The city of Zale was a big and fancy place with a lot of marble, glass and wealthy people. It was located on the edge of the Sapphire Sea. Almost all of the continents ships came through this city. While the people of Oakhaven focused on training knights and learning magic the people of Zale focused on making deals and getting rich.
I was standing on the deck of the ship The Eclipse, as it sailed into the harbor of Zale. Next to me was Viper, her silver hair blowing in the wind that came from the sea. She was wearing a black dress that covered up the mark on her body but her eyes looked like she was ready to attack at any moment.
"The people in charge of the Merchant Council are really scared My King " Viper said quietly her voice sounding smooth and rough at the time. "They know what happened to the Iron Judge and the General so they have added guards to the Great Exchange. The man in charge Arch-Merchant Silvan has also hired some magic users from other countries to protect him."
"Arch-Merchant Silvan is a man who thinks that everything can be bought, Viper " I said, feeling a power inside me. "He does not realize that I am the one who decides what his life is worth."
The plan was simple: I would not attack the city with my army at not yet. Instead I would use the agreement that I forced them to sign during the meeting with leaders. I would go into the city as a guest find out what was wrong with their economy and then use my power to turn their families against them.
When the ship arrived the people who came to welcome us were showing off their wealth. They had carriages, expensive carpets and Arch-Merchant Silvan himself was sweating in his fancy clothes.
"Welcome, King Alaric!" Silvan said, bowing low. I could smell that he was not being honest. "We are honored that you visited us. We have prepared a celebration for you at the Gilded Palace. My daughters, Elise and Selene are excited to meet the hero of the Summit."
I looked at the two women standing behind him. Elise was the one who managed the ships that came into the city and Selene was the pretty one who was popular in high society. They were beautiful confident. Thought they were safe.
"It is my honor, Silvan " I said, smiling in a way that was not very friendly. "I have heard a lot about your wealth. I look forward to seeing it for myself."
Silvan laughed,. He did not know that I was going to take everything he had.
As we walked to the Gilded Palace I felt my power growing. I was no longer limited by borders. The city of Zale was like a rich animal and it was time for me to take it.
Later Arch-Merchant Silvan was taken away by Isabella. I was left alone with his two daughters, Elise and Selene. They thought they were in control. They were wrong. The room had already been changed into a place where I could use my power.
"The wine is making me feel dizzy " Elise whispered, her hand on her neck. She was losing control.
"It is not the wine, Elise " I said, standing up and showing my self. My power flared up. The dresses they were wearing started to disappear.
I grabbed Elise by her hair. Made her kneel while Selene watched in horror. I unzipped my pants. Showed them my private parts, which were hard and ready.
"Your father thinks he can buy my favor with trade deals " I said, my voice. Mean. ". I do not want his money. I want his power.. His power starts with you."
I forced Elise to do something she did not want to do. Then I turned my attention to Selene. I threw her onto a table. Spread her legs. She was already wet and ready even though she did not want to be.
I did not use any lubricant. I wanted her to feel every inch of me. I slammed into her with one push and she cried out in pain.
The sound of her crying was covered by the sound of my body moving against hers. I was transferring my power into her making her loyal to me of her father.
"You are the price your father has to pay Selene " I whispered, my teeth on her shoulder.
I made Elise watch as I did things to her sister. Then I switched. I made Selene do something to me while I did things to Elise from behind. Elise was. Crying, her body moving in time with mine.
The room was filled with the sounds of our bodies and the smell of sex and blood. I was marking the two powerful women in the city making them mine.
"Say it " I commanded, my voice low and powerful. "Who owns the wealth of Zale?"
"You do " Elise screamed, her body shaking with pleasure. "The King owns everything."
I came inside Elise filling her with my seed. I did the same to Selene leaving them both shaking and covered in my fluids on the floor.
Arch-Merchant Silvan came into the room his face red with anger and fear. He had just signed some agreements, with Isabella. He did not know what was happening.
"Elise? Selene?" he said, his voice cracking.
He saw his daughters, the pride of the city lying naked and broken on the floor. They did not look at him with shame; they looked at me with desire.
"You monster " Silvan screamed, his hand reaching for the bell to call for help. "I will have your head for this. I will hire every mercenary on the continent to—"
"Ring the bell, Silvan " I said, sitting back in my chair and fixing my clothes. "See who comes to help you."
Silvan rang the bell. There was silence. Outside the door the magic users he had hired were being killed by Vipers shadows. His guards were kneeling before my soldiers.
"The daughters of Zale have seen the truth, Silvan " I said, my voice cold and powerful. "They have realized that wealth is paper but my power is forever. Elise?"
Elise stood up her movements. Confident. She did not even cover her body as she walked to her father and took the symbol of the citys power from his hand.
"Father " she whispered, her voice echoing with my power. "The city was a house of cards. The King is the wind. It is time to let it fall."
Silvan fell to his knees his spirit broken. He had lost everything: his wealth, his power and his daughters.
"I surrender " he whispered.
"I do not accept surrender, Silvan " I said, standing up and looking out the window at the harbor where my flags were being raised. "I accept ownership. You will stay as a figurehead. Every coin that moves through this city will be counted by my daughters.. Every ship that sails will carry my mark."
I walked toward the door and Isabella and Viper walked behind me. The Economic Annexation was finished. The richest country now belonged to me it was my money.
[Divinity Recovery: +0.2% (Total: 4.1%)]
Viper said "Master". Looked out at the horizon. The Holy See of the East knew about what happened in Oakhaven they called it the 'Eclipse'. They want to start a Crusade they say the Light has to get rid of the 'Usurper'.
I smiled the purple light in my eyes was shining brighter than the sun in the morning. "A Crusade" I said, "that is news". I was waiting for the Church to give me their attention I was waiting for them to offer me their churches and their people. The Church and the Economic Annexation the Economic Annexation and the Church I was ready, for them.