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 was not included in the agreement between his uncles, and he continued to follow his own course of action without interference. In this situation, he sent an embassy to Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in December 1239, presumably with the intention of gaining his support against his uncles. Following Manuel's demise in 1241, Michael quickly occupied Thessaly before either of his remaining uncles could respond.