In her past life, Arabella ceased being friends with Andrew. The friendship they once had didn’t need to be revived again since it would do no good to both of them now.
They were both married and they were each other’s spouses’ greatest insecurities. It was better for them to not be friends than cause the failure of each other’s marriage.
[It’s my fault after all. It’s because I’m so weak and react too much every ti it was related him.] Ferdinand gritted his teeth. [If she regrets this soday, I have to prepare myself for what would happen and take responsibility.]
’That wasn’t what I wanted to say.’
"I’m not doing this simply because of you. I am also doing this for . For my own peace of mind. So you don’t have to bla yourself or anything. I simply thought this was for the best so you don’t have to worry about it, alright?" Arabella clarified so Ferdinand would not overthink again. He was burdening himself with everything.
She thought letting him hear their conversation would help him understand everything between her and Andrew had indeed ended. But look at him finding points to worry about instead.
’Should I reward him now, after all? Maybe, he would cheer up a bit.’
"Aren’t you happy that I ended everything with him? You clearly heard we both no longer plan on speaking or eting with each other, right?"
"Yes. Of course, I am happy. It just makes worry that maybe, you are hurting deep inside for letting go of a person once dear to you," Ferdinand admitted.
"I am not hurting since he was no longer dear to . For , he was just a person I used to know. Like the people of Lobelius for instance. I would wish for their happiness too just as I wished happiness for him."
She wanted to make him understand it was not sothing she specifically wished only because it was Andrew.
"I see. Then, what about the trade agreent you were talking about with him?" Ferdinand inquired.
Arabella explained how Lobelius and Lahar depended on each other a lot in certain commodities since their territories had been allies for long. They did not foresee that they would soday completely stop the trade so it caused quite a lot of trouble. Lobelius was still faring well but it was more comfortable for the commoners and nobles alike when the trade with Lahar was active.
Ferdinand ended up apologizing for causing trouble to Lobelius.
"It wasn’t really your fault. Lobelius and Lahar were the ones who made the decision due to fear."
[It’s still my fault. My reputation is too terrible so they had no choice but to cut ties to show they didn’t plan to insult .]
"To make up for it, why won’t Valeria and Lobelius trade too?" Ferdinand suggested out of the blue.
[I have to do sothing about it. I’m sure the Valeria has everything. I conquered territories for the things we lacked. And that prince may not speak with my wife anymore but he would speak with her parents. Raymond said it was important for humans to maintain a good relationship with the parents of the spouse. What if they suddenly thought I wasn’t that useful of a son-in-law? I have to give them more benefits than that prince and his kingdom could ever offer.]
’Huh? Doesn’t he realize Lobelius already benefitted a lot from our marriage? Attacks didn’t co to Lobelius and the kingdoms surrounding us were all trying to be on good terms now in fear of retaliation from the Empire.’
Still, since Ferdinand offered it himself, Arabella decided to grab the opportunity.
"That would be great, thank you! I have spoken with so nobles and rchant families during the tis I attended banquets and balls with Raymond. There were those who were interested in Lobelian commodities. I’m sure Lobelius would love to trade with Valeria as well," Arabella bead.
[Yes, rely on instead of that prince.] Ferdinand was satisfied.
[Why do I have a feeling that I’m the one who’s going to have more work due to this?] Alwin massaged his temples from a sudden headache since he knew it would take a lot of work.
Since Ferdinand was the one who offered it himself, the ministers would have to work on it.
Arabella noted to send a letter to her parents about it so they could also begin formulating plans.
. . .
Lunch ca soon and Alwin teleported Dimo since Arabella promised the child he could have lunch with her today.
It was because they were inford Dimo hadn’t been eating well due to worry. He had asked about his father several tis.
Of course, Ferdinand would be with them since he didn’t want his ti with her to be allocated to soone else entirely.
"Your Majesty!" Dimo bead and run to Arabella the instant he saw her. He wrapped her waist in an embrace and buried his face in her tummy. It was as if she was his mother.
Arabella smiled. She missed this. Fermin used to do this a lot.
Ferdinand glared though but Arabella ignored her husband and hugged Dimo too. She gently stroked Dimo’s hair and blinked twice when her husband looked envious. He was competitive even with a child so much younger than he was.
"Stop glaring at the poor child," Arabella soundlessly mouthed to her husband and he looked away in embarrassnt at getting caught.
"I heard you haven’t been eating well. Why is that?" Arabella asked Dimo in a gentle voice.
"I... Will I really be able to see my father soon?" Dimo looked up with teary eyes.
’He must be feeling anxious again,’ she gently ruffled his hair.
"Yes. You will et your father tonight if you are a good boy," Arabella said and Dimo gasped. His eyes instantly lit up.
"Really? I can et him? Can I speak with him? I want to tell him about Aunt Sonia," Dimo was eager to expose his Aunt.
"Yes, of course. But first, let’s eat. Okay? I heard you only ate a bit this morning. Did you not like the food?" Arabella inquired since he may not like Valerian cuisine yet.
"I like it. But I was thinking about my father," Dimo pouted.
"I see. You don’t have to worry anymore so eat as much as you want, okay?"
Arabella held Dimo’s hand much to her husband’s envy and led the child to the dining hall. Dimo’s eyes shined at the sight of his favorite foods.
She had asked the chefs to prepare it based on what she recalled from her past life. Dimo’s preferences didn’t change when he grew up because he was not able to enjoy his childhood or the foods he loved after he run away from ho.
"Wow! Everything looks tasty," Dimo gulped.
Arabella led him to his seat and Ferdinand frowned when she sat beside Dimo and not in her usual seat.
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