CHAPTER 784: CHAPTER 784: SAY YOUR GREETINGS AGAIN

"Indeed," Arabella agreed. She knew that knights prided themselves in Valeria’s continuous victories. They would not accept being treated like this.

If Arabella went against this war, her image among the knights and ministers would have gone down the drain as an Empress who did not understand the pride and honor of Valeria.

Thankfully, in all the Court Sessions, she had already voiced her support in this war if Crux fails to comply as they should have done so right from the start.

Ferdinand wrote his reply and refused the King’s request since he had already declared they would attack if Crux did not return all the Prudencians they still have within a week.

There was no taking back that declaration. Valeria would look like a coward and Crux would act all haughty if they did.

All preparations for the war were also already complete.

Plus, the agreement with Princess Seraphina and the Anti-Slavery Faction was already set in motion.

"Are you ready for the Court Session?" Ferdinand glanced at her and knew she was but still asked.

"Yes," Arabella smiled.

"Let us head to the throne room then," Ferdinand rose and offered his hand.

Arabella held onto his hand and they headed to the Court Session together.

It felt like it had been too long since they attended the Court together.

"His and Her Majesty have arrived," the courtier announced as they entered.

[His Majesty?!!]

[His Majesty is here?!]

[He’s finally back?]

[Are we finally going to know what the situation is in Sibruh and the neighboring territories?!]

[Is it because the war with Crux is supposed to begin?]

The ministers and household heads were delighted to hear Ferdinand was finally back. They had eagerly awaited his return hoping to finally learn about the truth in Sibruh.

Various rumors have spread but they had never asked again in Court due to Arabella’s words last time.

Thus, they silently hoped Ferdinand would return soon and reveal what was going on.

"Greetings to His Majesty!!!"

"Greetings to Her Imperial Majesty!"

[How dare they? Is this how they had been treating Arabella while I was away? I think I clearly told them not to cause her any trouble.]

There was a clear difference in how they said their greeting so Ferdinand frowned at them instead.

’Humph, that’s what you get for putting up an attitude,’ Arabella wanted to smirk but maintain a neutral expression so she won’t antagonize them.

She didn’t want to make enemies here. Her husband was different though.

"Say your greetings again," Ferdinand eyed them coldly and they immediately repeated their greetings for the both of them with more enthusiasm and energy.

[Did Her Majesty say something to His Majesty? Did she complain to him? Why would she already complain about such minor things?] Some of the people in the room thought.

Arabella had not even said anything to Ferdinand about how they were treating her in the Court Sessions.

"What’s with that look on your face? Have you not treated My Empress well while I was away?" Ferdinand asked glanced at those who visibly glanced at Arabella as if blaming her for getting treated coldly by Ferdinand upon his arrival.

[These bastards. Did they really not treat her well? Why didn’t Arabella say anything to me?] Ferdinand held her hand.

"My Empress, did they cause you trouble or treated you unjustly while I was away?" Ferdinand inquired.

The throne room instantly became tense and those who had been giving her some kind of trouble the past few days nervously glanced at each other.

They did give her some difficulty but it was not something she could not deal with.

But had she been the young princess she once was, it would have been difficult for her to handle such pressuring eyes and actions from them.

Meanwhile, those who had remained respectful to her kept their heads high without any worries since they had not done anything.

"No, Your Majesty. They cooperated well," Arabella replied.

However, she cast a warning glance at those who were planning to cause trouble for her in the future.

[Ah, so they did cause her trouble. I’ll ask Arabella for the details later. It seems she wants to give them a second chance.] Ferdinand concluded.

"I see. That’s good then," Ferdinand kissed the back of her hand in front of everyone.

They gulped nervously since it meant she valued her so much that he was willing to punish them even if they held among the highest positions in Valeria.

"My Empress came from afar and yet does her best for Valeria every single day. She is doing all her duties and responsibilities as Empress very well. Anyone who disregards her authority, disrespects her, or tries to harm her, especially while I am not by her side, will not be forgiven. Do you understand that?" Ferdinand loomed over them, his overpowering aura giving them a lot of pressure.

[This?! It had been a while since His Majesty was like this.]

[This suffocating feeling, when he gives that look, I thought we would not be getting it anymore when it stopped a few weeks after he got married.]

[We were the ones who pressure him to get married but who would have thought he would change this much. At least he did soften up though the past few months.]

[Ever since His Majesty mentioned wanting to get married to her, he changed a lot and continues to do so nowadays.]

The ministers and rulers had various thoughts and some were even visible on the expression on their faces even when they tried to control it.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We will obey your orders," they all bowed in unison.

Ferdinand let them keep bowing and made Arabella sit on her throne first before telling them they could be at ease.

[He made her sit first again. Is Her Majesty already pregnant? Is this why His Majesty is overly protective of her and reprimanding us first thing upon his return?]

The ministers and rulers began to wonder if an heir is on the way.