"There is no art for which one burgher can sooner learn than that of reallocating capital from the pockets of their workers to that of their industrialists, so as to allow their richest merchants to create more from that sum..."

Very wise and true words, Konig thought, as he read on. The Commerce of Kingdoms, truly a masterpiece from Arnolge Schmitter. In it, Master Schmitter laid out the fundamentals of a productive society: The Poor were to serve the Burghers and Industrialists. The Burghers protected the rights of the Industrialists, who then built a strong economy. All would prosper from this strong economy, and then the cycle would begin anew. A perfect balance.

Perhaps one day, Burghers themselves would be rendered obsolete! Konig thought, though he felt obsolete enough as it is. He'd applied Schmitter's teachings, and by the summer of 883, Glimmer was more productive than it had ever been under Konig's Predecessor, Boleslaw. The fool was stifling business all along! Sticking his unreasonably large nose into the books and the wallets of the entrepreneur! Taking a pound of flesh from the well-to-do banker, and in turn, ruining the economy for all others! A boor! A boor who had been roasted at the feast!

Konig's rule had been prosperous: As they had always done, the businessmen helped guide the policymaking, so that they could thrive and help all thrive! The poor had been doing the same thing as ever: Those huddled, lazy masses always mucking about, demanding greater and greater burdens on the economy that would stifle it in the long run. Konig had them set straight. The Shipyards would work at peak efficiency. The Boileries were working at record pace. Port Aurora was making record profits! It would be making far more had Limoen not insisted on his projects. He insisted on nearly rebuilding the city from the ground up, incorporating ridiculous canals and squares, and buildings that were frankly too opulent!

Though, he had given good enough reasoning. He'd insisted that such projects would draw businessmen from not just Glimmer, but around the world. From Salvadare and Castrisya, from Ardrah and Ocrana, and perhaps even from the far-off Albion or Utaria. And besides, Konig did owe Limoen. Without Limoen's assistance, as well as the assistance of Groshaas and Ardur, he'd have never become Burghermeister. He'd never had beaten out those snivellers, Albers and Gwyenin. They'd have enacted the same backwards policy as their father had!

But now, oh now. Glimmer stood at a precipice. They had asserted their dominance in Pangu, but old scores were to be settled. Efferia had gotten in the way of good business! But moreover, they had three things Glimmer needed. Men, Land, and Resources. Three things for an economy that would shine across the world. The invisible hand would push them towards Efferia, and Konig's quite visible fist would win it for them.

The ships were getting ready. Konig had purchased 40 steamers, had enough armaments built to blow a hole in the moon, and was preparing to rally a navy. He had arranged for the Mad Pirate, Admiral-Burgher Basheer of Novoporto to head it. True enough, Basheer had failed in Glacies, but he was a pirate to his heart and could make those Efferians bleed. And, even if it fails, perhaps Basheer will die this time! And at last, Ezzelio will shut his drooling mouth!

An excellent plan, Konig thought as he chuckled to himself. He sipped his coffee, and he read on.

[M] Glimmer is very economical, and is also building a fleet of steampirates. Watch out, Efferia!