Draft Posts
Wolfric kept his facial expressions fairly neutral except for a small twist at the mouth that threatened to break out into a wicked grin. He was surprised by Johannes welcome and admission of his abilities, the latter made mentally flinch. Of course he knew his past actions would not remain a secret but he hoped this knowledge would not spread too far. Despite the generous offers Wolfric understood that he walked along a razors edge, he had not expected to be asked to perform the duties usually taken by a Hound or Sheriff but he knew that Johannes did not accept refusal lightly. More importantly Johannes was offering Wolfric an opportunity to establish himself with relative ease. It was likely that his new Prince knew that Wolfric could not resist the chance to gain money and influence and was playing his weaknesses against him. A dangerous position indeed. Wolfric rose in a fluid movement offering a smaller bow with a flourish of the hand. "I apologize for the delays my Prince, I had some un-finished business to attend to before I could fully devote myself to your service." It was no secret that a few neonates had tried to clumsily wrest a degree of financial control from Wolfric though they were foolish enough to use the exact method he had the first time he had dragged his teacher down and assumed his position. A thought made him feel annoyed, was he ever that incompetent? If his instructor had been more aware of mortal culture then Wolfric would likely have ended up penniless and shamed like those fools who challenged him.
Wolfric raised himself form the bow and stood with a graceful poise, meeting Johanne's eyes unflinchingly, he was of course aware of some of Johannes abilities yet it would be improper for a member of Invictus to cower before their prince after being offered a boon. "I have indeed looked over some prospective businesses, in the long term they could be extremely profitable yet it will require a deal of work to establish the necessary contacts within the mortal elite." The inflection of the word elite made it clear that Wolfric considered the notion to be a distasteful and laughable. "Running this establishment would of course provide me with a good foothold from which to expand and could allow for development of black market distribution, with your permission of course my Prince. I had not intended to presume a claim for ownership of this business but i will gratefully accept the role if you wish it. If His Majesty agrees, all profit shall be fed directly into the domain, minus the usual taxes and levies required to provide you and your servants with the necessary personal resources to fully perform within their roles." Wolfric left the reply hanging for a moment to gauge Johannes reaction, in human culture it may have been considered a bribe of sorts yet it was often polite not to mention beneficial to offer some form of gift to the prince and members of his court.
Wolfric continued. "Initially I will attempt to secure a position of financial security before introducing myself publicly to the other rich business owners, perhaps with an exclusive party. The initial number would be small but with a sufficient display of wealth the others will likely come to me and believe it was of their own accord. Then it is a case of investing in the correct businesses and ensuring that the wrong ones are absorbed or crushed. If I can establish a suitable flow of black market goods then it would be a simple matter to fund a few rival human gangs and arm them. If required we can use them as an indirect threat and having constant eyes and ears roaming the streets may restrict the other supernaturals moments a little. A group of armed humans dissapearing in the forest for example would provide the perfect legal and moral opportunity to clear out any dangerous beasts that may roam there. Through the mortals we can gain disposable armed tools, and providing we keep the right one rich and happy they will continue to throw their own kind to their deaths. If you prefer i can begin investigating any property owned by the mages or wolves and prepare the necessary plans to cripple them."