CHAPTER 1017: CHAPTER 1017: BE CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF

She was glad the second chance she gave Narcissa worked out well.

Arabella had been observing her for a while now, and the changes were great.

Narcissa had stopped being too entitled or haughty about things. Her experience with Ivan humbled her a lot and challenged her to improve even more.

In this project assigned to her, Narcissa performed well. She used her connections wisely and maximized them to ensure this project assigned to her was implemented in the best way possible, even if Sibruh was a far-flung territory.

"Since you did well on this task, you can take a break tomorrow," Arabella said.

"I can keep working, Your Majesty," Narcissa replied. She did not want to be left behind in case there were important tasks suddenly distributed again.

"I know. But you should take a breather, too.

In all the territories we will visit here, the theater plays will always come first.

This means depending on the situation of the next territories we visit.

You may end up working continuously for months.

Thus, it’s better to rest whenever you get the chance.

You can rest in the palace, visit your family, or do whatever you want."

Arabella knew Narcissa was highly motivated to work since she wanted to catch up with Ivan in every way possible.

However, being Arabella’s assistant was Narcissa’s first real job. Being in charge of the theater plays was also Narcissa’s first biggest task she handled on her own.

Narcissa did well, but she was still young and inexperienced. If too much responsibility and pressure were placed on her immediately, and without breaks, she might experience burnout quite soon.

Arabella did not want to do that to Narcissa or any of her assistants, for that matter.

Even Ivan took a break after they finally found the problem with the disease and found a treatment.

As for her other assistants, they will also have a break once the project/s assigned to them are over or at least commenced successfully.

"Then, I’ll visit my family tomorrow," Narcissa said after realizing Arabella’s lesson.

[I’ll tell my family about how Her Majesty praised me!]

Narcissa was excited to brag to her family about being praised for her performance and the success of her first individual project.

"As for everyone, I hope you continue to do your best. You will also have your turn to take a break later. For now, I hope you rest well tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty," they said in unison.

Arabella eyed her assistants, and they were not envious about getting a break at all. Rather, they were eager to achieve something too.

They were envious that Narcissa’s first project was already implemented as a huge success, while theirs would come later.

They also wanted to have something more to brag about as their achievements as an assistant to her.

"Oh, and I won’t be with you tomorrow. I’ll be in Crux with His Majesty. Denzel, proceed with the preparations for the storytelling caravan as planned," Arabella said, and Denzel visibly tensed.

[Her Majesty won’t be with us?! The people won’t react differently because Her Majesty is not with us, right? What should we do if they don’t attend when Her Majesty is not around?!]

The storytelling caravan would begin tomorrow, so Denzel grew nervous when Arabella suddenly informed them she would not be with them.

Of course, he was also a bit jealous since Arabella attended the implementation of the theater plays Narcissa had organized.

[I hope everything goes well tomorrow. If it’s just us without the authority of someone like Her Majesty, we might not be able to do much in case chaos happens. We might have to follow the Marquess’ words, whatever he decides, in case we get into a tricky situation.]

Her other assistants also began to worry and overthink. They thought of possible circumstances that might happen and what they should do without her to instruct them and rein in the people in control.

Doing the usual work they had been doing here, like gathering information, was fine. But implementing another event on their own made them nervous.

"Haha," Arabella could not help a light chuckle due to the expression on their faces. "Rest assured, I’ll be back before the event starts. My prior appointment should be over by early afternoon."

"..."

Her assistants blushed in embarrassment and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Denzel’s voice was the loudest.

"I am also grateful that you trust me. But you can be more confident in yourself. You did well in all the tasks I have given you so far. I’m sure that you’ll do well," Arabella assured them.

After this, Arabella and her assistants had a celebratory banquet for the success of the first project they held.

***

The following day, Arabella woke up earlier than usual. Her maids helped her bathe and get dressed.

Since the visit to Crux is an official visit this time, Arabella was in her official attire as Empress.

Her maids did her hair and makeup in a way that made her look mature, elegant, and regal. It was to the point that there may be people who will be afraid of her.

This was because Crux was a freshly conquered territory. They must show off their power and exude the ability to rule Crux, or else some might get haughty once again.

They preferred that no more factions turn to violent action so that there would be no more spilling of blood on both sides.

"Perfect!" Irene clapped her hands after checking that Arabella was dressed properly from head to foot.

"Your Majesty is amazing as usual! This look suits you as well," Carla praised.

"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Blanca seconded the two.

Aletha and Eunice clapped their hands.

"Thank you," Arabella smiled at them.

She liked this look as well.

After they regressed, she preferred looking mature and refined compared to innocent and young. It was probably because she had already lived to her early forties in her past life.

She only liked looking pretty and soft when it was Ferdinand she was with.

When she got out of her dressing room, Ferdinand was already there waiting for her.

He was dressed rather nicely, too.

The official attire of the Emperor suited him well and made him look even more handsome. It’s a pity he doesn’t usually wear this.