Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 476: Too Mature for Her Age [Bonus - ]

Chapter 476: Too Mature for Her Age [Bonus Chapter]

"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."

"Oh, you do?" Ferdinand eyed her.

[Why does she have to deny being kind? She’s been helping everyone even those who tried to harm her.]

’Because I’m not doing it out of kindness. I simply knew everything he went through in my past life. And he was someone who stood by me until the end, simply because I treated him better than his guildmates. And I simply thought, maybe, other people needed second chances too, the way I did.’

"Yes, I do."

After all, Olivier is a vast duchy with rich resources. If they became part of Valeria, they would be a boost to Valeria’s coffers. Not that she was planning to make them a part of Valeria now.

What she wanted was Olivier’s strategic location.

’I was sure there was someone from Loranne who was always in the meetings of the Secret Alliance. Loranne could be a threat to us in the future, so it is indeed better to be wary and get Olivier on our side.’

In case a war broke out between the Secret Alliance and Valeria, the one who gets Olivier’s support had a higher chance of winning.

Though they have magicians on their side, there were also traitors within Valeria, so it was better to be prepared for all the possibilities.

In the past life, Arabella and Icarus used Olivier, as an entry point to Valeria. It was because someone powerful from Loranne was part of the Secret Alliance.

Thus, early on, she needed to get Olivier on their side. And she was sure that it wasn’t Duke Olivier who was part of the Secret Alliance since in the past, Sonia and the butler successfully eliminated him.

However, what she meant by that wasn’t literally making Olivier a vassal duchy. It was Duke Olivier of his own free will choosing to side with them because they were on good terms and likewise, because he was indebted to them.

Exchanging favors is a common practice in noble society.

Those who do not repay favors they received do not get favors a second time. Thus, most nobles always repay favors they receive no matter how small.

"What would that motive be?" Ferdinand inquired.

"As you have said, having the Duke indebted to us meant he would repay it someday in case we need his help in something. I just thought it would be better for us to have allies ready to help us if we are ever in need of anything," Arabella explained.

She knew what need would arise in the future, so allies who believe they are decent people to partner with are necessary.

Being decent doesn’t necessarily mean they are righteous or good-natured. It simply meant they keep their word when they say they would do something and thus could be trusted.

"I see, you truly do see yourself as the Empress of Valeria now," Ferdinand smiled and gave her a peck.

"I had been, for quite a while now," Arabella pouted, though she could already feel the heat rising to her face.

She didn’t expect to be suddenly praised by Ferdinand like that.

"Yes, and a very hardworking one at that even though you’re still so young. It makes me feel bad and happy at the same time," Ferdinand caressed her cheek.

"You don’t have to feel bad about it. I just want to be a proper wife to you and take care of the people you take care of," Arabella said to stop her embarrassment.

[She’s indeed so mature. Raymond pointed it out first when I bragged and complained to him about how she’s so hardworking. He said she’s too mature for her age and it was likely influenced by her upbringing as the first royal daughter in Lobelius.]

’Raymond said that? I must be careful of him too. He’s too observant sometimes but thankfully, he skews off the mark as well. Should I act childish occasionally? What did I use to do when I was eighteen?’

Arabella could not even properly remember how an eighteen-year-old lady should act. Thankfully, she was a princess so acting reserved and mature was a given. She was sure other princesses were that way too. But perhaps, they acted more spoiled when they were at home.

’Should I show them that I pamper myself? But how? Ferdinand already gave me everything I needed from clothes to jewelry. The food was adapted to my tastes too. And he gives me the attention I want. What else is there?’

"Doesn’t all the work make you feel like being my wife is such a chore?" Ferdinand suddenly inquired and Arabella’s attention was returned to him.

"Of course not. I chose to do the work I can because I want people to accept and acknowledge me as your wife. I work hard because someday, I want them to think I deserve to be by your side and be called the Empress of Valeria," Arabella said with determination.

This was also her way of assuring herself that it was alright to be loved and cherished by Ferdinand. And that it’s alright for her to love him despite what happened in her past life.

Likewise, an attempt to atone for what she had once done.

"Mmph," Arabella was surprised when Ferdinand kissed him. "What’s that for?"

"Why would you even ask that after telling me those words?" Ferdinand gave her another lingering kiss as if to make her understand.

And she did understand why he was doing this. He was happy that she was fully devoted to her role as his wife and even goes as far as making his people think she deserved to be with him.

"I’m the one who has to prove I deserve to be by your side, not you," Ferdinand said when they broke apart for air.