Ixion barely held back a sigh.
"What is it you seek?"
Duke Marlowe stroked the end of his goatee while narrowing his eyes and casting a glance around the room, before returning his gaze to Ixion.
"I seek a reform in the coinage."
'He's worried about that at a time like this? How laughable…'
The jester jumped up and down as she screamed out:
"How are you going to make a coin reform? Are you going to send them to school?!"
Ixion smiled as he asked:
"Pray tell, Duke Marlowe, what do you have in mind?"
Marlowe's contempt was palpable as he scowled.
"The market is unstable, and bartering is taking over. We risk losing the crown's control over commerce. I propose a strict standardization of our coinage, as barter cannot be taxed. Debased coin cannot be relied upon; without a new system, the crown bleeds revenue. Refuse, and we will have neither coin for soldiers nor grain when the Scourge reaches our gates. As for a solution, those who continually resort to bartering will face increasingly severe penalties to encourage compliance. It's extreme, but we need a sense of stability if we want any chance of victory, starting with the economy."
'Looks like someone's mad their wealth starts meaning less and less by the day…'
The jester twirled, holding up a small pouch of coins she pulled out from between her breasts, and began swinging it around.
"Oh! Penalties! Does that mean punishment? I like that! That would be fun!"
Ixion's lips twitched in a restrained smile.
"Duke, do you really see such an action as necessary? What use will such an action offer if we don't even possess the time left to undertake such an ambition? Force this reform, and it will collapse the system, not revitalize it."
Marlowe's eyes glinted with barely concealed ambition.
"Yes, I do. For the crown's authority cannot rest on tradition alone. It must be reinforced with tangible power. A harsh enforcement of economic policy reminds every merchant, noble and commoner that the crown's will is absolute. As for your second point… I detailed my answer in the proposal. The change will be gradual, but not too slow. 4 or 5 years should be enough time."
'For the crown's authority, huh. Not your own? Pshee.'
"This kingdom will be dead and gone within 5 years…"
Everyone present tensed at Ixion's words. Words they didn't want to hear. Words of resignation which they didn't feel themselves.
Marlowe glared at Ixion.
"I do pray you know that Hope's will was the will of the people."
All the nobles, onlookers and guards tensed even more at the Duke's provocation of their unhinged king.
Ixion picked his head up and glared down at Marlowe:
"Don't be discursive. State your point."
A weird determination glinted in Marlowe's eye.
"The people will not stand idly by as the kingdom is destroyed. We will stand our ground to the bitter end — the bitter end of the Scourge that is. We will need this money to fight back. Sit on your throne and watch all you want. But we refuse to fall."
Ixion glared, spite forming in the corner of his eyes.
"Oh, I've watched, Duke Marlowe. I've seen where this fruitless struggle ends. Reform the coinage as you wish… Now, be grateful you get to keep your life and title and be gone from my sight before the light is gone from your eyes."
As much as he'd like to satisfy number 17 or 7 of 'No Regrets', the Duke's expertise was still needed in the world.
"Understood…"
The Duke did an exaggerated bow, then turned and walked away.
The jester began to play the accordion, turned to Ixion, and screamed out of tune:
"Oh my, oh why do you let the Duke treat you so? Why not drag him up a hill or off a cliff, then throw?! Oh, why, oh my, maybe set him ablaze. Let his treacherous body provide light for days!"
Ixion smiled and clapped.
"Exquisite performance, as always, Jester."