CHAPTER 746: CHAPTER 746: NECESSITY OF A GOOD EXCUSE

Princess Seraphina’s words were filled with riddles despite her direct statement.

Arabella’s chest ached at what she heard.

It meant the bright hopes Seraphina had almost got doused. Arabella was relieved to hear that Seraphina, Sebastian, and her companions did not give up and chose to persevere.

"Can I take your words to mean that the Pro-salvery faction would not back down regardless of our last warning?" Arabella wanted confirmation about this.

"It saddens me greatly, but yes, Your Majesty," Princess Seraphina confirmed. "They refused to listen to reason."

It meant Valeria and Crux would indeed be at war soon.

"I see,"Arabella heaved a deep sigh and slowly nodded her head.

They had hoped they would not have to push through with the war but Crux gave them no choice.

It was their last warning so they had to stand by it and do as they had declared. Yet, amidst this, Seraphina and her faction managed to find an opportunity.

Arabella considered the strategic implications of Crux’s current predicament.

The kingdom’s focus on maintaining slavery had left it vulnerable to external pressures and internal dissent.

If Seraphina’s faction could capitalize on these vulnerabilities, they might indeed have a chance to catalyze meaningful reform for their hopes they had for Crux.

"And what role do you envision Valeria playing in this endeavor?" Arabella probed as she picked up that Seraphina was hinting on something.

"We have tried what we can to gently and slowly enlighten Crux but it did not work. Thus, I believe Crux needs a complete change that will enlighten everyone all at once. And I believe the upcoming war with Valeria is the change it needed. The nobles need to know for themselves that Valeria was no match right from the start and that slavery was wrong and would only continue to bring forth troubles. They need their haughty pride and beliefs stepped upon for them to finally give up on it and face the truth. They need to experience the losses for them to be enlightened."

Princess Seraphina’s eyes were filled with signs of exhaustion as she talked of their stubborn subjects. Yet, likewise filled with the light of desperate wish she clung to as she continued to hope that Crux could still change so she should not give up on it.

Arabella nodded her head as she understood Seraphina’s words. Princess Seraphina and her companions had chosen to enlighten Crux even if in a rough manner.

It was their ultimatum and last resort before totally giving up.

Arabella could tell that if it still does not work; Seraphina, Sebastian, and their companions would give up on Crux completely.

"So, you are saying you are fine with the war? Then, why did you ask to meet with me?" Arabella asked directly.

"Because we wish and beg for Your Majesty to help us. We do not want the innocent people to be the ones who suffer the most in this war instead. Thus, I came here to plead for their case and likewise for the change I and my faction wish to see in Crux before we die."

Princess Seraphina spoke with her eyes begging for Arabella to listen to her until the end as if she was the last hope the princess had for her goals to see the light of day.

Arabella considered Seraphina’s request carefully.

While she sympathized with the princess’s aspirations, she needed to weigh the risks to Valeria.

Involvement in Crux’s internal strife could provoke retaliation from the Pro-slavery faction directed to their people who live close to Crux.

"I appreciate your trust in me, Princess Seraphina," Arabella began, her voice tinged with solemnity. "However, you may be overestimating my influence. Valeria is an empire and rulers from various territories inside it decide its direction. Valeria must also proceed with caution especially after joining the Yearly Assembly just this year. Direct involvement in Crux’s internal affairs could escalate tensions and endanger our people. Likewise, I have no control over everything that happens here. Just as your father cannot unilaterally decide for Crux, it’s the same for me.

[So, Her Majesty cannot help either?]

Princess Seraphina’s expression hardened slightly, disappointment flickering briefly in her eyes. "I understand, Your Majesty. We do not wish to embroil you in our struggle..."

The princess’ voice trailed off, unable to continue.

[Is this it? Do I have to give up on everyone else? Can I only save the ones closest to me and fail all the others?]

Princess Seraphina gulped as she thought of all the people she would not be able to save if the meeting ended here.

Arabella sensed Seraphina’s resolve faltering, her determination tempered by the weight of reality.

Jacob, Emily, and Harold’s shoulders drooped in disappointment as well and their eyes were beginning to turn red as they stopped their tears.

It was clear that the princess had staked everything on this meeting, hoping for a pledge of support that Arabella could not yet give.

"But," Arabella continued gently, sensing the need to offer reassurance, "that does not mean I will stand idly by. We share a vision of a better future, Princess Seraphina. While direct intervention may not be possible, there are other avenues we can explore."

Seraphina’s drooping gaze lifted, curiosity mingling with cautious hope, as if sheltering her heart not to be broken. "Such as?"

[That’s right! I cannot give up here. I will kneel and beg with my head on the floor if I have to! This is our last resort] Princess Seraphina reminded herself.

’You don’t have to go that far,’ Arabella sweatdropped.

"I am not sure what you wish for me to do exactly but I cannot promise to help in something I do not understand. Further, Crux had wronged my people. Why should I help the people of a kingdom who had made my people suffer?"

Seraphina’s companions tensed when they heard Arabella’s words. After all, it was a fact but it also sounded merciless.

Arabella had to say this though for Princess Seraphina not to cling to naive thoughts that she would help for free.