Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 886: Long-term Solutions (Part 2)

Weaponry was a different matter since pests could not hide in metals.

However, once pests and disease carriers are eradicated, weaving and sewing can once again flourish in the said territories.

"Then, what about jewelry-making, Your Majesty?" Narcissa suggested. "Since mining is continued, they will surely get precious ores that can be made into jewelry."

"Oh, yes. We can also include jewelry-making. It needs more precision and expertise, but those who are willing to learn and have attention to detail can be part of it," Arabella had Eunice note it down as well.

The more work they can list, the better, after all.

"Aside from work, maybe we can also include long-term lessons or activities that benefit them. After learning about Ivan and Nadia’s difficulty getting access to review materials, which are abundant in our duchy, I was quite taken aback. What if we also provide lessons for the Civil Service Exam? There may yet be another genius undiscovered somewhere there because of the lack of review materials," Egbert pointed out.

As someone from Vertus who had produced the most officials and exam passers, it was understandable that Egbert was surprised at how difficult it was for others to have access to materials.

Lessons for the Civil Service Exam are quite expensive for those who did not have much, and there are people who make money from it.

Conflicts of interest may spring up if this were made Empire-wide. However, since it would only be temporary in the affected territories, it should be fine.’

Just as Egbert had pointed out, there may indeed be a lot more people like Nadia and Ivan who would excel in this line of work if only they were given the chance.

The ruling houses would welcome more officials from their territory unless they were so biased to not want commoners from being a part of it.

"Yes, I will discuss this matter with His Majesty as well," Arabella also had Eunice note it down.

"Then, perhaps we can prolong the reading and writing lessons and hire teachers from the locals themselves. More people able to read and write there might encourage more interest into taking the Civil Service Exam," Denzel added.

"Yes, we can also do that. We can task someone for the hiring process," Arabella agreed.

They discussed for a while more about what other jobs could possibly be given to those who had temporarily lost their source of income due to the pests infestation and plant disease.

Her assistants were very full of ideas and practical suggestions.

Once again, she is grateful to have hired all of them.

"My greatest thanks for your cooperation today! Your suggestions will be taken into consideration and I’ll inform you what will be carried out after I had a meeting with His Majesty and other officials," Arabella said.

"It was our pleasure, Your Majesty. We are deeply honored by your praise," her assistant replied in unison.

She did not know when they practiced this but they had been doing well in responding to her in unison everytime she praised or thanked them.

Arabella then returned to her study after rewarding her assistants with refreshments and pastries from Alfredo.

"Your Majesty, please have a break as well," Aletha brought in her snacks.

"Thank you Aletha," Arabella beamed at the sight of her favorite snacks.

She ate while she reviewed the suggestions from her assistants since she would be presenting them to Ferdinand.

’Asking for their inputs was a good decision! They understood the situation immediately and made reasonable suggestions that they knew we could make possible,’ Arabella was delighted by her assistants’ suggestions.

Knock. Knock.

Arabella’s thoughts were cut when she heard someone knock on her door.

She already knew who it was though when she felt his presence.

Her beloved husband, who did not inform her in detail about what was going on in Sibruh and the neighboring territories.

’He came right on time!’ Arabella perked up.

She fixed her hair and clothes and wiped her mouth before responding.

"Come in," she said and the door opened.

"Arabella," Ferdinand beamed upon seeing her.

He quickly walked to her and gave her a hug and a peck on the cheeks.

[I’m glad I came to see her when I heard she was taking a break. I already feel my energy rejuvenated just from seeing her face.]

Arabella’s heart raced at the thoughts she heard from Ferdinand.

She gave him a hug as well and pecked him on the cheek.

Ferdinand was quick to give her a peck on the lips though the instant she kissed him on the cheek.

The loving pecks were very much welcome but when he kept giving more, Arabella covered his mouth with her hand.

"I’m eating," Arabella pointed out.

"Oh, right. Sorry," Ferdinand stopped and behaved himself. "I came here to have a break as well."

He picked up her tea and drank it without a word.

"There’s another teacup right there," Arabella was about to stand to pick up a tea cup from the trolley but Ferdinand stopped her.

"Do you dislike sharing a cup with me?" Ferdinand inquired.

"No, not at all. I just thought I’d serve you tea myself so I was about to get another cup," Arabella explained.

She had sent Eunice to take a break as well and the others were busy with other tasks.

Aletha just brought her refreshments and returned to her other tasks.

[She will serve the tea for me?]

"This cup will do. Unless you are disgusted with me," Ferdinand said and waited for her to pour tea for him.

[She doesn’t mind, right?]

"Haha. Why would I be?"

Arabella chuckled and refilled the cup with the tea she was drinking.

"Thank you," Ferdinand said.

The tips of his ears were reddish with just this gesture, even when they had done so much more.

’Haha. He’s so adorable. I won’t grill him just yet since he came to take a break.’

"Let’s eat these snacks together," Arabella offered her favorite snacks.