[ WP ] As a dragon of innumerable age you have guarded your gold horde for millennium . Many heroes have come with long speeches on how they will slay you , the great evil , none finish . However this one is odd.He throws a coin on your stash , looks you in the eyes and says `` I have a proposition for you . ''

What? This mortal dares to believe it has anything to offer *me*? It does n't look like any of the typical heroes, true, but still, this could be interesting. Worst case, I get a quick snack. 
 
 The human surveyed the room casually. It then looked back at me, again with that presumptuous eye contact, and asked `` So, how much money is in here?'' Is it *casing* me? Trying to buy time? Whatever, it's not a threat. May as well humor it for a bit. `` Around 2 tons in gold, 3 in silver, and 6 in copper. I have n't valued the gems in a few centuries.'' 
 
 The creature did n't seem so shocked as I expected. It nodded, and replied `` How would you like to be even richer?'' 
 
 I snorted at that. `` How do you propose to do that? Hire an army and sack one of the pathetic kingdoms around here? I'd lose more than I'd make just by feeding them. If I went out to support them, any mage or ballista would be pointed at me, and I'd risk losing even more.'' 
 
 The human smiled at that. `` Not necessarily. Anyone can profit from wars, but not by fighting them or funding them personally. I represent the Republic of Malfi. The patrician houses have made vast amounts of money, not by sitting on it, but by using it. They've invested in various trade ventures, they've opened new markets, they've produced arms and mercenaries for the wars of various kings and aristocrats. But none of them had as much starting capital as you do. Even now, you have as much wealth as some of the lesser families. Not only that, you have advantages in reaching the top to begin with.'' 
 
 There are *humans* wealthier than me? What? This ca n't be allowed to stand. I stood, and bellowed at the mortal `` I will burn these presumptuous curs to the ground! They will know that I brook no equal, as I take EVERYTHING THEY DARE KEEP FROM ME! The only survivors will be those who pay tribute when I demand my right!'' 
 
 Well, the smirking worm was n't smiling now. It was kneeling, as was proper, and smelled vaguely of urine. I've still got it. `` Magnificent One, this is the advantage I mentioned. Most of the patricians sabotage their competition when possible. Losing an investment can be crippling. But most hire pirates or brigands to do it. This costs, and they still need to pay to defend against attack. But you? Why would you hire thugs to capture a ship when you can hunt it down and sink or capture it yourself? Who would try to assassinate a dragon of your age and might? And who can defend against your assassinations? You can burn a palace to the ground with everyone in it whenever you feel it necessary.'' 
 
 `` So, you're suggesting that I use my wealth to fund trading expeditions? I assume this would earn me a share of the profits of each? I think I see how I benefit from this... but why should I leave you alive now that you've told me?'' I ask suspiciously. The mortal would n't have been stupid enough to come before me with this offer without something to address that. Some sort of trap? 
 
 The mortal made eye contact again. `` I'm not a merchant myself, just the bastard of the Doge. But I do have connections. I know who to talk to, and they'll be willing to listen. You wo n't kill me because I'm valuable to you.'' 
 
 Perfect. `` That sounds like adequate reason. But there's one problem with that idea,'' I say, savoring the moment. 
 
 The fool did n't break eye contact, but he did raise an eyebrow. `` And what's that?'' 
 
 I smiled. `` Dragons are powerful sorcerers, and most of us can change our shapes. I *Suggest* you write down your entire plan. There should be enough parchment in that stack to your left. Include the names of your contacts, details they'd expect you to know, and what they would expect from you.'' 
 
 Several hours later, a young man in fine clothing emerged from the mountainside with a full stomach and a sack of gold. He found his horse and valet where the Malfians had made camp, and they went back to the nearest town in the morning to buy a sturdy wagon. The man had money to make and rivals to remove.
