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

"Your Highness," Meriveth said warmly, too warmly. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us. We know your schedule must be demanding."

"Sit," Elara said, taking her own seat at the head of the table. Ken positioned himself behind her right shoulder, silent and watchful. "What requires discussion?"

Meriveth settled back into his chair with the ease of someone who spent half his life in these rooms. "Several matters, Your Highness. First, the eastern trade treaty negotiations—"

For twenty minutes, they discussed trade routes and tariff adjustments. Standard policy debate. Elara participated minimally, letting them work through the details while she conserved energy. Her head throbbed steadily now, a dull ache that made concentration slightly harder than it should be.

She was rubbing her temple without realizing it when Hasting pivoted topics.

"—which brings us to the matter of tax redistribution," he was saying. "The northern provinces have been petitioning for relief, but without clear direction from the crown—"

"The Emperor has not issued guidance on northern taxes," Elara said, forcing her hand away from her head. "This is not within my administrative purview."

"Ah, but that’s the issue, isn’t it?" Meriveth leaned forward slightly. "His Imperial Majesty has been... preoccupied. And with no Crown Princess currently in position to handle these matters..." [1]

Elara’s focus sharpened despite the pain. "The previous Crown Princess is on sabbatical," she said carefully. "A temporary absence."

"Quite temporary," Lady Torven agreed, voice sweet as poisoned honey. "Nearly months now. With no indication of return."

"Which leaves a vacuum," Hasting continued. "Matters pile up. Decisions go unmade. The empire requires—"

"The empire requires patience," Elara cut in. "Crown Princess succession is the Emperor’s decision alone. Not ours."