The World Dragon's Heir

Chapter 607: Lively Conversation

After a moment of lighthearted joking, Dominic got back to the important point, from his point of view.

“They said that there would be a banking council assigned to Wistover. Now, does that mean they’re going to pick a bunch of bankers to stay here? Or are they going to pick a bunch of Noble bureaucrats from each of the nations to work together for the purpose?”

“The second one. Most definitely the second one. Funding for that sort of nation building project will not be a light decision, even when the load is being split between multiple nations.

But more than that, once word spreads, you’re going to see many more nations wanting to get in on the action, and that will mean even more negotiations here in Wistover.” Trionne informed him with her best attempt at a straight face.

It was a failure. She was far too amused by the thought of the young Dragonkin being swarmed by Emissaries and hopeful Dukes to not smile as she said that.

But she did try.

The dinner service eventually started to split off into smaller groups, each of them focused on a particular issue that they were having, or a plan that they had to rework a trade deal to improve their position after rebuilding.

That left Dominic with a bit of spare time, but no chance of escape, as the Advisors were already headed his way. Their expressions said that they had much to discuss with him, and even Alexis had to feel a bit bad for him.

Despite the fact that he had run off on a city tour and left her to deal with the Royals this morning.

Alexis nodded in agreement. “I expect that there will be two from each nation, plus their assistants, staff and financial managers. We will have to build a specific building for them, it won’t be practical to manage it here in the Manor.”

Dominic nodded. “Perhaps it could be combined as part of a larger bank?

I know that most of the common people never use one, and never see a need for one, as they get their loans from a moneylender or loan shark. But it might be nice to put a properly legal and formal front on the practice, as well as giving people somewhere to store their money.”

Trionne nodded. “That could work as well. The Duchy has funds, so you could work with the two Guilds to organize something. Normally, banking for commoners is their purview, if it’s not being run by the Thieve’s Guild.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, Advisor Trionne is right. They are the ones who normally deal with finance, as they are the ones who convert debts to money for the majority of the population.” Alexis agreed.

Dominic looked confused, so she continued. “Mostly, society operates on the basis of goods to money, or money to goods. The Adventurers offer credit for missions and gear, while the Merchants offer credit for supplies.

They’re really the only two who offer anything on credit.

Loan sharks will sell you debt, but normally with a contract, so it’s more trading goods or labour for money still.

There is no rule that the Duchy couldn’t join the Guilds in offering credit to the people. It would be unconventional, and some would surely object, but it’s not illegal.

Or, we can offer them interest on deposits, the way a Noble Bank does.”

Dominic rubbed his temples. “You know what, forget I asked. I’ll arrange for them to have their own building, but I’m not getting directly involved in any of that.”

Alexis patted him on the back. “I understand. Stick with the things you’re good at. Picking fights and disrupting the magitech industry.”

That made Dominic laugh a little, catching the attention of the nearby tables.

“Well, I must say that I’m good at that.

In fact, I’m going to need to do more of it as well, if they’re sending us an entire regiment. That’s a lot of gear that will need to be made to bring them up to Wistover standard equipment specs, and who knows what I will come up with as I work.”

“Brave to assume that you’ll actually get time to do more than design.”

Dominic shrugged. “Every man needs some time for his hobbies, even if his hobbies are creating artillery.”

Trionne laughed quietly. “I have heard so much about your artillery, but I have never actually seen what you have been making.”

For a second, Dominic considered showing her, but taking out a mortar in a room full of Royals would likely not go over well.

“We can discuss that later. I might not be an expert in the finer points of polite dinner conversation, but I do suspect that one might cause a bit of contention.” Dominic replied casually, while Trionne simply shrugged.

“That’s the advantage of being old, nobody complains when I do odd things.”

Dominic was fairly sure that was because she was a Techno Witch, and not because she was old, but there was likely some measure of respect for the Elderly that was keeping people from chastising her, despite knowing that she was quite insane.

“Well, you’ve got a few hours this evening, why don’t you take the Advisor out and show her some of the production process in the forge?” Alexis suggested.

It would get them both away from the other Royals, and they might even take some of the more curious members of the Emissary team with them.

That would cut down on the crowding as the final details were hammered out, and the nations started to decide how they were actually going to implement these new ideas they had put forward.

“Well, you heard the lady. I will grab my assistant on the way out, and we’re good to go.”

Dominic rose and helped Advisor Trionne to her feet, while Prince Claudius marshalled staff to ensure that Amie was brought to them, the advisors who wanted to see him work were informed, and everyone was aware that Dominic would be out of the house, but available in the yard if he was needed.

“No need to hurry back. I have so much to catch up on with my dear sister.” He insisted as he nearly forced Dominic out the door.

“Alright, I will come pick her up later. Enjoy your evening, Your Highness.”