The King's eyes narrowed.
"The Crown cannot allow destabilizing devices to spread unmonitored," he declared. "Surrender your schematics. We shall oversee all production from here forward."
Gasps echoed through the chamber.
Darshan stepped forward, a shadow of a warlord reawakened. "These schematics built your record tax surplus. They reduced crime, drought starvation, and caravan theft."
The King raised a hand. "And they built a power center outside these walls."
Sharath stepped between them.
"I do not hoard knowledge," he said. "I protect trust. If the blueprints fall into careless hands, they will flood the land with inferior copies. Wheels snapping. Chains rusting. Lives lost."
Minister Vurell sneered, "So you hold the realm hostage with quality assurance?"
Sharath didn't blink. "I hold it steady with accountability."
The court quieted. Even the King hesitated.
Because for all his youth, the boy spoke the truth