Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 978: A Small Misunderstanding

Chapter 978: Chapter 978: A Small Misunderstanding

Thus, Ferdinand, as the Emperor, could not scold her in this mode either since none of what she did was wrong as the Empress.

But if he wanted for them to speak as husband and wife and scold her for what she did, of course he could too. And maybe, she deserved to be scolded.

But Arabella was not ready to hear it tonight.

Was she escaping by doing this?

Yes.

She was escaping and delaying it for when she was ready.

For now, she needed to run away from it.

"If there’s nothing else, then, good night, Your Majesty. I’m ready to retire for the night," Arabella said, and turned her back.

She wished she knew how to deactivate the magic communication device. But she didn’t, so she simply tucked herself into her beddings and turned her back from the device.

"Uhm, Arabella..." Ferdinand hesitated. Perhaps, noticing the change in her mood.

But he called her name, clarifying that she’s speaking to her as her husband now.

"..."

Arabella felt guilty and wanted to turn around.

But if she did, they would end up talking about the agreement she broke.

"Good night, Ferdinand," she said without looking at him and covered her whole body, even her head, with the thick blankets.

"..."

There was no reply on Ferdinand’s end.

Perhaps he was angry that she’s running away from him and avoiding him after what she did.

Her ability does not work when they speak like this so she didn’t know what he was thinking about.

However, Arabella did not even have time to ponder about it.

Before she knew it, she fell asleep.

***

When Arabella stirred, her body clock told her it was time to get up.

’I slept so soundly. Was I that tired?’

She realized she was more exhausted than she thought.

’I didn’t even get to hear his reply... Wait! What about Ferdinand?!’

Arabella’s eyes fluttered open.

She was facing her bedside table.

She was wide-eyed when the communication magic tool was gone from her bedside table.

Arabella was about to get up and realized she couldn’t.

She gulped when she realized a familiar presence was hugging her from behind.

He pulled her closer when she moved.

Arabella glanced down and saw the familiar arms and hands.

It was Ferdinand indeed. He was wearing his rings in the right places and she could feel his breath at the top of her head.

"Are you awake?" he asked in a low sleepy voice.

He just woke up too. Probably when she moved.

Arabella gulped nervously. She did not even listen to his reply last night. And she shot him down and avoided him.

She felt an immense guilt.

She realized Ferdinand must have felt terrible getting avoided like that.

And yet, here he was, embracing her in his arms tightly.

’I shouldn’t have done that... How should I face him now?’

He must have come here because of how she behaved.

"You should sleep more," Ferdinand said.

He kissed her hair, snuggled closer, and embraced her even tighter as if they were not already close enough.

Arabella gulped.

This was what she was looking for last night.

This warmth.

This tight embrace.

This comfort.

This feeling of safety and being loved.

Despite what she did to him yesterday, here he was showering her with affection and holding her so tightly as if asking for her attention.

Arabella turned around and hugged him back, snuggling against his chest.

She felt Ferdinand smile as he kissed her forehead.

’Why is he acting so sweet despite what I did yesterday?’

Arabella felt even guiltier.

She looked up and was met with a loving gaze from Ferdinand.

"!!!"

Arabella was not ready for it once again buried her face in his chest, her heart beating wildly.

’Why are his eyes still so... loving? Isn’t he the least bit angry after what I did?’

[I knew it. She must be angry about yesterday...]

’Eh?’

Arabella was surprised by his thought.

Wasn’t it him who was supposed to be angry?

Ferdinand gave her a squeeze and said, "Arabella, I’m sorry about yesterday.

I didn’t mean to question you so late at night when you’re ready to rest.

I knew you were tired and should have asked about it later.

Oh, and what I actually wanted to ask if you were feeling alright after teleporting so many times in a day.

But I ended up asking about something else because I was distracted..."

"No, I’m not angry.

I was just tired.

Weren’t you the one who’s angry at me that I broke our agreement?" Arabella asked, searching his eyes.

And yet there was no anger there.

Confused, Arabella continued, "I thought you would scold me for breaking the agreement we had."

"No, I was not angry. I kind of already knew you would not follow the conditions I set," Ferdinand scratched the back of his head.

"Y-you knew I would break it?" Arabella blinked twice once again.

"Yes. You don’t like how I worry too much and I know I’m being too strict.

I set the conditions hoping you would follow at least some of it even if not all.

I’m glad you followed the others and only broke one and I’m not angry about it.

I know I’m being unreasonable too for always limiting your movement," Ferdinand explained.

’He doesn’t trust me anymore?!!’

She could only blame herself for it though.

She had indeed already repeatedly broken her word when it came to the conditions she must follow and had agreed with Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was also right though. He was strict with her despite already saying he would let her do as she pleased.

But Arabella also understands that it was because he was worried about her.

He wouldn’t have cared whatever she did if he didn’t care about her.

"So, you’re really not angry?" Arabella asked again.

"I’m not.

I called you last night because I was worried you might be feeling terrible after teleporting so much so I wanted to see you.

But after seeing you in your thin sleeping dress..." Ferdinand trailed off and gulped.

[I could clearly see the outline of her curves and got so distracted...

Damn it...

I’m nothing but a beast...

How could I let my mind wander when she was so exhausted?]

’So he was just worried but got distracted?!!’