It was quite quickly obvious that this is not.... a usual sort of activity for Vanessa. His pitch had been simple: he has no interest in potentially blowing his cover so early via breaking and entering, even if the crimes are being forgiven. Once it was known he'd been stealing from people, after all, people might be less enthusiastic about buying his favour and might begin to question his allegiances.
He can, however, use his sway to... encourage them down the right path. Vanessa, in her role as heiress, is equally in possession of funding. Between them, then, the leverage is more powerful -- and no actual investing is required. Just the potential of it, dangled over them and keeping them moving forward like a donkey following a carrot.
After all, none of them are truly interested in anything beyond themselves. Beyond becoming richer. None of them have shown the slightest interest in giving money to the poorer citizens of Serthica, who simply struggle on, and even now they discuss rebellion instead of helping Minaras. Or perhaps they think this rebellion will help Minaras.
Wrathion has doubts, but for now he does what he can while blending in.
The candlelit meal the two of them occupy with the barons is full of hushed voices, frustrations, disgust and suggestion of rebellion.
"Of course, Lord Howe, I share your interest -- it is only the current climate, you understand. With all these... troubles, this talk of unrest, of robbery, of insecurity -- I simply am not certain this is the best time to invest. Once the city is stable again, once they have everything they need I am sure we can speak again. Surely a factory as prosperous as yours has something to spare for the cause, even?"
"Now now, Lord Lowther, we are on the same side I assure you. This instability is simply... bad for business, and I have concerns that if it is not addressed quickly that we will not be overlooking crimes -- that we may be hit with taxations and high criteria to meet. Surely you agree this is all best resolved quickly and quietly? Give them everything they need now, get things stable, and then... once things have settled, we can discuss other options?"
Some things work better than others, of course. At one point, when he had spoken of fear that riots might break out and that the stealing might damage profits he'd noticed more interest. If he had time to better assess all these barons he might be able to hit them with more personal concerns, but they are on a time limit.
As the evening begins to wind down, he tries to casually find a quiet corner he can linger in with Vanessa. Her chaperone, of course, is keeping everyone a respectable distance away -- but he is a business partner.
(Even if, when questioned, he has deflected by saying he wouldn't speak about private matters. It will inflame curiosity while saying nothing, and give people reason to consider their investments a joint prospect.)
"I hope," he offers softly, "you have found the evening... enlightening?"
Tiring, he is sure, but still. There is a greater good, here.
WRATHION & VANESSA | FLEECING RICH PEOPLE
He can, however, use his sway to... encourage them down the right path. Vanessa, in her role as heiress, is equally in possession of funding. Between them, then, the leverage is more powerful -- and no actual investing is required. Just the potential of it, dangled over them and keeping them moving forward like a donkey following a carrot.
After all, none of them are truly interested in anything beyond themselves. Beyond becoming richer. None of them have shown the slightest interest in giving money to the poorer citizens of Serthica, who simply struggle on, and even now they discuss rebellion instead of helping Minaras. Or perhaps they think this rebellion will help Minaras.
Wrathion has doubts, but for now he does what he can while blending in.
The candlelit meal the two of them occupy with the barons is full of hushed voices, frustrations, disgust and suggestion of rebellion.
"Of course, Lord Howe, I share your interest -- it is only the current climate, you understand. With all these... troubles, this talk of unrest, of robbery, of insecurity -- I simply am not certain this is the best time to invest. Once the city is stable again, once they have everything they need I am sure we can speak again. Surely a factory as prosperous as yours has something to spare for the cause, even?"
"Now now, Lord Lowther, we are on the same side I assure you. This instability is simply... bad for business, and I have concerns that if it is not addressed quickly that we will not be overlooking crimes -- that we may be hit with taxations and high criteria to meet. Surely you agree this is all best resolved quickly and quietly? Give them everything they need now, get things stable, and then... once things have settled, we can discuss other options?"
Some things work better than others, of course. At one point, when he had spoken of fear that riots might break out and that the stealing might damage profits he'd noticed more interest. If he had time to better assess all these barons he might be able to hit them with more personal concerns, but they are on a time limit.
As the evening begins to wind down, he tries to casually find a quiet corner he can linger in with Vanessa. Her chaperone, of course, is keeping everyone a respectable distance away -- but he is a business partner.
(Even if, when questioned, he has deflected by saying he wouldn't speak about private matters. It will inflame curiosity while saying nothing, and give people reason to consider their investments a joint prospect.)
"I hope," he offers softly, "you have found the evening... enlightening?"
Tiring, he is sure, but still. There is a greater good, here.