Chapter 9: A King’s Mistake
For the next few hours, everything ran smoothly.
The structured workflow I had proposed during the meeting held firm. Each team focused on their assigned responsibilities, completing tasks efficiently without unnecessary disputes. The usual problems—miscommunication, overlapping duties, wasted effort—were significantly reduced. Not eliminated, but minimized enough to keep things from spiraling into chaos.
It was a delicate balance, one I maintained without making my presence too obvious.
I didn't take charge outright. That would have put a target on my back. Instead, I slipped into the role of a quiet guide. When a worker from Structural Assembly hesitated on reinforcement placement, I passed by, made a quick suggestion—just enough to nudge them in the right direction. When the Logistics Team nearly ran into supply delays, I casually mentioned an alternative path to their coordinator, who quickly rerouted the flow of materials.
A word here, a nod there. Small, precise bits of guidance. Just enough to influence, but never enough to draw attention.
And for a while, it worked.
I moved from section to section, blending in with the laborers, exchanging a few words with each team. I wasn't just fixing mistakes—I was observing, learning the way each group functioned, their strengths, their weaknesses.
Some were quick to recognize the subtle help I provided. Others chalked up their increased efficiency to luck or good planning on their part. Either way, the results spoke for themselves—work was progressing faster, more smoothly than before.
Even the usual rivalries between teams were dulled by the efficiency of the new structure. No one wanted to break the rhythm.
A few times, I caught Evelyn glancing at me from her observation station. Her expression unreadable, as always, pen tapping idly against her clipboard.
I ignored her.