A pause. "…Of course, sir. But—" She hesitated, clearly measuring her words. "Forgive me, it's unusual. None of the major shareholders have ever requested to appear physically. May I ask… why now?"
Merlin's mind raced. He couldn't tell her the truth, that he needed to steer this company toward the events he remembered from the book, that his knowledge came from another world entirely.
So he gave her something simpler. Something they couldn't argue with.
"Because I'm tired of watching decisions get made without me." His voice cut clean, steady. "I've invested more than enough to earn my seat at the table."
Silence again. Then, a small exhale. "…Understood. I'll escalate your request to the board immediately. One moment while I check availability."
Merlin leaned forward now, resting his elbows on his knees. His heartbeat thudded in his ears.
This was it. Step one. No sword in his hand, no battlefield under his boots, just words.