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

Elara went completely still. The Emperor’s expression turned to stone.

"Explain," the Emperor said, his voice deadly quiet. "Now."

Sera pulled out a sealed folder—different from the one she’d shown before. "Three years ago, Second Princess Lera discovered evidence of corruption in the First Consort’s faction. She was planning to present it to you, Your Majesty. But before she could, she died. The official story was sudden illness requiring exile for recovery. In reality, she was poisoned."

"Who killed her?"

"First Princess Eleana. She ordered it. I have proof." Sera opened the folder. "Witness testimony from the servant who administered the poison. Financial records showing payment from Eleana’s accounts. And most damning—Lera’s final letter, written the day before she died, which she gave to me for safekeeping."

She pulled out an aged letter, the paper yellowed but the handwriting still clear.

The Emperor took it with shaking hands and read:

Dearest Sera,

If you’re reading this, I’m probably dead. Eleana has been making threats. Her people have been following me. I fear she’s planning something.

I’m giving you evidence of the First Consort’s corruption—bribes, illegal trade, manipulation of imperial appointments. I was going to present it to Father tomorrow, but I don’t think I’ll survive that long.

Keep this evidence safe. Use it when the time is right. And please, tell Father the truth about what happened to me. Don’t let them pretend I just got sick and left.

I love you, sister. Be careful. Eleana is more dangerous than anyone realizes.