Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 918: He Cherishes All of You Too

The knowledge, skills, and strength they imparted were their own choice.

Sure, it was unexpected that they needed to raise a child all of a sudden, but they raised him of their own choice.

If they really did not want to, they could have returned Alwin to the elves immediately, regardless of Alwin’s reactions or preference.

"I’m rather envious of these two who had been able to watch over Alwin much longer and much closer than I could.

If I could turn back time, I’d be the one to find and protect him.

I’ll take care of him myself.

I will love him as my own son and give him everything I can," Alvis said, filled with regret and longing.

"As for everything I have done for him when I finally learned he was still alive, I know it must not be that important to him.

But even so, I never wanted anything in return.

Everything I did was because I wanted him to be happy," Alvis added.

"Oh, Alwin treasures everything you have done for him as well.

He’s just not too honest even to himself," Arabella corrected.

"Really?" Alvis’ eyes lit up.

"Yes, so please don’t think he doesn’t value it.

Alwin truly does.

He cherishes everything, all of you have done for him.

Very much so.

But as all of you already know, Alwin is quite strict with himself.

With his genius and talent, he has standards and expectations very much higher than everyone else.

This applies especially to how he thinks about what he could do and how others perceive it.

Hearing his thoughts, I learned that he is the strictest of himself, more than of others.

Just a little bit of mistake, and he berates himself about it more than anyone else.

He tends to misunderstand your words of care since he believes everyone also has the same standards and expectations.

So, please tell him in detail what you want him to know.

It may be awkward at first, but I’m sure it will help Alwin understand how you felt about what he did and what happened to him," Arabella explained.

"I see... I will do my best. I had tried showing my affection for him, but I thought he didn’t like it," Alvis replied.

"Haha. He does like it. But he is quite shy," Arabella chuckled.

Alvis was delighted to hear Alwin actually liked it, since he was worried Alwin disliked him because he was not able to protect him.

"And Alwin tries to reason it out with logic again.

I think it’s because he’s afraid to admit to himself how much he treasures everyone, too.

He’s scared to lose someone again," Arabella said as she recalled the pain in Alwin’s eyes when Ferdinand died in their past life.

She knew the feeling as well since she had experienced it too. And even now, the fear gnaws on her.

"I see... It’s because I failed to protect him in the past. If only I were stronger and more careful back then," Alvis bit his lip.

"It’s not your fault.

No one expected what happened in the Great War.

Alwin never blamed you for it either," Arabella assured Alvis.

"I see. Thank you very much for telling me," Alvis smiled in relief, albeit still with regret in his eyes.

Arabella could not convince him he was not at fault for the past, but at least, she was able to tell him how Alwin truly felt.

"What about us?!" Raymond asked Arabella.

Raymond and Ferdinand were visibly envious when they heard Alwin cared deeply about Alvis.

"Of course, Alwin cares about the two of you as well," Arabella assured them, and could not help a light chuckle at their reaction.

Arabella ended up discussing just how much Alwin loved and cherished them, too.

She clarified that Alwin was very much loyal to them and Estrella. And that even if Alwin lied now and then, he would never betray them.

That Alwin simply lied because he believed it was necessary in the meantime, or he was not yet ready to say it.

The three were then determined to speak with Alwin and tell him exactly what was on their mind; what they wanted Alwin to understand.

Their discussion ended when Alfredo arrived with food for all of them.

A few minutes later, Alwin got out of his inner chambers, fully dressed in his usual attire as the Master of the Magic Tower.

How he managed to bathe and get dressed to look like his usual self in just a few minutes, Arabella did not know.

[What are they going to ask me?]

Alwin looked clean and fresh, but his face was filled with worry.

"Let’s eat first," Arabella invited, though this was not her room since everyone was being awkward and nervous as they prepared themselves for the talk.

Thankfully, Alvis was in doting mode and quickly had Alwin seated and even fixed a few strands of hair that got messed up by the seat.

Ferdinand and Raymond silently watched the two.

They were waiting for Alwin to eat, but their gazes made Alwin not touch the food in nervousness about what they might ask him.

"Then, let’s eat first, everyone. Our guest are also having their lunch," Arabella said, and picked up some food first since no one was beginning.

They needed to ease this tense mood first.

It should have subsided earlier, but it was back again. Thus, they truly need to eat first.

Maybe the appetizing food Alfredo made would help calm their nerves.

Thankfully, the three picked up on what she was doing and began eating.

Thus, Alwin finally began eating his food as well.

Only when their meal was over did they begin the talk.

Arabella thought that perhaps it would be better to leave the room and leave this to Alwin’s elders.

However, thinking about how easy it was to get misunderstandings, she opted to stay and listen to everyone’s thoughts to ensure they would not get any major misunderstandings.

"Are you full now? Or would you like more food?" Alvis asked his nephew.