What Cost?

Leonel's words were grating on the ears. Offerings? It was like he was implying that he was a King and they were his servants come to pay the taxes for a year out of a faint hope that he might give them enlightenment. 

They had seen Leonel battle, his schemes, his intelligence, there was a next to 0% chance that he had misspoken. He picked this word on purpose. Every step of the way, he was showing his indomitable will. He wouldn't take a step back before these families. 

Micarth's expression darkened, but he reined in his distaste. He was already in a partially compromised position, although the Suiard family had sent him here precisely as a show of strength and power. They now had the greatest influence in the Void Palace and the future generations of the Human Domain's protectors, and no one else could do anything about it.