"Isn't the Empire's approach too aggressive?"
"Could it be that in the Empire's judgment, we are already of no value?"
The banquet hall immediately filled with some noisy discussions.
Some people bowed deeply, pleading for the Empire's leniency;
Some pushed the contract to the floor, expressions cold and hard;
Others spoke earnestly, trying to persuade the Empire's nobles to show mercy, to leave their nation some dignity and respect.
Revelle sat in a corner observing this 'farce' intently, sighing slightly as he clinked glasses with a friend beside him.
A few young nobles murmured quietly among themselves:
"What if they don't sign?"
