Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 48: Power Dynamics [Bonus - ]

Chapter 48: Power Dynamics [Bonus Chapter]

In other territories, the queen or empress consort was in charge of the inner court. In other words, the residential part of the palace, the king’s other wives, concubines, and maids in the palace.

However, in Valeria, Arabella had no inner court to manage. It was the Head Butler’s job to take care of the whole palace. And Ferdinand had no other wives or concubines. In her previous life, he didn’t get a single one.

Valeria emperors usually marries only one person and that was the Empress. Valeria emperors almost never get concubines or marry a second wife. It was only in case the Empress was not able to conceive or if she dies before giving birth to an heir.

Moreover, currently, there were just a few maids. Arabella could manage them easily. But the Head Maid was already doing that task.

Arabella only has to interfere when there are complaints about the Head Maid or if they needed to hire new maids who would work close to her.

Four of the maids were her handmaids: Eunice, Irene, Carla, and Renee. They were of noble status from trusted households in Valeria and also have maids of their own. They were also assigned three or more maids to assist them. Other maids of lower status were the ones assigned to do the menial tasks.

In her previous life, Renee told her that she had no parents. That may be true. But Renee was an adopted daughter of a marquess so she was able to pass as a handmaid for the Empress.

For the rest of the palace, butlers take care of the maintenance and they were under the Head Butler and Ferdinand’s control.

Arabella had no power over them.

Instead, Arabella can help with Ferdinand’s work openly. In other words, she can be openly active in politics but of course, in support of her husband, especially since she was from another nation.

The Empress Consort in Valeria, even though she just gained the position by marriage, could help to rule the empire. She could make decisions in the Emperor’s stead. This was why Arabella’s rank was higher than Raymond’s.

Arabella heard that in other continents, the Prime Minister had more power than the Empress Consort or even the Emperor himself.

But in Valeria, it was different. The Emperor was the most powerful, the Empress Consort was second, and the Prime Minister comes third.

In her previous life though, Raymond always had more power than Arabella since she did not start working as the Empress early on. Only when Raymond died did she finally gain more power.

And currently, Ferdinand was the most powerful entity in the Empire because of his status and strength.

But in terms of influence in the social circle, Raymond and his wife were the most powerful.

Raymond may never betray Ferdinand since he even knows his secret identity. But the people who support Raymond may have other thoughts.

After all, in her previous life, when the Empire began to be disorderly, a lot of Ferdinand’s subjects looked for Raymond. They wanted him to sit as the Emperor instead of Ferdinand since they thought he was more capable to be one.

Raymond was the son of the younger sibling of Ferdinand’s father so he was also of royal blood. He can sit on the throne too.

Arabella had to do something about it. It was another reason why she truly needed to begin socializing and strengthen Ferdinand’s influence in the social sphere.

Raymond had always been loyal to Ferdinand in her previous life but it was better safe than sorry.

She should at least work hard to be more powerful than Raymond’s wife in the social circle. Currently, Clarisse and her family held sway among the nobles.

If Clarisse or her family said the word, the nobles would take action.

Arabella needed such kind of power too so she wouldn’t be a mere decoration in the palace.

She also had to keep watch of the Great Elders, Advisers to the Emperor. One was Former Prime Minister Regis Reginald, Raymond’s father. The other was the Former Grand Commander of the Imperial Knights, Walter Maximus. They are also among the most powerful people in the Empire.

"Your Majesty, I have just finished sorting these," Eunice informed and Arabella pushed her thoughts aside.

[Her Majesty had been frowning at what she was working on. Was there something troubling in it?] Eunice wondered.

Arabella smiled to clear Eunice’s worries.

Arabella thought it would take a while before Eunice’s task was done. But it had just been an hour since she returned to her office. And yet, Eunice was already done. Not much time had even passed. She was even more capable than she thought.

"Oh my, that was fast. You could have taken your time. Well done," Arabella praised and Eunice blushed. Still, the maid kept her composure as a noble should.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Have some rest and head to my room later to help Aletha and Irene in decorating. I will ring the bell if I need anything."

And so, Arabella was able to begin checking the profiles for prospective candidates.

After two days of reviewing the profiles, Arabella had chosen fifty promising candidates.

It was still a lot but it should be fine to choose among them after seeing how they work.

After all, she had a difficult time choosing. Raymond had already removed the profiles of those whom he didn’t think would be good as her assistant.

The profiles sent to her were filled with competent people.

Arabella sent the profiles she chose to Raymond and they were all summoned to the palace for a chance to be one of the Empress’ assistants.

Two weeks passed before all the candidates arrived since some were living in farther parts of the Empire.

And soon, a practical test was scheduled.

Arabella was surprised when all of a sudden the Head Ministers were part of the event.

"Pardon me, I invited them so Your Majesty would be able to see what the candidates are capable of. Each of the Head Ministers shall be giving a task to the candidates," Raymond explained.

[Rather, they insisted to be part of it since they also wanted to get new hires but didn’t have the time to organize their own application or selection event. They also wanted to meet Her Majesty.]

’Oh, they are here to poach my candidates. Glad I thought of choosing ten of them now. If these are the best the Empire can offer, it meant I would be losing my chance to get them if I get only five,’ Arabella internally smirked since she would get the first pick.

And so the selection began. . .