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

"No. Thanks to your intervention." Elara looked at her directly. "Reaction time was exceptional. How did you detect the attack?"Heard the bowstring, Your Highness. Slight sound, but distinctive. Years of combat training."

"Noted. That capability prevented my death. Formal commendation will be recorded." Elara sat down, forcing her breathing to regulate. "Security assessment: our standard route is compromised. Someone with access to my schedule provided information to assassins. Internal leak."

"We’ll investigate," Tomas said grimly.

"Already investigating." Elara pulled out a small notebook from her jacket—she’d been keeping it there since taking power. "I’ve been tracking who has access to my daily schedule. Fifteen people. Cross-reference with individuals who benefit from my death or have connections to noble families under investigation for corruption."

She handed the notebook to Tomas. "Start with those three names. They have highest probability of being information sources."

"You were already tracking potential leaks?"

"Of course. Assassination attempts were ninety-three percent probable. Internal security compromise was logical corollary. I prepared accordingly."

Petra burst into the room, breathless. "Elara! I heard there was an attack—are you—"

"Uninjured. Assassins failed. Security protocols being updated." Elara’s voice was matter-of-fact. "Why are you here instead of secure quarters?"

"Because someone just tried to *kill you* and I wanted to make sure you were okay!" Petra’s voice cracked slightly.

"I am okay. Therefore your concern, while emotionally understandable, is functionally unnecessary." Elara paused. "But thank you. I recognize the sentiment has value."

Petra just stared at her. "You almost died. Like, actually died. Arrow to the throat. And you’re just... analyzing it like a training exercise."