Winters paused for a moment: "Two thousand two hundred and seventeen pieces."
"Now, do you realize how staggering this wealth is?"
"Now, do you know what these gold pieces can buy?"
Winters paused again, scrutinizing the crowd, and slowly asked, "Now, do you understand—why it is you who have come here with me?"
"Each of you has proven your courage and ability in the most brutal battles, each one of you handpicked by myself. I can call out each of your names, and you can count every scar on my body. In Revodan, in Iron Peak County, in Palatu, you are my most trusted subordinates, you are the ones I can count on the most, you are the ones I can entrust my life to, that's why I lead you here—instead of anyone else."
Beneath the carriage, the crowd held gold bars and listened quietly.
