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

"I’m not accusing." The Fifth Concubine’s eyes never left Elara’s. "I’m *observing*. The Fourth Princess has been investigating palace conspiracies for weeks. She set a trap. Spread a rumor. Drew out an assassin. And then..." She tilted her head. "...something went differently than planned."

Elara’s expression didn’t change. "You’re confessing to conspiracy to commit regicide."

"I’m confessing to trying and failing." The Fifth Concubine stood, moving with liquid grace. "I sent Lian to kill the Emperor before he could wake and reassert control. I wanted him dead because his return would have destroyed everything I’d built in his absence. Every careful alliance. Every protected position. All of it gone the moment he opened his eyes."

She walked to the balcony railing, looking out over the Harem gardens.

"But I failed. Lian was caught. My plan collapsed. And then—conveniently—the Emperor died anyway. Killed by a mysterious assassin who escaped. How *fortunate* for you, Your Highness."

Elara looked at the Fifth Concubine directly.

"Why did you do it?"

The woman blinked, genuine confusion crossing her face. "Huh?"

"Getting the Emperor’s favor. Living in this palace. Having servants, luxury, security." Elara’s tone was flat, analytical. "Why would you need to kill him? What did you gain from his death?"

The Fifth Concubine was silent.

Elara continued, voice clinical. "I know you sent the assassin. That much is documented. But the *why* isn’t clear. What was your reason? What was your motive?"

She tilted her head slightly.