is up. I also don’t want anything wrong to happen so I will have Rowan with us along with Riley so we’re not compromising on safety either."

It was because of those magicians who were still roaming around in Eliora.

They had used the humanoid monster as a distraction last time to try and abduct Arabella, but they failed to break the barrier Alwin made.

Ferdinand and Alwin were both wary of those.

"It’s also better to help Duke Olivier now while the situation is not yet that complicated. If something happens to him, you won’t be able to legally adopt that child."

"Adopt?" Arabella tilted her head.

"Weren’t you planning to adopt him from the Duke?"

[I thought that was what she was planning since she looks so fond of that child. I don’t like the idea of having to share her attention with that child but at least he’s already at that age. I heard the ladies would be even more focused on the child if its a newborn. Dimo is alright since she wouldn’t have to pay as much attention to him as when he’s a newborn.]

’Haha. That’s what he’s thinking about. We did talk about not having children yet. Geez. Why would he think I would adopt a child without telling him about it first?’

"I won’t adopt a child without discussing it with you first," Arabella corrected.

"Yes, of course. That wasn’t what I meant. I thought you would tell me once you are sure you will be able to adopt him. And it’s fine with me if you do want to adopt him," Ferdinand clarified as well.

Arabella stared at her husband.

He was serious.

"I see. I am grateful that you thought that way. But I don’t intend to adopt him," Arabella corrected.

After all, even if it was alright with Ferdinand, it may not be for the ministers, especially since it was someone from a foreign land.

It would become a huge issue due to inheritance matters and fights for the throne. They would likely not accept someone of purely foreign blood to have a right to the throne.

Likewise, how could she plan to adopt Dimo when Duke Olivier is there for him?

Legal adoption was a different matter since it will make things complicated. She does plan to take him in in case necessary but not through adoption.

She planned to make Dimo her personal magician someday so she would act as a sponsor to him while he was still learning magic. But only if Dimo would agree so she’s still silent about this.

"I just thought of having him raised where I could see him in case something happened to the Duke, or if the Duke had chosen Sonia over Dimo. But Duke Olivier chose Dimo, so I only wanted to ensure Dimo won’t be harmed by her again," Arabella explained.

"I see. Then, let’s visit them tomorrow so Dimo can officially stay in the Magic Tower while learning magic, so Duke Olivier can solve the issue about his wife without having to worry about his son’s safety and inheritance matters."

[Arabella would have fewer troubles she had to think about once she’s sure that child can stay at the Magic Tower without any issues.]

’Oh my, was he concerned that I had been worried about too many things, especially with the issue about my assistants? He’s really so thoughtful.’

Arabella couldn’t help but smile.

"Alright then, we did tell the Duke that we would visit anytime once he’s home so I guess it should be alright."

Having fewer things to worry about would indeed be better. They can have Riley send a letter to inform the Duke as well.

"Good. I have already asked Raymond and Alwin to prepare the necessary documents last time."

Those were documents that both Duke Olivier and Sonia, as Dimo’s parents, would have to sign so he could stay at the Magic Tower legally.

It meant that they have given permission, thus, Dimo could go back between Olivier and Riva as he pleased, and he would not lose the right to be the Dukedom’s next head.

Dimo would then have more options once he grows up.

Sonia’s signature was necessary so that just in case something happened to Duke Olivier while Sonia was still the Duchess, she would not be able to take Dimo from them or strip him of his right to be the next head.

"Oh my, thank you," Arabella beamed at her husband.

"You don’t have to thank me," Ferdinand gave her hand a squeeze.

"I still should. I must thank Raymond and Alwin too," Arabella covered her mouth when she mentioned Alwin since it might make her husband feel depressed, but Ferdinand simply smiled, assuring her it was alright.

’I hope Alwin would suddenly return soon, safe and sound.’

"They also both agreed with helping the Duke since it meant he would be somewhat indebted to us for taking care of his son and even teaching him magic for free. In case conflict happens between Loranne and Valeria again, perhaps, we can get him on our side and make Olivier part of Valeria."

"Wait, Ferdinand, I’m not thinking of this as a step to conquering them or anything," Arabella corrected.

"Right, of course. I was just saying it could be useful in the future for the Empire too. But I’m not thinking of going to war with them or anything. Only if Loranne triggers us first," Ferdinand quickly explained.

[Right. Why did I tell her about that? She’s just concerned about the child.]

"I genuinely care about Dimo’s well-being, so I want to help him. He’s a child after all. Adults should be protecting him, not endangering his life, or trying to kill him as Sonia did. But of course, I’m not doing this purely out of goodwill. I also have ulterior motives."