Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 980: Cuddling Together

[I knew it!

I shouldn’t have asked that!

But, how do I act and speak sweetly when she’s tired?

She rarely gets tired even after working so much.

Today was the first time she ever admitted and said she got tired.

What should I do to make her feel better at such times?!

What exactly is it like to be sweet?

I’ll do it if it’s what will make her happy.]

Ferdinand was in a dilemma all of a sudden as he realized he did not know how to be sweet.

"Then, what should I do?

I know I should let you rest when you’re tired.

But what else?

What did you mean by being sweet?"

Ferdinand decided it was best to ask her directly rather than make more mistakes in the future.

"Hmm, I think you’re already usually sweet.

You don’t have to overthink it.

Just do what you do as usual," Arabella clarified before he got to so many lengths just to be sweet.

She knew they were both already busy enough.

[That’s it?]

"As usual? Like?" Ferdinand was still confused.

"Well, you pamper me a lot.

Ask about how I was, or tell me how you missed me.

Just light conversation where I won’t have to think about work.

Or just hug me like this.

I felt terrible last night, but after a good sleep and waking up in your arms, I feel so much better."

It was embarrassing to say it out loud, but it was for the best.

"!!!"

[She felt better in my arms?!]

Ferdinand’s eyes lit up, and his smile looked like it might reach his ears.

He was delighted by her explanation.

"Then, I’ll do my best," Ferdinand said and gave her another tight squeeze.

It was hard to breathe, but Arabella loved it anyway.

She enjoyed just staying in her arms a bit more before the sky lit up.

It was nice to simply hold each other close.

***

When the sky cleared up, it was time to get up once again.

Arabella reluctantly got out of Ferdinand’s embrace.

"Would you like to eat here or in the dining hall?"

Ferdinand inquired as he helped her wear a warm coat.

"Will you dine with me?"

Arabella raised her hands and let Ferdinand tie the coat for her.

"Yes. I have to make sure you eat a lot since you will be working hard again today," Ferdinand said as he put on his coat.

Arabella tied it for him.

"Haha. Then, let’s eat here so we can speak freely."

Arabella wanted to enjoy as much time together before they must part again for work.

They did not have sex today, but they felt a different kind of satisfaction that warmed their hearts by simply cuddling together.

Having a nice meal together where they eat just as themselves was also another treat.

It was also great to have lighthearted and warm moments like this despite all the work they must do.

"Indeed. I’ll ask Alfredo to bring it here then," Ferdinand said, and contacted Alfredo telepathically.

After a few minutes, Arabella’s maids knocked at the outer doors.

Alfredo had brought the food, but since this was Arabella’s room, Ferdinand was the only male allowed to enter. Thus, her maids were the ones who usually brought in anything others brought for her.

"Your Majesty, your meal is here," Eunice said.

"Come in," Arabella responded.

Her stomach growled from hunger just at the thought of food.

"!!!"

[His Majesty is here!!]

They were surprised to see Ferdinand, but they acted calmly and greeted him as usual.

It was no longer new to them for Ferdinand to suddenly be here, even if he was supposed to be somewhere far away.

Her maids had gotten accustomed to the idea that they might teleport from one end of the empire to another and still return here in the palace.

[Her Majesty doesn’t have any kiss marks?!]

[Did they not do it?!! Why?! Did they fight?!]

They were more surprised at the fact that Arabella did not have any kiss marks.

Every time Ferdinand was here, she usually got kiss marks, at least, even if they did not go all the way.

Thus, her maids were shocked that she did not have any.

[Is it another wardrobe malfunction?!]

[Did the new ones we brought in not work as well? Oh no! We must help Her Majesty.]

Irene and Carla looked at each other with a silent understanding that they must bring in more lingerie for her.

’Ah, there is no need for more of those!’

Arabella wanted to tell them off, but Ferdinand was here.

Every time Arabella recalled that time, she was reminded of her overconfidence, which came with a slap that hit her pride.

The same was true for Ferdinand since he concluded it as an instance where he failed to function.

Thus, both of them avoided talking about that night since all it brought them was awkwardness.

Arabella’s maids had been bringing in more lingerie for her since then.

She did choose the ones she believed Ferdinand would like and asked to return or discard the rest.

They kept bringing in more, though, for her to choose more.

Arabella hasn’t had the chance to wear any of it again, though, since she and Ferdinand were quite busy.

"Then, shall we eat?" Ferdinand said once the food was served.

"Or would you like to sleep a bit more?" he added when he noticed she was spacing out.

"Let’s eat," Arabella quickly said, and picked up her spoon and fork.

[Oh, they don’t seem to be in a fight...]

’Because, we’re not.’

Arabella wanted to explain to her maids, but she didn’t have the time.

She needed to eat her meal since she would attend the morning Court Sessions.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand would return to work as well since he needed to hear reports from the knights and give them words of encouragement so they wouldn’t be disheartened despite the people’s treatment.

"Eat some more," Ferdinand added some dishes to her plate when Arabella did not get more.

She ended up eating a lot with Ferdinand, dining with her.