Reborn as the Psycho Villainess Who Ate Her Slave Beasts' Contracts

The knights bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

They dragged the broken steward out, leaving a smear of sweat and tears on the stone.

For a moment, the room was quiet. Only Lisa remained, hands clasped so tightly her knuckles were white.

Elara returned to the desk and sat. "Lisa."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"You’ve seen what happens to people who steal from me," Elara said. "To people who stay silent. To people who think I won’t notice." She opened a fresh page in the ledger. "You stayed. You talked. You obeyed."

Lisa swallowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

"From today," Elara said, writing a single line under a new heading, "you’re my acting housekeeper. All staff reports come through you. All shortages, all irregularities, all ’small favors’—you bring them to me."

Lisa stared, stunned. "Me, Your Highness?"

"If you decide to steal," Elara said, not looking up, "you already know what happens. If you decide to keep your mouth shut, you also know what happens. If you work, you get paid and you stay." She closed the ledger. "It’s simple."

Lisa bowed so low her forehead nearly touched the floor. "Yes, Your Highness. I... I understand."

Elara stood and looked around the stripped, quiet hall. One day ago this palace had been a leaking ship full of thieves, ghosts, and cowards. Now it was half-empty, but at least she knew who was left.