Many experts became speechless.
The bluntness of his words made them uncomfortable, and it did not help that nobody could find a flaw in his logic.
Michael was not even pretending. He simply said exactly what he was thinking.
"I don't want to rule the empire. But I am certainly not abandoning it either."
The experts exchanged bitter looks. As expected. Things could never be that simple.
Michael tapped the armrest of his chair. "It is almost dawn. Before the day ends, every family represented here will submit a complete inventory of their resources."
The atmosphere immediately became heavy.
"Additionally, every family will surrender fifty percent of its current assets."
Many expressions changed. Half? That was painful. Very painful. Yet nobody dared object.
"And one more thing." Michael's eyes narrowed. "No one is allowed to touch the properties, territories, vaults, inheritances, or assets belonging to your deceased colleagues."
