The Emperor arches an eyebrow. "I think you do have a point. If it weren't for you, taxes would have been down, the last few years, even with the merchants making additional profits." He grins. "You would happen to know any independent and honest auditors, would you? Maybe if you find something, we might be able to solve one of your problems," he says, waving his glass of wine towards Draiss. "After all, a commoner growing so powerful is dangerous. A noble... it is to be expected, no?"