"Effective government transcends species," Lyra replied. "These systems work regardless of whether you're governing goblins, orcs, humans, or any other race."
"True," Seraphine agreed. "Though it does make me wonder—where did a goblin settlement learn such sophisticated organizational principles? This isn't traditional monster culture. Someone brought outside knowledge." Her eyes fixed on Satou with knowing intensity. "Someone with experience beyond this world, perhaps?"
Satou felt his stomach tighten. That was a dangerous observation. Seraphine was probing at his reincarnated nature—information that wasn't public knowledge and could be used against him.
"I've studied various civilizations," Satou said carefully. "Learned from multiple sources. Good ideas come from many places."
"I'm sure they do," Seraphine replied, her tone making it clear she suspected more than she was saying.
