"Speak."
Lucius had long since lowered his usually upturned chin. He bowed, not daring to meet Shawn's deep, calm gaze.
He sighed inwardly. Shawn's bearing as a leader was growing ever stronger, inspiring ever greater awe, yet he lacked the other Dark Lord's narcissistic, brooding ruthlessness.
"My lord, I notified everyone this morning to assemble. When we checked the numbers an hour ago, we found that more than a dozen people who took part in last night's search were absent. The list includes four Selwyns, three Parkinsons, the Smalls...
"I immediately sent people to investigate their homes. Their entire households, including the children attending Hogwarts, have disappeared, along with their money in Gringotts."
Shawn lightly tapped his index finger against Viper's handle. Lucius's report came as little surprise.
It would have been surprising if nothing like this had happened.
Apart from the Selwyns, who resented having their land stripped bare, the others were probably dissatisfied with his ideals to varying degrees.
More likely, some "rumors" had begun circulating, and these people had believed them.
He calmly issued his instructions.
"Expel any of them who hold Chamber of Commerce shares. Transfer their shares to the common pool as a reward fund, and use the profits they generate to reward those who make significant contributions.
"Hmm? Since they enjoy running away, we might as well issue warrants for their arrest."
"Yes, my lord."
After acknowledging the order, Lucius looked conflicted, hesitating over whether to report another thorny matter in public.
Shawn understood and asked openly, entirely unconcerned.
"You mean the rumors about the real and fake Voldemort?"
Lucius froze briefly, then quickly glanced back at the still silent, solemn gathering. A strange feeling stirred within him before he nodded to Shawn.
"Yes, my lord. A piece of news began circulating on the