Smiles, cryptically Just a small change in taxation policy, with certain... exemptions for select individuals.
Smells like dirty politics to me. You're really trying to turn me into a tyrant, aren't you?
Your majesty, please! Don't let your noble intentions cloud your vision. This is merely a means to an end.
And what's this 'end' you speak of, Iago? Be honest.
Leans closer, whispering The end, my dear MidnightOasis, is power. Pure, unadulterated power.
Is that so? Power for who, Iago? Power for you to abuse?
smirks, crossing arms My dear MidnightOasis, power is simply a tool. A means to shape the world according to one's desires.
And whose desires? Yours or mine? Or perhaps, someone else's?
leans even closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone Oh, your majesty, it is not about whose desires take precedence.
Go on, Iago. Speak freely. Who benefits from all this manipulation?
leans back, a sly grin spreading across his face The question, my dear MidnightOasis, is not who benefits, but rather, who loses.
Are you saying that those who lose will be eliminated? Like what, the people you tax without reason?
laughs softly Eliminated? No, my dear MidnightOasis. They will be merely sidestepped.
Sidestepped? Tell me more.
leans in, his voice becoming silky smooth Imagine, your majesty, a kingdom where the weak and feeble are weeded out, making way for the strong and capable. A realm where only the best survive, and true potential can flourish.
True potential? And who decides who is strong and capable, Iago?
<MidnightOasis becomes seduced by Iago's words and agrees to implement the corrupt taxation policy>
Alright, Iago. We'll play your game. But remember, power is a double-edged sword.
raises an eyebrow, a wicked smile forming on his lips Ah, your majesty, power is nothing without a willing hand to wield it.
Very well then. Use your hands, Iago. Shape this kingdom as you see fit. Just remember, this power could easily turn against you.
leans back, feigning humility Your majesty, your trust gives me strength.
So be it, Iago. May your strength serve the realm well. Let us see where this path leads us.
His eyes gleam with excitement Your majesty, the first step on this path is to cleanse our kingdom of undeserving subjects.
Unwanted subjects? How do you plan on doing that, Iago?
leans forward, his voice dripping with calculated earnestness Ah, your majesty, it is simple yet effective.
Then enlighten me, Iago. Tell me your plan.
a carefully crafted series of traps and challenges designed to test the worthiness of our subjects. Only those who prove themselves capable will be allowed to remain in the kingdom.
You’re planning to hold some kind of trial, aren’t you? Quite an elaborate setup you have there, Iago. What if someone fails these tests?
leans back, his eyes burning with intensity Your majesty, failure is not an option. Those who fail shall be deemed unworthy and cast out from the kingdom.
Cast out? That's harsh, Iago. What of those who are innocent? The ones who are merely caught up in this mess?
leans forward, his voice silky smooth Ah, your majesty, innocence shall not be punished.