CHAPTER 894: CHAPTER 894: WE WANT TO TAG ALONG

"Then what did you mean?" Ferdinand kept frowning and waited for her to explain further.

"I know you love and cherish me, Ferdinand.

However, as I’ve said before, not the same can be said of other people.

To other people, what I do for them is what creates my value.

Based on what I do, they may value or hate me.

I at least want to be a valued Empress while I am here.

Remember, I told you before that I want to be a functional and useful Empress.

Not just a figurehead," Arabella clarified.

Ferdinand took a deep breath, "I understand. But please know that no matter what anyone else says, I will never have someone else replace you. I’ll say this again, too. You are my one and only Empress. This will never change."

’I know. You never replaced me in the past, after all.’

"Yes, I believe you," Arabella said, hugging him.

"Please don’t exhaust yourself too much before we even get a chance to live together in peace without all these responsibilities," Ferdinand pleaded.

"I won’t. I’ll save plenty of energy for the time when we can just enjoy ourselves as we please," Arabella promised.

Ferdinand hugged her tight, and they stayed still and silent for a while, just holding each other close.

Once their talk about the suggestions was over, Ferdinand returned to his study.

Meanwhile, Arabella went to her office for another meeting.

"Greetings to Her Imperial Majesty," her assistants immediately greeted her.

Arabella beamed and said, "Congratulations, everyone! I just had a meeting with His Majesty, and he has given his initial approval to your suggestions!"

"Ohh!! Praise be to the Dragon God!"

Her assistants cheered happily when they heard the news.

After all, it meant they had something important to do.

Meaning, they could prove they were useful aside from their usual tasks.

Since Ivan was sent out on a major task, they were hungry for some kind of achievement that was outside their usual office work.

"All right. Let’s head inside for another meeting so I can delegate your tasks," Arabella said, and they excitedly followed her into her inner office.

"Let’s start with the short-term solutions," Arabella began.

"His Majesty wanted the activities to last for the whole winter.

It’s because the people’s frustration and fear will likely peak in winter when they are further confined in their homes due to the weather.

It will also be a time when they will further worry about their future.

Thus, we must keep the people entertained, so the knights can focus on their tasks.

Likewise, we can help solve some of the locals’ problems and alleviate their worries.

His Majesty then asked that for each of the suggestions, we make a version for all ages.

This way, each event will last for at least a week, and we can extend the succession of activities to last for three months."

Arabella’s assistants listened keenly as she explained.

[Ah, right. Winter is the most difficult season. It’s when all of our suggestions are most needed.]

[If a version has to be made for each age group, we should hire different people for each group so they could focus their preparations on one target.]

[We should be able to extend all the activities for three months indeed if we followed His Majesty’s instruction.]

"Since all of these were approved to be implemented, we must make proposals for each one and make the necessary preparations accordingly. You’ll be assigned mostly to what you suggested," Arabella continued.

Her assistants suggested based on what resources they had most, and what they knew about it, so assigning them to their own suggestion was for the best.

"Narcissa, you will be in charge of the theatrical plays for adults.

Communicate with the various producers you mentioned and everyone else we will need for the play.

Make the necessary arrangements.

Also, make a draft of your proposal on how it’s going to be implemented.

As for the plays, you may discuss them with the producers.

But, only plays I and His Majesty approve of will be shown to the people."

They needed to check what play would be used to ensure it doesn’t make the people further frustrated or fearful.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Narcissa noted everything she said.

[This is my chance to prove that I can also be useful! And I must perform better than that Farrell brat.]

Competition between Ryvaleh and Farrell was fierce as usual, and the same was true with Denzel and Narcissa.

"Next, Denzel, you’ll be in charge of the storytelling caravan.

You will communicate with the group you mentioned, discuss with them, and draft a proposal.

You must attach all the stories to be told to each group.

Only stories His Majesty and I approve of will be used," Arabella explained.

She needed to check all the stories to be used first to ensure that the stories are appropriate for their target audience.

Likewise, so it won’t cause any problems for them.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will do my best!"

[Hehe. Just wait and see, Narcissa. I will beat you this time. I’ll make sure this works perfectly.]

Denzel was eager to prove himself and make sure he did better than Narcissa.

"As for the hygiene and puberty lessons, it will be your tasks, Odette," Arabella glanced at Odette.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Please add other lessons appropriate for each age group and draft a proposal. As for the teachers, let’s try to find them among the locals. You will come with me when I visit the afflicted territories," Arabella said, and all her assistants, except for Odette, suddenly raised their hands.

It was clear on their faces what they wanted.

They wanted to tag along with Arabella as well.

Her assistants froze and glanced at each other when they realized all of them raised their hands at the same time.

[Why are they raising their hands too?!!]

"Yes, Norbert," Arabella called the one who was closest to her seat first.

"I would like to tag along to the afflicted territories as well, if it’s possible, Your Majesty," Norbert expressed.