"Weren't you one of the Church's holy crusaders?"
Annan had thought Commander Big Litt would understand, given his senior position in the Wealth Church.
"The Wealth Church may prize wealth, but it must be earned honestly."
In other words, Annan's methods were rather... disgraceful.
"Why do you think that?" Annan spread his hands. "I got an endorsement fee, the shopkeeper got more sales, and the Archbishop earned praise for being close to the people. Isn't that a win for everyone?"
"Well..."
That did seem right, but Commander Big Litt still felt something was off...
Annan waved goodbye to the nervous shopkeeper and told him not to worry. Once they reached the street, he continued, "Commander, I still remember the hymn from the Wealth Church's sacred text."
"Radiant Nal, Lord of the Golden Bond. Your scales weigh fairness; your golden fire tempers wisdom. Guide my trades so they are never tainted by fraud; protect my purse so it never springs a leak. Let wealth flow endlessly like a river, never to sink into the mire of greed... Right?"
Thank heavens Annan still remembered the passage Olmedo had taught him.
"Yes."
"Then what are the Church's tenets?"
"Wealth and circulation."
"Exactly. That's why dragons aren't the Lady's believers. Once gold coins land in their pockets, they're like merchant ships sinking in the deep sea with full holds—never to surface again."
"Not necessarily. The Sea Folk are interested in gold and treasure too."
"Uh... you get my point."
Annan cleared his throat. "Wealth and circulation. You can't have one without the other. I'm always telling my capable assistant and loyal Deputy City Lord, Olmedo, not to let the Money Vault get too full. When it does, she should find ways to spend it. Only gold coins in circulation are truly gold coins. Sitting