Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 747: Not A Refusal

Chapter 747: Chapter 747: Not A Refusal

Arabella had to say this though for Princess Seraphina not to cling to naive thoughts that she would help for free.

If there was something Arabella could do, she was willing to help as she, herself, had received a second chance at life. And she believed that as she had changed from her former ways, Crux could change as well.

However, Arabella was the Empress of Valeria. She needed to uphold Valeria’s honor and the welfare of their people.

Crux had not only offended and insulted them with their actions but made a lot of their people suffer. Thus, Arabella needed a good reason to help or else her own people would hate her for helping their oppressors.

Arabella adored Seraphina’s determination but she needed to consider what helping the latter would mean for Valeria.

Instead of getting further disheartened, a flicker of relief crossed Seraphina’s features as she understood the underlying meaning of Arabella words.

[It wasn’t a rejection!]

Seraphina’s demeanor lightened up as she realized Arabella was not refusing to help her. Arabella was simply stating that she might not be able to help if what they seek was to move Valeria’s decision. However, she might help if it was something else.

"And what of your twin brother, Prince Sebastian?" Arabella inquired, shifting the conversation since she needed to know Sebastian’s stance here as well. "Does he share your vision for Crux’s future?"

A fondness softened Seraphina’s expression as she spoke of her twin. "Sebastian and I have always shared the same ideals. He is the pillar behind our plans, the one who creates the paths we must tread to achieve our goals. Together, we complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He was announced to be in his fiancée’s kingdom but he is secretly in Crux gathering and strengthening our allies."

Arabella nodded, impressed by the siblings’ unity and resolve. "I see. A formidable partnership indeed. I hope to meet him someday."

Genuine warmth shone in Seraphina’s eyes. "We would be honored, Your Majesty. Sebastian would appreciate the opportunity to converse with you as well."

"I have not promised anything yet," Arabella clarified. She still needed to hear their terms.

[She’s willing to help indeed!]

Seraphina could not help a smile on her lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty! Your understanding and willingness to listen mean more than you know."

The tension that had permeated the room earlier began to dissipate as they silently came to an understanding.

Arabella glanced at Seraphina’s companions who silently sighed in relief.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I understand the gravity of what I ask for. I know that you are not only in a place of power but also of responsibility," Princess Seraphina gained renewed vigor. "Hence, why I came with information that Your Majesty needed to know before the war."

"I see. Then let’s hear it," Arabella opened the chance for negotiation where Seraphina can try to convince her to help by giving her as much useful information as she can.

Seraphina understood the chance she was given and began, "I know Your Majesty wants to save your people as much as possible. But it would be difficult to get them alive even if you win the war in an overwhelming victory."

Arabella frowned at this. It meant Seraphina indeed knew about something that’s going to happen. And it was something heavy and indeed valuable information.

’Are the nobles planning to kill all the Prudencians before the war begins or when they get defeated?!’

It was a possibility Arabella and Ferdinand had considered, hence war with Crux was not declared immediately. They tried to get as many of their people back first.

But the months went on and there were still Prudencians that the nobles in Crux refused to return. Thus, the war was a last resort to threaten them to return the Prudencians they have now.

Their hope was for Crux to give up their stupid pride and return all the Prudencians they have.

However, after receiving Princess Seraphina’s letter, Arabella understood that the nobles in Crux were more stubborn and stupid than they thought.

Thus, the war would push through while magicians once again try to search the entirety of Crux for the remaining Prudencians hidden there.

"Then, what is it that I needed to know? If the information you provide is as valuable as you say, I will help if your terms are not unreasonable. I also have to see first if what you needed help with is something I can help with," Arabella clarified.

"I am delighted to hear that Your Majesty!" Princess Seraphina perked up. "I know Your Majesty is trustworthy, but I also fear for my people’s safety. I heard that in Valeria, one is bound by a promise to the Dragon God. Can Your Majesty swear it to him?"

The princess wanted to ensure that she and her companions would get out of here alive and not get betrayed by Arabella once she had received the information she needed.

"Yes, of course. I swear to the Dragon God of Valeria that I will help in your cause but only if the information you provide is truly valuable and useful to Valeria and our people," Arabella raised her hand and promised.

[Tsk. She just went on and promised without asking us first. She’s His Majesty’s mate so I’m sure her oath would get the Dragon God’s attention.] Alwin internally complained.

{That’s exactly why I said only if their information is truly useful to us.}

Arabella knew now that the Dragon God of Valeria truly existed since he was the one who created Ferdinand and all the Primordial dragons. She would not promise without being prepared to act on it.

Despite her seemingly rough ultimatum and resolution, Seraphina had a noble cause in mind for the sake of her people and it was quite bright and endearing to Arabella just like Nadia and Odette’s case.

Arabella could not help but long to support people who acted exactly different from her. They had such noble causes in mind while she was naive and self-centered when she was their age in her past life.

Knowing about their great wishes for their people and their homeland made her feel compelled to help them. Thus, Seraphina as well.