Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 542: A Better Mindset

Chapter 542: A Better Mindset

"Oh, and I swear I’m trying hard to learn more about noble etiquette here in Riva, so I won’t irritate you. Odette is educating me," Nadia added.

"You do need to learn a lot of things when it comes to etiquette, but I promise I won’t embarrass you in front of the others anymore."

Narcissa was bothered by Nadia’s lack of manners especially in her speech.

Arabella was already planning to address that too. But it seems Odette had already volunteered to teach Nadia.

"Since you promised not to do any of those anymore, I also accept your apology. Please keep your words," Odette accepted as well.

Even if it was just Narcissa, they were still pressured to accept her apology since she was from a much higher-ranking territory. They were still not used to the policies of the civil service that made them all equal unless they were given higher job titles or positions.

[I learned that Her Majesty doesn’t allow it so we can report immediately in case Narcissa does something again.]

They still doubted Narcissa’s apology, but they were able to accept it since they were assured, they could tell Arabella immediately if something happened again.

Everyone then glanced at Ivan.

"Please take back the words you said first. I am not a cheater," Ivan did not let up. He felt a bit more confident in himself after Ferdinand assigned guards to him. He was sure Narcissa could no longer hurt him, so he remained honest to his feelings.

[That commoner! Narcissa is already humbling herself to someone like him!] Narcissa’s father glared at Ivan. His wife touched his hand since she noticed Arabella was watching them carefully.

’It seems Narcissa’s behavior towards commoners is something she got from her parents,’ Arabella internally sighed.

The non-aristocratic faction already had great influence in Riva, but the Ryvalehs were still of a different mindset.

The non-aristocratic faction was comprised of elite and rich commoners. Those who gained power and fame by becoming civil servants and were already in high positions and those who did it through money and properties.

"I’m sorry I called you a cheater. I understand now that you were able to pass the Exams and the selection on your own abilities, and so did Nadia and Odette," Narcissa admitted easily.

After the test last time and all Arabella’s long explanation and clarification to her, Narcissa now understood that much.

’I’m glad that worked,’ Arabella did not want to have to do that much explaining to her again.

"I also apologize for everything I have said and done to you," Narcissa added.

[Her apology seems genuine. What did she speak about with Her Majesty? Was she given another punishment we do not know of aside from the suspension?]

"Please do not harm me or them, anymore. We just want to do our best and work."

"Yes, I understand that now."

"Then, I accept your apology." Ivan finally said.

"Thank you! Thank you everyone. I promise to correct my behavior and act professionally this time," Narcissa was relieved they all accepted since she knew whether she would be able to work with everyone would depend on it.

Arabella then gestured for Riley to show Narcissa’s parents.

It made the four wide-eyed when they realized Narcissa’s parents witnessed all that. They feared making an enemy of Ryvaleh.

"We also apologize for our daughter’s offenses. She’s young and immature. I hope you give her another chance," they bowed slightly.

The four accepted immediately since they were shocked that even Narcissa’s parents bowed.

With that Arabella had them return to work. She also dismissed Narcissa so she could go apologize to the chefs whom she had lorded over her status last time.

Riley sent someone to tail Narcissa and record how she would apologize to see if there was a difference in how Narcissa does it when not in front of Arabella.

Arabella was then left with Narcissa’s parents.

"Thank you for giving our daughter another chance. Please take care of her here in the palace. She had insisted on living here just like the others," they bowed again even though they still felt bad that Narcissa bowed to the others.

"I will. I will take good care of those who are with me," Arabella accepted their gratitude and hinted that those who ally with her would not be forgotten.

That just as she had acted for her assistants, she would do the same for her allies. But to her enemies, she would be hostile.

[Does she want to form a formal alliance with us? Or is this a warning?]

"I see. We are grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness. I hope we can work with Your Majesty in the future as well," they were quick to hint they were not trying to be her enemy but were simply looking out for their child.

"I look forward to that. Shall we have some tea?"

She finally offered them some tea with a smile on her face.

[Her aura suddenly changed. It’s somewhat friendly now.]

"This is Lobelian tea. I hope you will enjoy it," Arabella introduced the tea to them.

"Oh, this tastes great," Narcissa’s mother loved it.

[Wait, I’m not here to enjoy tea! What if this is a trap from Her Majesty?! Her demeanor suddenly became friendly after Narcissa left. Or was it because she had forgiven Narcissa?]

It was both.

Arabella wanted to show them she could be strict or friendly depending on the situation.

She chatted with them some more to gauge their thoughts and learned that they even scolded Narcissa a bit too much because she got suspended.

They didn’t like getting embarrassed and Narcissa getting caught for her actions was a great embarrassment. Not exactly the act itself.

They scolded Narcissa a lot since she did not know to time her actions.

’I hope someone else becomes the Duke of Ryvaleh,’ Arabella realized it would be difficult to ally with Narcissa’s parents since their thoughts were diverging quite much from the future she wanted.

She reminded herself no one among the Duke’s children was able to raise Ryvaleh’s influence as much as Clarisse did.

’Should I look for the next heir? Maybe Narcissa’s eldest brother has a better mindset than their parents?’

Arabella was troubled since if the next Duke of Ryvaleh would be Narcissa’s close-minded father, things would turn difficult since Ryvaleh held much influence in the social circle.

But then again, the nobles were not idiots. Even if the way he thinks influences them, if they realize that The Crown and even the Prime Minister are against it, they will not follow blindly either.

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A/N:

Hi everyone!

I posted this on Chapter 592 - the latest Chapter that those who avail of privilege Chapters are currently at.

I am also posting it here so you’ll be able to read it.

I’m very sorry for the sudden hiatus.

I had covid and had to isolate, rest, and recover.

It had been a rough November.

I’m finally back though, and I’ll do my best to update daily again.

It’s kinda hard to get back to the pace after a month, but I’ll do my best.

Thank you very much for checking in for updates even while I was gone.

Advance Merry Christmas!