Chapter 19: Operation of the century.
The hall the council gathered in was the same, except this time it was raining outside, and the atmosphere was gloomy without the bright sunlight shining at the throne. The flickering candles accentuated the mood, but after observing the crowd, Lee guessed that he was the only one who felt that way.
This time the emperor wore dark red robe and seeing him, for a split moment, Lee was back on the cliff, with the man covered in blood from head to toe, protecting them. If was a bizarre illusion that quickly vanished, but Lee realized he had picked the right day – even His Majesty was in the proper mood.
The emperor didn't waste time and started the meeting with questioning Prime Minister Bates about few pressing matters. Unexpectedly, after they were done, he didn't return to the Strongheart's situation.
He said, "Before our meeting I was approached by the most important person in our empire, our treasurer, Minister of Finance Bishop. Tell us, Linda, what's so important it couldn't have been settled by you and Prime Minister Bates alone?"
Earlier, as always, Edward spoke in his father's stead, but instead of her son, Karl, Minister Bishop stood up herself. She was probably around the age of forty five, but other than her lavish robe, there was nothing special about her. She carried herself differently though, almost as if she was the empress.
She said, "My apologies, Your Majesty, Crown Princess, Ministers and Generals! What I'm about to suggest is no joking matter. We came up with a plan to quadruple the wealth in your treasury, but for that we need your approval."
"Explain!" The Emperor said, and slightly leaned forward. The crown princess had a similar reaction and most of those present focused their attention on the speaker.
"Even after uniting the world, Sunwell has remained the biggest and richest city. Unfortunately the largest part of the wealth is in the hands of nobles and merchants." Seeing the emperor furrow his brows in displeasure, she quickly added, "Don't get me wrong, Your Majesty! You are still the richest man in the world, but the collective amount of funds the others possess surpass your wealth ... by a lot. And our duty is to do something about it!"
She threw victorious glance around, and continued, "During the past years we analyzed the distant continents and their unique goods, and came to a conclusion that if me make a considerable investment, we can strip the undeserved wealth from the merchants and pile it up in your treasury. It's nothing revolutionary, though, but only you, Your Majesty, are capable of carrying out such project."