Naho Dimittis raised his eyebrows slightly, signaling for her to continue.
"The Iron Throne's credit is beyond question, but we have indeed encountered a small difficulty with cash flow at present. I would like to borrow another sum from the Iron Bank-enough to recruit a sellsword army of at least twenty thousand or so in Braavos. The interest can be calculated at your highest rate."
Cersei offered the bait.
Naho Dimittis shook his head with almost no hesitation. "Your Grace, Queen Mother and Regent, the Iron Bank's rules are quite clear. Until a substantial repayment has been made on the previous large debt, we cannot offer a new loan. The risk is too great, unless you can immediately repay at least a third of the principal to demonstrate your ability to pay."
The smile on Cersei's face remained, deepening instead. "Repay it immediately? Heh heh, Master Dimittis, you are a shrewd man. How about this? As a show of good faith, and to give you something to report when you return, I promise that within a few days, the Iron Throne will receive a handsome sum. It will be enough to pay the third of the principal you require, and more!"
A flicker of surprise and doubt crossed Naho Dimittis's eyes. "An unexpected windfall?"
Cersei's smile was meaningful. "To save time, and to let you witness the Iron Throne's efficiency for yourself, why not sail to Gulltown's harbor and wait there a little while? I promise you will receive the repayment there. Seeing it with your own eyes is better than hearing empty promises from me, is it not?"
Naho Dimittis stared at Cersei for well over ten seconds, trying to discern some clue in her emerald eyes, but saw only complete confidence.
He weighed the matter. Gulltown was a