"Thirty thousand gold," Evelyn said, spreading the ledger across Aegis's desk. "After accounting for the coins' collector value versus raw gold weight, we're looking at approximately thirty-two thousand, four hundred."
"Round it down to thirty. I don't trust antique dealers."
"Wise." Evelyn made a note. "Now, regarding allocation. I'd recommend a conservative approach. Ten thousand in secure investments; land, bonds, and established trade partnerships. Another ten in liquid reserves for emergencies. The remaining ten split between household improvements and a modest expansion of our current ventures."
Aegis listened, nodded along, and waited for Evelyn to finish.
Then, Aegis finally said:
"No."
Evelyn's pen stopped moving.
"No?"
"We're going aggressive." Aegis pulled out her own notes. Scribbled plans she'd been working on since the ruins. "There's a textile merchant in the Merchant Quarter. Harmond and Sons. They're struggling. About to go under."
