Chapter 712 – Corrupt Bureaucracy, Balanced Bureaucracy
Lux snorted softly and took a sip anyway.
Selena folded her arms loosely. "You do not have to carry this alone," she said.
Vizreel lowered the cup slowly.
"…I am the contractual anchor between realms," Lux said. "If I wobble… everyone falls."
Solara stepped closer now, voice gentle but firm. "Even anchors require maintenance."
Lux glanced at her.
"…I get regular maintenance," he said dryly.
Vizreel smacked his own forehead lightly.
Selena rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself.
Solara actually laughed this time, warm sunlight flickering across the room.
Celestaria, who had remained silent throughout most of the exchange, finally spoke again.
"You mask vulnerability with competence," she said quietly.
Lux looked at her.
"It works," he replied.
She nodded once.
"Yes," she agreed. "But it also isolates you."
Lux held her gaze for a long moment… then looked away.
"…Isolation is efficient," he said.
