Maximilian scrolled through the post with slow movements. He muttered to himself, almost dismissively. "Pretty standard… whining about defamation. Claiming justice will be served in the courts."
He leaned back in his plush sofa, cigar smoke curling lazily around his face. Of course, they'll sue. He knew that already, having practically invited it with the last move. None of them was one bit scared of the courts.
Courts were meant to hold the poor responsible, to force them into line, to remind them of their place. For the powerful, though… the court was merely another tool, another ally. The judges were friends, the verdicts having already fallen in their favor before the opening statements were read.
The other leaders nodded in agreement, murmuring similarly. This was expected. Calculated. Nothing to rattle them.
Then Maximilian's eyes widened. A flicker of something unanticipated crossed his gaze. The final lines…
