He leaned back slightly on his chair, fingers steepled under his chin, observing me in that annoyingly intimidating way of his. Calm, composed, unreadable.

“I understand. I’m sorry.”

He froze.

Damn it.

That was a mistake. I shouldn’t have said sorry!

Now he’ll get suspicious. I never imagined saying a simple apology could feel like signing my own confession.

Come on, pull yourself together, girl! Think!

I cleared my throat, quickly recovering. “I mean—I understand the urgency, that’s why I’ve been reviewing the documents thoroughly. Some of the proposals seemed too abrupt or inconsiderate to the lower class. I wanted to make sure we’re not passing reforms that would spark protests or worse—more imbalance among the territories.”

I gave him the most convincing look I could muster, trying not to sound like someone who skimmed through half of them and panicked at the word ‘levies.’

“I just thought… it would be better to approach these with careful consideration rather than rushed approval. Especially now.”

Please believe me, please believe me, please—

My heart pounded in my ears as I waited for his response.

“I don’t know, Empress, but I hope you will—sooner or later—understand the weight of these responsibilities,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly, like he was trying to read something behind my face.

And I swear, for a moment, I panicked so hard my soul tried to escape my body.

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty,” I said, forcing my voice to sound calm, even though inside I was screaming like a kettle on full boil.

“Dismissed.”

I stood up to leave, bowed politely… and then I froze at the door.

Okay, no. Be normal. Walk away like a sane person. Don't say anything weird.

But of course, my mouth had other plans.

“Your Majesty,” I turned slightly, biting the inside of my cheek. “If I may ask... do you think people who suddenly act out of character should be burned at the stake, or like… gently observed from a safe distance?”

He blinked. “What?”

“I-I mean... Just in case someone... went through a sudden change of heart! You know... like spiritual enlightenment or... indigestion.”

Now he just stared at me, absolutely stone-faced.

Great. He thinks I’ve lost it.

“Forget it! Sorry! Never mind! Good day, Your Majesty!” I squeaked, nearly tripping over my own feet as I fled the office.

I bolted out of there like a chicken dodging the chopping board, leaving him blinking behind his desk, probably wondering if the Empress had lost her mind.

And honestly?

Same.