Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 555: Taking Care of Yourself is Not Evil

Chapter 555: Taking Care of Yourself is Not Evil

Chapter 555: Taking Care of Yourself is Not Evil

Alwin only attended when he was required as the Master of the Magic Tower. And he still wore his cloak that hid his face. He did not want to have to dress up and all that; and maintain all the manners and etiquette necessary.

Especially since he had been living quite a free life doing what he wanted on Ferdinand’s Island.

"It is indeed tiring. So, we hire maids to do it for us. My maids do it all without me having to lift a finger. Most nobles do. In this manner, more work opportunities are created for those who are willing to do the job. Businesses also prosper due to the need for such."

Only when her maids could not be with her, did Arabella have to do it on her own.

"I see, it also helps the economy due to the work and business opportunities it creates from the production of the products to the services it creates. And through it, the nobles could maintain their appearance without much effort on doing everything themselves," Alwin nodded his head.

"Yes, but they also follow a strict diet and set aside their time for it despite having to do a lot of work. So, in the end, they have less sleep. They also must work hard to earn more money and assets to afford their servants."

In Arabella’s case, she had to perform well as the Empress so the people would not think the budget allotted to her was going to waste. Of course, she also had to ensure her husband remained enamored with her or she could be removed from her place if a third party appeared.

Nobles themselves knew how valuable money was since they were the ones who handled it a lot and ensured the market flowed well so they could keep earning in their business ventures and provide for their households and the people who served them.

When commoners began acquiring properties and became more and more progressive by providing services and selling products; and later some became big business owners, the nobles realized how valuable businesses were, so they also ensured their families maintained several progressive business ventures.

So that even in the worst case that their titles were revoked, they could rely on the business and investments they themselves put up.

"Hmm. I see. I also once thought it was simply for them to attract mates. But everyone kept up appearances everywhere they went."

"Ah, yes. That may also be true, especially for people who are not married yet. Everyone may indeed be trying to look their best to find the perfect mate. Likewise, we also must maintain our looks for the sake of our partners, so we do not embarrass them."

Arabella had been particular with her clothes and accessories. She cannot dress too simply since it would embarrass Ferdinand.

The people would think he married someone he could not take care of. Thus, she had to show Ferdinand was taking care of her by always looking her best.

She had been wearing Valerian attire quite often as well to compliment Ferdinand’s outfits and ensure that the people wouldn’t think she was the Empress of Valeria but could not take their culture or their Emperor to heart.

She also had to look her best all the time so that her former suitors and other people who knew her, would not say she grew ugly when she married the Dark Emperor.

If she looked less pretty after their marriage, it would spark rumors and make her husband’s image turn even more negative.

After learning that Icarus already had feelings for her, she also had to ensure that he would not hear bad rumors about Ferdinand not treating her well. Icarus already had a misconception, so it was better not to make it worse.

It would be bad if Icarus ended up hating Ferdinand. He might do things that could affect the future.

"I see. So, your point is, it’s not just vanity," Alwin summed up.

"Exactly. Part of the reasons would also be vanity. But it wasn’t just that.

"Taking care of yourself is not evil, it’s a must. Looking your best gives confidence.

"Likewise, everyone wanted to seem perfect and competent so that the others would not have something to nitpick about. Especially in noble society when every little weakness they see would be an opportunity to drag you down."

Being able to read minds made Arabella understand even more that humans are indeed judgmental.

Even if they deny it or do not say it out loud, everyone judges people right from the first meeting.

People automatically assume things and have preconceptions in their minds based on what they saw when they first encountered people and places. Thus, they unconsciously base how they interact with the same person or place the next time they meet based on those preconceptions.

A lot would say they do not judge based on appearances or first meetings, but they still unconsciously do but are only in denial or are not aware that they do.

There were also those who said focusing on beauty was vanity, but they always commented negatively about beautiful people because they were insecure deep inside and actually wanted to make themselves look pretty as well.

And if they were made to choose between being born ugly or beautiful, their real choice was to be born pretty.

"Then would they have nothing to nitpick about me?" Alwin inquired.

Arabella raised a brow. He clearly asked it because he wanted to be complimented. She gave him a little pampering since he was tired from his months-long mission.

"Yes. If there is, it would be that you are far too beautiful. Being born beautiful of course gives you an edge over the others since you wouldn’t have to compare yourself to them in that aspect, so your insecurities are much less or nonexistent on that matter."

"I don’t have insecurities," Alwin quickly replied.

"Yes, of course, you don’t. You have a perfect appearance. You are very capable and knowledgeable. You have such an ample amount of mana, and you are a rare talent for the long-lived races. You have nothing to be insecure about."

Arabella flattered Alwin and he seemed happy about it. All of it was true though.

If Alwin had something to be insecure about, it would likely be about not growing up with his parents since he lost them when he was young. But Ferdinand, Raymond, Alvis, and the others had been there for him.

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A/N:

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