(Planet Bennett Prime, Mairon's POV)
After successfully capturing his first planet, Mairon spent a significant amount of time upon Planet Bennett personally, as although conquering the world itself had been difficult, running it smoothly proved to be a completely different challenge entirely.
"My Lord, some of the influential merchants on the planet don't like the fact that you're giving preferential tariff rates to Cult merchants.
They say it's against the spirit of fair trade.
And that they're willing to negotiate some deals, if only you give them some concessions…."
An underling reported while Mairon casually walked through the streets inspecting the quality of his rule.
"Cult merchants will always have preference.
In the end, we work for the Cult and its people, not them.
Tell them free trade is an illusion.
And remind them that they are the same bastards who have turned over Cult citizens trying to hide in neutral planets for bounty rewards in the past.
