The finance minister talked half the day away with a single ledger in hand. If I smiled at the end, it was for the ledger's last line, not the minister's tongue.

• Minister OrhanIf Your Majesty smiled, it must be that this old servant's counsel amused you.
  RashidVizier, counsel is only counsel when the numbers add up.
• Rival Merchant Lord KarimYou should have a look at our ledgers too. The handwriting alone is said to be the finest in the city.
  RashidI've already burned plenty of ledgers with fine handwriting and nothing else.
• NadimYou've been taking sides in the Diwan more often lately.