Michael in Epirus was not part of his uncles' agreement, and continued to pursue his own policies independently. In this context he sent an embassy to Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in December 1239, presumably to secure his assistance against his uncles. In 1241 Manuel died, Michael moved in quickly to occupy Thessaly before either of his remaining uncles could react.
Michael in Epirus diverged from the agreement reached by his uncles and continued to pursue his own agenda independently. At this time, he dispatched an embassy to Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in December 1239, likely seeking his help against his uncles. Upon Manuel's death in 1241, Michael rapidly seized Thessaly before either of his remaining uncles could react.