In her previous life, it was Raymond who taught Arabella about her role as Empress and she learned more as she did her tasks.
But it was only after she had recuperated from childbirth and her son was old enough to be away from her. She got pregnant soon after the wedding so she didn't do her other responsibilities as an Empress until her son was two years old.
But this time, Arabella had no plans to get pregnant again so there was no reason for her not to do her supposed responsibilities.
The ministers and the people might misinterpret things if she kept staying in her room all the time.
Moreover, it would be better for her if she began performing well now so she could get allies to her side.
She regretted asking Raymond though when he had a delighted grin on his face and another fatherly look in his eyes.
[Does Her Majesty finally see the Emperor in a new light? Does she like him now for her to take interest in the Empress' role?]
'I just want some allies,' she wanted to say to correct his misunderstanding, but just remained silent and waited for his response.
"I am touched by Your Majesty's enthusiasm," Raymond smiled. "Since Your Majesty wishes to work, I shall guide you to the best of my ability."
[My workload would be greatly lessened once the Empress begins working.]
Just as in her previous life, Raymond explained that her main job as the Empress was, of course, to support the Emperor.
In order to support Ferdinand, her main job was socializing - Ferdinand's greatest weakness.
Since Ferdinand hated socializing, Arabella had to perform the role for her husband.
She should hold tea parties, banquets, and balls to socialize with the nobles. It will strengthen Ferdinand's position if she took care of the nobles well.
However, what Arabella secretly planned was to get close to the nobles whom she knew held so much power in the empire. She had to make them her allies.
Arabella should also be in charge of the palace personnel.
However, since he thought she was still new to the empire and didn't know who could be trusted, Raymond would keep taking care of it in the meantime.
Moreover, Ferdinand still had the final say on whom they would employ.
Further, taking care of the humongous palace was the Head Butler's job so Arabella didn't have to worry about it.
Still, Raymond assured her she could just ask the Head Butler to add whatever she wanted in the palace.
"It would be great if Your Majesty would have some parts of the palace remodeled or redecorated to your liking."
With this, Arabella could remodel and redecorate her chambers and her office to her taste. There were also improvements she could suggest about the garden.
However, what Raymond wanted her to focus on, was socializing.
He asked her if she could attend the events Ferdinand should be attending but doesn't.
After all, Raymond always ends up the one who attends such events while his workload gets piled up in his office.
Raymond also said she could help with the Emperor's paperwork when she was free, especially during times when Ferdinand was away since Raymond end's up doing all the work.
To sum it up, Raymond was overworked so he was sharing some of the workload with Arabella. They were using each other so it was fine with her.
"Raymond, aren't you getting too excited? His Majesty wouldn't like the Empress working," Alwin suddenly appeared beside them. It was clear he had been listening in.
"Alwin? How rude of you," Raymond grimaced before Alwin bowed his head and greeted Arabella. After all, the mage acted as if she was not there.
'This guy really hates me, doesn't he? If he had another Empress candidate for Ferdinand, shouldn't he have suggested before his master married me? It wasn't my fault that I am Ferdinand's wife. My parents did this to me. If Alwin had any qualms he should tell Ferdinand himself since he was the one who chose a pretty lady who had nothing else.'
Arabella was starting to get irritated with Alwin's disrespectful attitude. He just listened in to her conversation with Raymond and he doesn't even give her the barest minimum of respect.
It was basic etiquette to greet everyone first before speaking to someone specific. She couldn't recall ever disrespecting him in this life or her previous one.
Moreover, it was improper, extremely rude, and should have been forbidden to listen in to other people's conversation.
"Apologize to Her Majesty," Raymond was the one who pointed out the mage's improper behavior.
Alwin just glanced at her and was silent for a while. It was clear he didn't want to apologize.
Alwin was someone Ferdinand trusted so much. In her previous life, Arabella always treated this mage with respect because he was important to her husband and his abilities were unparalleled.
He was respectful to her as well. She didn't recall him as this rude of a person.
'Was his personality also changed in this lifetime?'
However, despite the possibility, her irritation didn't go away. Her monthly period was just about to begin so her mood wasn't in the best condition.
"No need. I don't need half-hearted apologies. Rather, you don't even think you have done wrong, do you?" Her brows furrowed.
Alwin looked away instead of replying.
"Alwin!" Raymond chided.
"I apologize for my intrusion, Your Majesty," Alwin finally said, but Arabella didn't want to forgive him.
"I didn't mean to intrude but I overheard the Prime Minister delegating his work to Your Majesty. I don't think His Majesty would like it so I had to speak my mind," Alwin clarified, but there was no real sign of remorse on his face.
"I was the one asking for work," Arabella replied bluntly.
"Prime Minister, I believe we shall continue our talk later. I'll be taking my leave," Arabella decided to go before she got even more irritated. She rose and was shocked when she saw Alwin's hand reaching out to her wrist. She instantly pulled her hand away.
"How dare you touch your lord's wife?!" she glared at Alwin.
Alwin and Raymond were both wide-eyed. Only when she pointed it out did Alwin seem to realize what he had almost done.
It was utterly disrespectful to hold her hand if he was not escorting her. Even Rendell was alarmed and had stepped up to block Alwin's hand from reaching her wrists.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I reached out, out of habit. I just wanted to prevent you from leaving since I need to examine you," Alwin reasoned.
"Examine?" Raymond and Arabella asked in unison.