Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 943: A Second Chance

Chapter 943: Chapter 943: A Second Chance

Arabella didn’t even know how to respond to the looks they were giving her.

"My father, the former lord, indeed failed, but we, as a household, promise to make amends for his mistakes and do our best for the territory. Please give us another chance," the new Marquess also appealed to the people.

The people were silenced as they pondered over Arabella’s words.

Meanwhile, the new Marquess bowed to Arabella and said, "Thank you for your words, Your Majesty.

We are forever grateful.

We will rule and protect Sibruh properly this time," the new Marquess vowed.

The Marquess and his family all bowed to her in gratitude.

Arabella did not speak out simply to make them thank her, but if they became loyal to Valeria and to her, or at least felt indebted enough to stand by their side in worst-case scenarios, then she’d gladly accept it.

The more allies, the better. Hopefully, the Sibruh Household had truly learned their lesson.

No, she and Ferdinand would ensure they did.

"You are most welcome. And yes, you should do better this time. I will also have my eyes on you," Arabella responded.

[Her Majesty spoke for us too!!]

[Thank you, Your Majesty!]

[We had been stressed with how the people are treating us, thank you very much, Your Majesty!]

Even the knights of Sibruh were touched that their efforts were not overlooked.

[Our former lord did make mistakes, but we still did our job as knights.

We never gave up on Sibruh.

Thank you for your words, Your Majesty!!!]

She glanced at the Sibruh knights, who also bowed to her in gratitude and returned to their posts.

Arabella learned from their thoughts that they had also been depressed at having to fight against the common people who were among the ones they had vowed to protect.

They knew Sibruh had not been going in a good direction, but could not change the situation when their voices were ignored by the former lord.

Still, they remained steadfast in protecting Sibruh from threats.

These are among the things that people here are forgetting to appreciate.

The people’s safety from outside threats had made them forget those same threats actually existed and could reach them the instant Sibruh fell. Especially with winter approaching, when monsters are more rampant.

As for the people, they had various opinions on her words.

[Did she just come here to tell us we were wrong?!]

[It’s the Marquess’ family she should scold.]

[She has a point. But what if the new Marquess will become full of his head because they have the Crown’s support?!]

[Will they really watch the Marquess?]

[She was right? Are we helping at all in improving the situation here?]

[Had we been too hasty in our actions because of the situation?]

[The former lords and their family did protect us from outside threats.]

[If the new Marquess will truly do as he promised, then it should be fine. Especially if Her and His Majesty kept tabs on them.]

There were those who refused to accept that they had made mistakes, and there were those who acknowledged that they indeed had committed something wrong.

Some remained doubtful that the Crown would truly watch over the ruling household and Sibruh as a whole from now on.

What was most important, though, was that Arabella explained their side of the story and told them what she wanted to say.

It was up to the people to decide what to do.

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty. Our ancestors must be happy to hear that someone of your status appreciated all our efforts," the Elder of the Sibruh family said.

Arabella learned from their thoughts that this Elder was the Former Marquess’ father and the grandfather of the current Marquess.

This elder was also once the ruler of Sibruh, and he did his job well when he was the Marquess.

However, his son, who was born and raised during a prosperous time, failed, which led to the current Sibruh.

"You are most welcome, Elder.

I respect and honor those who do good for their people and their territory.

I heard you have made Sibruh prosperous in your time.

May the Dragon God bless you," Arabella said respectfully.

"Thank you, Your Majesty.

May the Dragon God and all gods out there bless you, too.

May I speak with the people?" the Elder asked respectfully.

"Of course, Elder," Arabella agreed.

Everyone noted how her voice and demeanor were much more gentle compared to when she was speaking to them.

The Elder thanked her again before facing the crowd.

"I hope you still recognize me.

I barely go out these days, but I hope you know who I am," the elder said.

"The Former Marquess’ father!!!"

"The Elder got out!!!"

The people recognized the Elder and bowed when they recognized him.

Arabella heard from their thoughts that due to age, the Elder had been sickly and thus had always stayed inside the castle.

The Elder was barely updated on the current events, so he would not be stressed out.

However, due to the gravity of the situation, they had no choice but to tell the elder the truth.

"Be at ease.

I was inspired to speak after listening to Her Majesty.

I have gotten old and did not watch my son properly.

It’s alright for you not to forgive me for not correcting his mistakes in time.

It’s alright for you not to forgive him either.

But I hope you listen to Her Majesty, who came from afar just to give us aid.

After my son’s failure, His Majesty has appointed my grandson, who is much more capable than his father.

I hope you support him even if you hate his father.

Rest assured, I have more grandsons who can replace him as well if he also fails.

All I wish to see is for Sibruh to get past this crisis without our people dying.

I hope you have this in mind as well.

Let us not resort to killing each other in this trying time.

Instead, as Her Majesty said, we should work together and stay strong despite the challenges.

I pray you find it in your heart to truly listen both for your sake, for your children’s future, and for this territory," the elder said and bowed.

He took this chance to speak while there was magic amplifying their voice.