With a theatrical gasp, you flung your arms wide, sending the pilfered coins clattering across the obsidian floor in a brilliant cascade. 'Your Excellency!' you cried, voice cracking with feigned indignation. 'After three centuries of faithful service, is this how my counsel is rewarded? With suspicion and inhospitable temperatures?'

The coins rolled in every direction, some disappearing into the crevices between larger treasures. Valthorix's massive head jerked back in surprise, his spined crest flaring. The chamber's torches flickered wildly as his wings half-unfurled in instinctive response to your sudden movement.

You pressed your advantage, stepping forward boldly - though carefully avoiding the scattered coins that now glinted like evidence. 'Shall I take my financial expertise to the wyverns of the Southern Reach? Perhaps the sphinxes would appreciate an advisor who isn't accused of petty thievery!' Your voice echoed off the vaulted ceiling, bouncing back at you with surprising volume.

Valthorix's nostrils flared, his tongue flicking out to taste the air between you. The dragon's tail lashed once, sending a sapphire-encrusted goblet clanging against the far wall. 'You dare...' he began, but you cut him off with an even more dramatic gesture, sending your ledger flying open to a carefully prepared page.

'Observe, if you would,' you snapped, jabbing a finger at the figures. 'The real theft occurs here - in these stagnant asset allocations!' The abacus rattled in agreement, though whether from financial insight or terror was unclear.