Anthony would stand as he felt Azurnine's message seep through. He would then reach inside his pocket and pull out a pouch, before pouring the contents into an offering boil nearby, tossing the sack into the fire. The flames gave the gold a sparkling shine, exactly Anthony's intent. "<b>Supply and Demand, Coin and Commerce- If you control where the money flows, you control progress, the life blood of any powerful nation in the world." </b>He said, picking up a coin and flipping it through his fingers. He would tell her the truth....well, it just depended how she TOOK the truth. "<b>My family have been around for a long time, and in that time, we've learned what can make or break a nation. Chief among it? Trade. I have contacts with various villages and settlements, all trading along things they have in excess for things they want, for a fraction of the cost." </b>He said, tossing the coin to Azurnine, and giving her the slyest of winks.<br/><br/>"<b>In addition to that, rebuilding your glorious kingdom to it's former stature requires resources.....I happen to have warehouses in undisclosed locations that could put your kingdom back on track to recovery." </b>He said, leaning on his cane near the Queen.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#9999ff">"<b>A tempting proposal, but why don't we simply nationalize your assets? As sovereign, that is my Queen's right, Mor-Hauser." </b>Oscar said, glaring at the man.</span><br/><br/>"<b>Because it would only provide short term relief." </b>Anthony said, a smirk on his face. He wanted them to think he was nothing more than a ruthless businessman. Why? Because if he showed that he only had intentions for profit, well...that was all there was too it. They knew his vice, his gain, they wouldn't expect he was playing them for a fool.  "<b>I was told by a very wise person, something very important- You rob a man, he'll give you whatever he has in his pockets. You give him what he wants, what he needs? He'll keep coming back to give you everything he has. "</b>He said, before holding out his arms. "<b>This Kingdom was once the heart of the Empire- Forests, Farmland, and mountains all around.....all it would need, to ensure that you are flushed with progress, is the right hand to guide it." </b>He said, before walking close to Mirielle.<br/><br/>"<b>Of course, don't think I am doing this simply for my benefit- You will benefit greatly as well. The riches of this world, all at your finger tips....." </b>He said, before doing something that used to drive her crazy- he would blow on the back of her neck, a sensitive spot, before whispering in her ear. "<b>I am </b><i><b>very </b></i><b>generous to my friends.....and trust me- </b><i><b>I'm the type that keeps on giving." </b></i>He said, finally stepping down back to his original position. He could see Oscar was swelling up with jealousy and rage, Azurnine would be able to see the smallest of smirks on his face, before he would gesture for the door. "<b>Or, I can simply leave- Even if you take from me all that I have, I am alive- I can rebuild elsewhere, continue to rebuild my fortune elsewhere, it is not the first time, I will not fight you for it- Maybe I can try.....Xyphon?" </b>He said, and though he was turned away, the grin on his face was evident as he knew the reaction she'd have.<br/><br/>Xyphon was a country who worshiped a Pantheon of Dragons, who had stolen principles from the All-FAther.  The White Dragon of Supremacy, the Red Dragon of Domination, the Black Dragon of Infinity, The Gold Dragon of War, and the Blue Dragon of Dreams. Their natural connection to the Dragon Blood, not to mention they were one of the few countries where the creatures rested natively, made them extremely powerful, but they also suffered from severe isolation, since they were protective of their dragons. If Anthony brought trade there, it would only give Xyphon more power. Not only that, but there was currently a war between Xyphon and Tekatus. Anthony would make a fortune trading with them, and Xyphon would have a higher chance of winning the war......or, If he were master of coin, and his claims true, he could send the supplies he has in reserve to General Exion on the front-lines.<br/><br/>One thing you could say about Anthony/Zion- He was a slick bastard when he wanted to be.<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="27" data-username="@Synn" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/27/">@Synn</a>