That was what their thoughts amounted to.
'It was fine either way, right?'
Because, well, from their perspective, both candidates were suited for the job.
Yes, Malik was a way, way better candidate in their eyes, which meant that, yes, the Chancellor's didn't really convince them. Someone couldn't change so radically at the snap of a finger just because they got an official title, or at least that was what they believed. But if it was temporary anyway, then who cared, right?
What was the harm... right?
Right?
Yeah, there was no harm.
Murmurs turned to hesitant nods. Nods turned to quiet, unsure agreements. Not full approval, just that exhausted, defeated kind of acceptance that people get when they didn't fully understand what was going on but had already fought one war and didn't want another.
The Chancellor felt it. Smelled it. Enjoyed it.
His back straightened.
His chin lifted.
Oh yeah.
He had 'em.
He had 'em right where he wanted.
But that was when Malik moved.
