Chapter 383: The Waukeen Church
Northwind Fortress, Iron Dragonwing Palace.
Sherwin Monteiro glanced around at the luxurious decor, adjusted his silver-rimmed pince-nez, bowed slightly, and spoke with a smile:
"Your Majesty Cassius, I must say, your taste is impeccable. I believe you will find our Waukeen Church to your liking."
"We can bring you all the finest and most luxurious goods the world has to offer."
Sherwin was dressed in an ostentatious silk shirt, leather cuffs, and short boots, with various small tools tied to his silk ribbon-adorned hem. Draped over him was a heavy gilded crimson cloak—all in a striking, flamboyant design.
This was the standard appearance for Waukeen Church personnel, who always exuded extravagance and opulence.
Reclining on the Iron Throne, Cassius tilted his head slightly and asked with a trace of disdain:
"Oh?"
"Everything?"
"As long as you have enough gold."
Sherwin pushed up his glasses again and hastily added.
Cassius was well aware of their nature—followers of Waukeen, the goddess of wealth, who would use any means necessary to pursue profit. When the stakes were high enough, they would even risk their lives.
For people like them, leniency only emboldened greed. The right approach was a mix of strict control and enticing rewards.
The red dragon opened his eyes, his pale golden pupils locking onto the merchant as an almost tangible draconic aura spread across the room.
"So, are you doubting the empire's wealth? Or perhaps my wealth?"
"Uh..."
Sherwin broke into a cold sweat, momentarily flustered. However, he quickly steadied himself, plastering a fawning smile on his face:
"Of-of course not, Your Majesty. Who would question the wealth of an emperor? Especially one who is also a great dragon."
"One of our bishops once said, 'Never try to estimate a dragon's wealth with a mortal's imagination; simply strive to serve them to the best of your ability.'"
"Your Majesty, to the Waukeen Church, you are undoubtedly one of the most esteemed and prestigious clients."
As expected of a Waukeen Church envoy, Sherwin's quick wit and eloquence were impressive.
If Cassius were a typical red dragon, he might have been genuinely pleased by the flattering words.
Sherwin felt a weight lift from his shoulders as the invisible pressure dissipated entirely.
Cassius smirked mockingly.
"Are all members of the Waukeen Church such smooth talkers?"
Sherwin forced another smile. "Of course not—only when addressing esteemed clients like you."
"I don't care for meaningless chatter."
Cassius interrupted impatiently.
"Y-yes, Your Majesty,"
Sherwin stammered, nodding repeatedly, fumbling to pull out a gold-threaded handkerchief to wipe his sweating brow.
Cassius rose slowly, his massive frame supported by his limbs, unfurling his enormous wings that nearly engulfed the entire envoy delegation.
The red dragon gazed down at the trembling group and asked: "Let's get to the point—your church, and the goddess you serve, wish to cooperate with my empire?"
Sherwin bowed his head, his trembling hands adjusting his glasses. "Your Majesty Cassius, the empire's vibrant trade activities in Anzeta have drawn the goddess's attention. The great Lady Waukeen has recognized the immense potential of your empire."
"Lady Waukeen believes commerce is the best path to prosperity. By expanding global economic circulation, all civilizations can progress further, bringing happiness to all intelligent beings."
"Therefore, the empire represents an ideal partner for us."
After finishing his statement, Sherwin stole a glance at the red dragon's unchanging expression, finally exhaling a sigh of relief.
Cassius grinned.
"Free trade, is it?"
"Indeed, that is a universal value. The Ember Empire has always adhered to such principles and encourages all forms of free trade."
He spoke deliberately.
"Your Majesty, your vision is truly enlightened and perfectly aligns with the Waukeen Church's philosophy."
Sherwin's excitement grew. He saw the glimmer of a partnership—an opportunity that could yield enormous profits for the church and himself.
Cassius remained composed, asking again, "So, what kind of cooperation do you propose?"
Sherwin became animated, eagerly explaining: "Waukeen's followers travel across the world, facilitating trade for merchants."
"We can establish Waukeen temples in your empire's cities at no cost, turning them into hubs for financing, currency exchange, and safekeeping. This would earn you even more wealth, filling your treasury beyond imagination, allowing you to..."
"Absolutely not."
Cassius's cold interruption was like a guillotine.
"All financial and trade activities within the Ember Empire must be controlled by the Imperial Bank and the Ministry of Commerce. No outsiders will be allowed to interfere."
The red dragon sneered and stepped forward, his sulfurous breath nearly engulfing Sherwin, causing the envoy to tremble uncontrollably.
Sherwin realized he had overstepped.
"Ha, do you think I'm unaware of your petty schemes?"
"If this is your church's idea of sincerity, then there's nothing more to discuss."
"This is an insult to the empire!"
By the end, his voice had risen to a near-roar, radiating terrifying pressure.
Members of the Waukeen envoy staggered, some even fainting, leaving only High Priest Sherwin barely conscious.
"Y-Your Majesty!"
"Wait, I believe there's still room for negotiation!"
Sherwin pleaded desperately.
With his past-life experience, Cassius knew all too well about the Waukeen Church.
While their public image was pristine, secretly, they used underhanded tactics like spreading rumors, monopolizing markets, and hiring bandits to manipulate trade—all while hypocritically denouncing such practices.
Their priests were covertly instructed to employ these methods subtly.
In his past life, countless players were swindled by the church, losing fortunes and accruing massive debts. Eventually, thousands formed the "Bankrupt Alliance," waging war against Waukeen temples across the land.
"Bold men find wealth, cautious men keep it, and timid men waste it."
This was their creed.
Allowing Waukeen temples in the empire would be akin to handing over its economic lifeblood to cunning speculators.
Cassius would never permit this—he demanded absolute control over the empire's politics, economy, and culture.
Even in negotiations, he intended to dominate and exploit the Waukeen Church's value.
Sherwin, wiping his sweat-soaked face, nervously asked: "Your Majesty, then please, you decide everything..."
"I'll strive to secure the best conditions to facilitate a grand and glorious partnership."
Sherwin's voice quivered as he spoke.
"Who's the idiot who told me red dragons were all brawn and short-sighted?"
He cursed inwardly, wishing he could strangle the person who drafted his initial proposal.