To Succeed, First Go Crazy!

Three months later, outside the Capital of the Land of Wind.

Unlike the lush Land of Grass, the air here was dry and scorching. Gusts of hot wind swept up fine sand that stung the cheeks of passersby.

Inside the Capital, however, everything was bustling. Carriages and horses filled the streets, desert caravans streamed through, and camel bells jingled. Nobles wore fine robes, wealthy merchants moved between restaurants and shops, and ordinary people hurried through the markets with scarves wrapped around their heads.

On South Street, the busiest part of the city, a carefully appointed two-story building of timber and earth had risen.

A new wooden sign hung above its entrance, bearing gilded words: Angel Fund Corporation.

People streamed through its doors. A sizable line of Land of Wind nobles in silk and satin and wealthy local merchants waited outside, while servants carried chest after chest of gold and silver coins inside. Commoners gathered around the edges, watching enviously as chatter rose on every side.

"Have you heard? This investment company from out of town pays incredibly high interest!"

"Deposit your gold and silver, collect dividends every month. The returns are several times higher than lending to desert caravans!"

"Loads of nobles have invested their fortunes. The first investors have already received their dividends—real money in their hands!"

"If I could scrape together enough to invest, I'd never have to worry about food or clothing again."

"But didn't this company move here just a few months ago? Aren't you afraid they'll take the money and run?" someone in the crowd asked.

"You think those nobles and merchants didn't check? I heard powerful nobles from the Land of Fire are backing it."

"Do I need to tell you how rich people from the Land of Fire are?"

"How come I heard