[He lifted his tumbler to his lips and sipped the amber liquid, watching Richard over the rim of the glass. So, he had competition sitting right across from him. It was good to finally meet someone with actual ambition, especially one he expected had already developed skills for such endeavors. Dangerous but he'd reassess the longer Richard was here. Perhaps they could use one another ambitions.] Don't be concerned. I pay them very little heed and do as I please with the resources that I have.

[He set the tumbler back down a moment later.] There is plenty of room for healthy competition in both Aldrip and Rumpitur that I've seen. A quiet life is for those waiting to die.

[Be still his cold beating heart to hear such words from Richard. Few were quite so eloquent about it, least of all the Chem-Barons that he endured.] Indeed, there is more than one way to put down opposition. Thankfully, she does well for herself making her mewling pointless. I would welcome suggestions on how you have silenced your critics.