>>6021442>>6021448>>6021529>>6021534>>6021658You inquire about the kingdom's economy, seeking her insights on trade and commerce given her merchant family background. "I understand you come from a merchant family. Share with me your insights on the kingdom's economic landscape."
She takes a moment, clearly appreciating the opportunity to discuss something beyond her role as a slave concubine in the harem. "You've inherited a rich kingdom, your radiance. However, its wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few—the Blood, the lesser nobility, and the great merchants."
"Your father belongs to this third group, doesn't he? One of the great merchants?" you probe, wanting to understand her personal connection to the economic structure.
"Yes, he ranks just below the Blood and the lesser nobility," she confirms with a nod. "His wealth comes from trading spices and slaves."
The irony of her statement doesn't escape you—her father, a merchant dealing in human lives, and she herself ended up as a commodity in Suial's harem. "Your father is a slaver?"
She lowers her eyes, the admission heavy on her lips. "Yes. He kept his own harem of slave concubines, some as young as I once was. I confess, I looked down on them, scorned them, treated them cruelly, never imagining I would share their fate as an old man’s plaything."
It's a cruel twist of fate, reminding you again of the unpredictable nature of life. Now, as king, you muse whether destiny holds more surprises for you. But there's no time to dwell on the hypothetical—there are immediate issues to address. "How is tax collected in this kingdom?"
"Taxes are levied on property, houses, slaves, livestock, wine, and even hay," she explains. "Wealthier citizens also face liturgies—mandatory contributions for public works like the maintenance of the gladiatorial arena. Additionally, a direct tax is sometimes levied on the very rich, but it's only imposed in times of dire need, usually during war."
"All these taxes, yet they fill the coffers of the Blood and the royal treasury," you comment dryly, thinking of the lavish lifestyle Suial enjoyed while his people suffered. "It's a strange kingdom indeed that I have claimed."
"Do you plan to implement reforms, your radiance?" she asks, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and calculation as she desires to rise beyond her current station as a slave concubine.
"Yes, in due time," you respond as you rise from the bath. "But first, I have business in the arena."
> Discuss with the palace guard commander the organization of gladiatorial fights and how Suial did them.> Consult with Lana, the green-eyed concubine, for her insights on the gladiatorial contests, given her sharp intellect.> Talk to Jocasta, the widowed queen, keeping her informed, something her husband never did.> Speak with Inaja, the dusky-skinned concubine, about the cultural and religious implications of the gladiatorial fights.> Summon the high priest to discuss the gladiatorial games. 