Chapter 152 --152
"Yes. This is priority situation. The sabotage network explains why reform implementation has been slower than projected. Eliminating it will improve efficiency by estimated thirty-five percent. Worth the sleep deprivation."
"Elara—"
"Petra." Elara’s voice was still flat, but there was something underneath. Not emotion—she didn’t experience emotion the way Petra did—but intensity. Focus. "I understand you’re concerned about my wellbeing. I appreciate that concern. But I’m fighting a war against systemic corruption that’s had forty years to entrench itself. The enemies aren’t just corrupt officials and resistant nobles. They’re organized networks actively sabotaging reform efforts while simultaneously trying to kill me."
She gestured at the stacks of paperwork.
"Every day I delay is another day these people maintain power. Another day they steal money, abuse authority, undermine governance. Another day the empire continues operating inefficiently, harming the population through incompetent administration." Her voice stayed steady. "So yes, I’m working myself to near-collapse. Because the alternative is accepting slow failure instead of pushing for fast success. And I don’t accept failure. It’s inefficient."
Petra looked at her—this impossible, brilliant, emotionally broken princess who was trying to rebuild an empire through pure analytical determination—and didn’t know what to say.
Finally, she just stood. "Fine. But I’m staying here. If you collapse, someone needs to catch you before you hit the floor."
"Acceptable compromise." Elara returned to her work. "There’s a couch in the corner. You can sleep if needed."
"I’m not sleeping while you work yourself to death."
"Inefficient resource allocation. One of us should maintain full cognitive function."
"Too bad. We’re both being inefficient tonight."
Elara almost smiled. Almost. "Noted."