Ray's statement froze everyone in the room. Willem's flushed face instantly turned ashen.
"Y-Your Excellency…"
"Ray, hold off on that," Sylas interrupted.
"Yes, my lord."
Willem stammered, desperate to say something, but Sylas's command stilled Ray immediately, as if he hadn't just made a threat. As Willem wiped the sweat from his forehead, Sylas muttered casually.
"Actually, should I just stop the supply altogether?"
"I'll carry out your will."
"On second thought, perhaps tripling the supplies here might be appropriate."
"I'll inform Leon at once."
"Hmm, isolating them to let them wither away might also be a good idea."
"At your command."
With each exchange, Willem's entire body shook. These were decisions that could determine the rise or fall of his family, yet Sylas was discussing them as casually as if deciding on breakfast. Only then did Willem truly understand.