Chapter 119 --119
One physician leaned forward. "Because normal people feel guilt when they harm others, even in justified self-defense. The emotional response is what proves you’re not a monster."
"That’s circular logic," Elara said. "You’re defining ’not a monster’ as ’experiences specific emotions’ and then using absence of those emotions as proof of monstrosity. But behavioral outcomes matter more than internal states. A person who feels terrible guilt while committing atrocities is still committing atrocities. A person who feels nothing while doing the right thing is still doing the right thing."
The First Consort stood abruptly. "This is absurd. The Princess is admitting she’s incapable of normal human emotion and you’re entertaining her sophistry. She’s clearly unfit—"
"First Consort," the head physician said sharply. "You filed the petition. You don’t get to determine the outcome. Sit down."
The First Consort sat, fury barely contained.
The Council conferred again, this time for longer.
Elara waited, patient. Duke Romian watched tensely. The First Consort simmered.
Finally, the head physician spoke.
"Princess Elara Blackwood. The Imperial Medical Council has completed our preliminary evaluation. Our findings are as follows:"
He read from a document:
"First: The Princess demonstrates atypical emotional processing consistent with alexithymia—difficulty identifying and describing emotions. However, this is not classified as mental deficiency requiring disqualification.
"Second: Her behavioral patterns, while unconventional, do not demonstrate the harmful characteristics typically associated with dangerous psychological conditions. She honors commitments, treats people fairly, and makes decisions based on rational assessment rather than impulse.