But she'd also gain the loyalty of thousands of beast knights across the empire. Military force that most people were underutilizing. A population that would fight for her because she actually offered them something worth fighting for.
Duke Romian was watching her carefully, waiting to see what she'd choose.
"I have questions," Elara said finally. "Practical ones. If I agree to support beast knight rights—not now, but after winning the succession battle—what exactly are you asking for?"
The wolf knight pulled out a folded document. "We've drafted a proposal. Basic rights we think are achievable without destroying the entire social structure."
He handed it to Elara. She read:
**PROPOSED BEAST KNIGHT RIGHTS ACT**
1. **Legal Personhood**: Beast knights recognized as legal persons, not property
2. **Voluntary Service**: All beast knight service must be voluntary with formal contracts
3. **Fair Compensation**: Minimum wage standards enforced by imperial oversight
