Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 913: They Mean No Harm

Chapter 913: Chapter 913: They Mean No Harm

[He was called a Dark Emperor, but his people looked happy.]

Arabella smiled at their observation, feeling proud of her husband and everyone who worked hard to keep this peace and prosperity.

This was Riva, the Capital of Valeria.

And of course, it was the most developed city in the empire since a lot of resources were gathered here.

A lot of noble households also have a residence here, and they did well in showing off to each other, which helped in keeping the capital beautiful.

Further, Riva enjoyed Valeria’s riches the most, so the people here are far more relaxed than in other parts of the empire.

[All we have heard about him are negative rumors.

But it seems those are not true.]

[Is this why the Pope said he agreed for us to accompany him, not for his safety, but for our learning experience?]

Cassandra and the paladins were amazed at the prosperity, peace, and order in the city.

Due to the negative rumors about Ferdinand, they thought his empire must be dull and filled with people trying to free themselves from his grasp.

However, it was clearly the opposite.

[Look at their faces.

I already told them not to be prejudiced.

Why are they so shocked at what they are seeing?

I already told them it was truly prosperous.

It’s good I brought them here, so they will stop believing in all the rumors they heard.]

The Pope smiled as he observed his companions, who were awed at the sight of the city below.

"It’s been a while since I last saw Riva, but it sure has developed even more since I was last here. It looks as peaceful and prosperous as ever," the Pope commented.

"Of course," Raymond could not help but reply proudly. "His and Her Majesty are always working hard for the sake of the Empire."

’You do too, Raymond,’ Arabella wanted to say.

[Oh, and the Imperial Palace looks lovely as well. It’s so huge, but look at those pretty gardens!]

Cassandra noticed the palace on the other side, and the others followed her gaze.

[T-this is the Imperial Palace?!]

[It’s huge!]

[It’s several times larger than the Grand Palace in Medeus!]

[Just how much did this cost? Must their palace be this big?]

[No wonder His Holiness said the Imperial Palace looked imposing. But it looks regal and breathtaking at the same time.]

"No wonder. But I don’t think the palace had this many flowers before," the Pope noted as he glanced at the palace gardens.

[It used to be just plain grass and trees.

Now it’s colorful and lively.

It somehow reminds me of something.

The palace gardens now resemble a place I’ve been to.

Where was it?]

"Ah, the flowers were recently added," Raymond explained.

He did not mention that it was added because of Arabella. He did not want to make it too obvious they rushed to add the palace renovation and decorations when Ferdinand decided to get married.

The pope still noticed, though, and glanced at her. He said, "Oh, I remember what the gardens resemble now. There were a lot of flowers in the Lobelius Palace as well. I heard you love them."

"Yes, I am indeed quite fond of them." Arabella smiled.

[I see. They put in more effort to make her feel at home than the others.

Even as far as copying the gardens of Lobelius, which she loved to frequent.

It seems he truly likes her.

But let’s see how it goes in a few more years.

The complaints and pleas for help usually come much later when it is close for them to retire.]

The Pope still believes that Arabella might come running to him, asking for help.

It was not out of malice, though. It simply stemmed from past experiences he had gone through for many years.

It happened repeatedly in the past, which was why the Pope sounded so sure and was simply waiting for it to happen.

Arabella hoped such a day would never come, though.

After all, she had promised to be with Ferdinand for as long as they lived.

"Alwin’s bedroom is inside," Ferdinand said after their guests were done ogling at the city and the palace.

They finally recalled their purpose for heading here and focused.

Arabella and Ferdinand entered first, followed by their guests.

Alvis was there waiting for them with a guarded expression. He frowned the instant he saw their guests.

"How dare you enter here with those weapons!" Alvis said in a grave voice as he launched an attack.

It happened in an instant.

The four cardinals and Cassandra were wrapped by thick vines and could not move.

"King Alvis, it’s been a while since I last saw you," the Pope maintained his smile and greeted Alvis calmly. "Put my companions down. They are not here to do any harm."

[King Alvis?]

[Who is he? I haven’t heard of a king in Eliora with this name. Is he Estrellian as well?]

"With those anti-magic swords and the very poison that made Alwin like this?" Alvis glared.

[What’s this overwhelming strength and mana?! We can’t break free!]

[If I can just touch my sword, I’ll be able to cut this down... But the Pope said not to draw our weapons unless it’s life-threatening...]

[This mana... he was the one who caused the tremors?!]

"They don’t mean any harm. They are just here to accompany me. I’m sure you understand it’s normal to have escorts," the Pope said.

"I don’t care. I won’t allow those weapons near my only nephew. I’m sure you know how his parents died," Alvis did not relent.

Sigh...

"Alright. Alright. Then, at least loosen the one on my daughter. She doesn’t have weapons. The necklace I made her wear temporarily cannot be opened by her," the Pope clarified.

"Daughter?" Alvis frowned and glanced at Cassandra.

[She does resemble him a bit.]

"Yes," the Pope did not explain.

"I’m adopted from His Holiness’ relatives," Cassandra did the explanation herself once again.

Alvis’ eyes glowed as he checked Cassandra for any hidden weapon and found none.

He then loosened the vines around Cassandra but still ensured her hands were bound behind her back.

Her feet were also tied together, so she could not go near them.

’Is this alright?’ Arabella wondered and glanced at Ferdinand, Raymond, and Riley.