Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 719: Gathered By Curiosity

Chapter 719: Chapter 719: Gathered By Curiosity

[His Majesty is taking care of it again? He’s so much more diligent than people know.]

Ivan had begun seeing Ferdinand much better after seeing him do things in person instead of merely sending Raymond or the other ministers.

"Everyone’s doing their best. However, researchers are needed since it’s a new disease. The local farmers do not know how to manage the disease since it is new to them. Magicians are already sent in various parts of the empire inquiring if they had experienced it before but none had returned with a useful answer yet. Thus, researchers from the Department of Agriculture are preparing to head there," Arabella explained.

[An entirely new disease? Was there a major change in their environment that could have resulted in its development? It might take some time to find a way to manage it. His Majesty was right in preventing it from spreading further while control and management is unsure.]

’A major change in Sibruh? Changes for the usual winter would not be a major change. What could have caused it then? I hope they find it in their investigations.’

"Your task is to head to Sibruh and the nearby territories with the researchers from the Department of Agriculture. I’m sure you would be a great asset to them. Do everything you can to help find the cause of the pest and disease outbreak and in making something to control and manage it. If you help find a treatment for it, even better."

"Am I allowed to join such an important research?!" Ivan gulped.

[Only elite researchers of the Empire would be sent in something like this. I had never been part of a research team here in Riva. What if they reject my participation?]

Ivan had his worries. But this was exactly why Arabella informed Ferdinand and Alwin about this first.

"Of course! You will go as my representative as part of my office as the Empress to help contribute in every way we can for the betterment of Valeria. Anything they do to you is akin to doing it to me. Inform me immediately if they do not treat you well, limit what you can do, or try to exclude you from participating. I already asked His Majesty and His Eminence for permission about this and they both had approved," Arabella assured Ivan.

[Wow. Already?! This is such a huge opportunity! I have to do my best and meet her expectations. I heard there were negative rumors about her because of hiring me. And yet, she did not mind. I have to show them that Her Majesty made the right choice in hiring me. I might learn a lot of new things there too.]

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty! I will do my best to contribute in every way I can," Ivan bowed low in gratitude and delight.

’He was given a difficult task, yet he was rejoicing instead. His dedication and determination to improve and achieve is impressive,’ Arabella smiled.

"Alright, do not report for work today. Instead, pack your things and prepare to depart. If there are materials, equipment, or tools you think you would need, list them all and send it to me. I will do my best to have them prepared and sent to you as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Feel free to send me a letter anytime. Messenger birds might not be allowed at the moment so hand it to one of His Majesty’s closest knights or to one of the magicians with him. If I do not respond within three days, it means I haven’t received your letter and you need to send me one again."

Arabella gave detailed instructions just in case someone tried to obstruct Ivan from contacting her or try to sabotage or prevent him from making any contributions.

[Her Majesty already thought this far?! None of my former supervisors would have cared about my circumstances or wellbeing, just the results I could give. Yet, Her Majesty always considered it and had already planned ahead. I must deliver good results!]

"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you very much for choosing me for this task," Ivan bowed again and said his goodbyes so he could prepare for departure to Sibruh.

With Ivan set to join the research team, Arabella had to inform all her assistants next and distribute Ivan’s usual workload to them.

Ivan’s usual workload would be heavy if done by one person but it would be distributed to all her remaining assistants so it would not become a burden.

’They are already here too,’ Arabella chuckled silently.

She still had to be at the Court Sessions so, thankfully, all her assistants arrived earlier than usual. And she knew the reason why.

’They must have heard that I summoned Ivan,’ Arabella surmised. She listened to their thoughts and she was right.

[Why would Her Majesty summon him before work hours?]

[He just received the letter early this morning but he is already here? Was there something urgent?]

[Why is everyone here two? I thought I was the only one who heard him receiving a letter from Her Majesty’s maid.]

[What are they talking about inside? It must be something urgent.]

When the doors of Arabella’s inner office finally opened, they all eyed Ivan who exited.

[Why are all of them here so early?! Did they hear I was summoned?]

Ivan was taken aback when he saw everyone already seated on their tables with their eyes set on him filled with curiosity.

"G-good morning," Ivan greeted and quickly went on his way. He was too focused on his new task to pay attention to them and satisfy their curiosities.

[He did not seem depressed so it must not be due to a reprimand from a mistake.] Narcissa thought.

[It must not be about Narcissa since his eyes did not even linger on her for a second.]

Nadia observed Ivan’s movement. She wanted to speak with him and ask but Arabella’s office was already open and she could see them.

[I’m glad he does not look sad. It must not be about something bad. But why is he leaving the office when it’s almost time to begin working.]

Odette wondered as well and wanted to approach Ivan just as Nadia do. However, Odette also did not want to approach Ivan when Arabella’s inner office was already open. It would be rude to ask Ivan in Arabella’s presence.

[He doesn’t seem injured or anything so it wasn’t Narcissa sending her people to hurt him again. I almost thought something happened again and I did not notice.]

Ronald did not want to be ignorant of what was happening around him again after seeing how badly hurt Ivan was last time.