Corruption is Magic

“Wait, what do you mean you want to stimulate the economy by creating a pact workers!?” Alexander al but yells as he leans on my newly arrived desk. My quill stops its writing as I look up to him.

“You mentioned a few times that the only resources we can get here are from other worlds. The way I see it is that there is an underutilized tap of potential growth. If we have jobs set up and a plan set in place where it incentivizes pact deals that get us raw resources then we can start manufacturing things we need instead of relying on deals on pre-made objects.” I explain getting a stern look from Alexander.

“You are planning to make it so we can build things here but have you thought about how the cost for such things may be astronomical?” I knew this was coming.

“Yes, though that will only be for a time as the system gets going. Once we have more people doing these jobs there will be competition to get their collected resources sold thus anyone who would sell their collected resources at sky high rates will need to go down to stay in the competition. I also have plans to have some inside men and women join this force and sell low to ensure things do go smoothly.” I respond, getting silence from Alexander.

“Fine… then what about the act to set up prospecting near Hevergale?” Ah, that project out near where my old home is and by… their home.

“Ah you saw that too… I felt that you might not like that so I tried to sneak it past you.” I groan.

“Yes, there are no resources here. Why in the hell are there prospecting jobs being made?”

“Look, my little home when I first arrived had been made of dark green stone bricks. I seriously doubt someone made a pact deal for rocks to form walls. So there is only one conclusion I can draw upon: It was mined here. Taking that into consideration and knowing how rich ponies were back in my home world… they will buy it.” Alexander looks at me ready to retort but stops then stands upright.

“Fine… I relent. I’m worried but I can’t say it doesn’t seem possible. So you’re trying to make an actual functioning economy. Who gave you the idea to do this?” Alexander asks but moments after the question leaves his lips Nile walks through the door with a stack of papers in her arms. Looking at her Alexander slowly nods his head realizing the answer to his question.

“Your lists on all the pact users in Pact Glow and Hevergale my Lady.” Nile purrs as she places the papers on my desk. “Good day Alexander the Tyr-”

“Shush.” Alexander cuts Nile off with a tinge of hostility. “It’s Alexander. I know full well what I‘m known as.”

“As you wish.” Nile respectfully says before coming over to my side inspecting my still healing arm. “Do you think it will be healed before your public declaration of the changes happening tomorrow?”

“It will have to be healed enough. I’ll be taking this cast thing off before I go out.” I say with a sigh. Hearing the door open to my office I look up past Alexander to see Gaurt stood at the doors looking to me.

“Ay, boss. Some Mega Bitch is looking for you.” Really… why can’t she be less… crass. Sighing I push my chair back and get to my feet feeling the joints in my lower back ache in protest. If this is what ruling is like… can I at least get a better chair and not just a wooden one?

“Alright, I guess it’s good etiquette to meet people when they come looking for me. Who is it?”

“Pevla… something. She’s a Bee woman, big ol ass and stinger and yellow and black.” Gaurt describes making me groan and plant my palm against my face. “Oh she also said something about being the Viscountess.” Viscountess? Wait, if I’m now considered a Lady where do I land on the hierarchy then?

“Alexander… what would I be considered in the hierarchy here?” I quietly ask with worry in my voice. Tapping his chin he thinks for a second with his signature smile.

“If things haven’t changed at all… A Baroness.” He happily says, sending my heart through the floor.

“Then the lady down at the door is…”

“Your superior? Yes, yes it is.” He says, I however immediately snap my fingers and teleport to the front door but my mental aim is off upon casting, resulting in me hitting the wall to the right of the door with a thud.

“Ow…” I groan rubbing my muzzle and turning to see a Bee-like woman in a suit-like outfit tapping her foot as she stands cross-armed looking at me. “Sorry, sorry. I didn’t know You were coming Pevla-”

“That is Lady Jespin to you.” Geval barks with a buzz of her wings on her back. “What took you so long. I thought your mutt would have more speed to her when in the presence of authoritative figures.” Pevla sneers as she looks down on me. What the heck is up with this woman? Did Gaurt say something to upset her?

“I’m sorry but I have a lot of paperwork and I needed to hammer things out before I could get away from it.” I hope this lets Gaurt’s possible faux pas slide.

“So you don’t see me as more important than your stupid paperwork.” Pevla growls, getting agitated as her foot taps become more erratic.

“No, I just have a lot of work. I have only been in thi-”

“Keep your amateur excuses to yourself. My time is money girl,” Pevla seethes as she bends over to me to look at me with her insectoid eyes. “I could be out making bank at the Capital’s market right now but that little emotional shit had to go get himself killed by a runt like you. So do us both a favor and stick to the status quo, or else I’ll fucking burn you alive.” The woman growls as glares at me. The amount of unrestrained magical power emitting from her as she speaks sends shivers of terror down my back. I can’t possibly deal with her coming after me… but my reforms and changes are sure to piss her off. Gulping down the frog in my throat I nod and say.

“U-U-Understood.”

“Good, now next time I come knocking. I expect a better reception. Not whatever that mutt is.” Turning to the door she grabs the handle but before she opens it and leaves she looks back to me. “Oh and get rid of the weeds outside. They are an eyesore.” She commands before opening the door and leaving.

What a Mega Bitch…