Sharath walked to the center of the room.
He unrolled a scroll—not of words, but data.
Charts drawn in charcoal ink. Tables detailing cycle distribution by province. Correlation graphs between mobility access and trade surpluses. Diagrams showing hospital reach, infant survival rates, and reduced tribal conflict zones.
"Mobility," Sharath said, "is a vaccine for poverty."
He spoke of Jireh Province, where midwives reached fever-stricken children in hours instead of days. Of Norkhar Ridge, where wheat yields doubled due to faster plow part deliveries. Of Dromid's Edge, where a rogue warband disbanded after roads became too populated for ambush.
He didn't argue.
He demonstrated.
Even the skeptical nobles leaned in. Data did what loyalty could not: it persuaded.
Sharath looked the king in the eye. "I am not here to rule. I am here to refine."
And in that moment, the court saw him not as a child—but as an equal.