CHAPTER 788: CHAPTER 788: TO PREVENT MORE WARS

Any household found to have hidden Prudencians would be in house arrest while the Household Head would be captured.

They would be fined and punished depending upon the condition of the Prudencian/s they have hidden.

One Prudencian death would lead to one death penalty for the household as well.

The ministers were strict on this condition because they wanted to show an example to Eliora that they value their people more than anything else so they would not dare copy Crux who had been too stubborn and treated their warnings as if they were simply playing around.

[Her Majesty might be against this but we must do this.] Adelard, the Head Minister of National Security thought.

Arabella did not contradict it though since she understood they did not need a second Crux.

She knew Crux had allies and they might follow in Crux footsteps if Crux was not punished accordingly.

If Crux, allies’ attack them, they would only be spending more of their time and resources in an unnecessary war.

More wars in the future would only lead to more casualties on their side as well so it was better to avoid it.

If this was how they could prevent more wars in the future, then they had to do it. They did not need more of their people like the Prudencians to suffer the same fate.

[Her Majesty is not contradicting it?] The Head Minister of Defense was surprised Arabella did not comment about their intended punishment to get even with Crux and show example.

"We have to implement this to prevent more abuses against our people and future wars," Ferdinand said to her, thinking that she would see their punishment as too inhumane.

But their people were the ones who were treated inhumanely first. Why should they be kind to them when what they have given them so far was only harm?

Arabella would choose to protect their people more than someone else’s.

They were already being kind with not executing the entire family of those who hid Prundencians and even killed one or some of them.

"Yes, I understand it is necessary, Your Majesty. They ought to take responsibility for their actions," Arabella smiled.

[She’s fine with it?] Even Ferdinand was surprised since he only knew her as someone merciful and kind even to those who wronged her.

But that’s only what they thought. She only decided to give second chances because she had received one.

However, the pro-slavery of Crux had already wasted their nth chance at receiving mercy. Thus, their punishment was due.

Even Princess Seraphina and Prince Benjamin understood this so they did not plead for the life of those who had kept Prudencians hidden until now.

They understood the gravity of the situation and what Arabella and Ferdinand must do as rulers was to keep their people safe and uphold their honor.

Thus, the twins and the anti-slavery faction only asked for mercy for those who did not take part in the crimes and those who would show remorse and no longer fight back.

[Her Majesty is more mature than we thought.] The Great Elders silently watched her.

[Had situations like this happened in Lobelius before?] Raymond wondered since Arabella was so calm about it.

[Haha. If only they knew how merciless she was.] Alwin thought. He was the only one who was not surprised in the room that Arabella did not stop the death penalty per household for every Prudencian they killed.

’Does this make me suspicious?’ Arabella wondered if she should have pretended to be against it at first and pretend to be convinced it was the right thing to do after they explained to her for a while.

It was such a pain to go through all that though. They were pressed for time and they might be disappointed in her if she acted childish so she did not waste everyone’s time and agreed easily.

{Is this okay?} she asked Alwin just in case.

{It’s fine. It’s not like they were with you growing up. You can just make up a reason later.} Alwin replied nonchalantly.

’Geez. He could be a bit more worried. Does he think I won’t drag him with me if I get caught?’ Arabella noted to warn him that her downfall would be his too.

{If Ferdinand and the others notice I am suspicious and make her admit everything, I would drag you down with me if you are not helpful.} Arabella reminded.

{And? What would you tell them? That I witnessed set Valeria in flames and kill His Majesty and make him suffer?} Alwin reminded her as well.

’Ugh. Fine. I did so much worse. Damn it,’ she stopped the urge to glare at him since there were so many eyes around them.

She accepted her defeat and simply focused on the meeting instead before Ferdinand notices them conversing telepathically.

The meeting was over after several hours since they discussed all the details for the war.

When it was over, the sun had already set and it was time for dinner.

"Are you heading back to Sibruh?" Arabella inquired when the others had left.

"Sadly, yes," Ferdinand sighed deeply. His eyes clearly said he wanted to say but he had to do his duty as the Emperor.

"I see. Alright then. I hope the situation there is improving," Arabella did not dare stop him since the issues they were currently facing were serious.

If he had to return even though it was already night time, it meant he had something important to do there.

"It has been stagnant so we are hoping for information from the researchers soon," Ferdinand admitted.

’I see. No wonder he has to return.’

There had to be an improvement in the situation there before they could inform the public about what was truly going on.

"I’m sure they would find something useful. Keep fighting," Arabella kissed him on the cheek and cheered him on.

Ferdinand smiled and said, "I’ll have dinner with you first before leaving."

"Oh, yes. Of course, I’d love that," Arabella beamed and held his hand.