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

"Probably. She spoke of many people. I don’t specifically remember." Elara kept walking, pace steady. "But it doesn’t matter. What matters is that everyone in that room now believes I’m pursuing this marriage out of genuine respect rather than political calculation."

"So you lied."

"I provided the narrative they needed to hear." Elara turned a corner. "The truth—that I want military resources and political protection—would have caused immediate opposition. But respect? Admiration? Honoring my mother’s memory? That’s acceptable. Noble, even."

The fox knight was quiet for a moment. "You’re very good at this."

"At what?"

"Telling people what they want to hear while pursuing your actual objectives."

"That’s just basic communication efficiency." Elara stopped at a window overlooking the palace gardens. "People process information through emotional filters. If you want them to accept a proposal, you frame it in terms that satisfy those filters. Simple."

"Most people would call that manipulation."

"Most people are inefficient communicators." She resumed walking. "Now come. We need to prepare for the actual proposal to Duke Romian. The public performance is complete. The private negotiation will require different approach."

"Which is?"

"Direct. Honest. Strategic." Elara’s expression didn’t change. "Duke Romian is a military commander. He’ll see through emotional appeals immediately. When I approach him, I’ll present the marriage as what it actually is—a mutually beneficial alliance."

"So you’ll tell him the truth you didn’t tell the court."