"I assure you, I'm not joking," Greed clarified. "It might seem excessive to spend a billion zecta for a maid to roll a box, but that's what I desire. What's the purpose of wealth if you can't indulge your whims?"
After scanning the audience, he turned to the halo camera. "My name is Greed, Rykerians," he grinned. "I pursue my desires, no matter how costly or worthless they may be. Doesn't that epitomize the aspirations of the elites?"
The legacy families erupted in thunderous applause, and many Rykerians were swept up in the fervor and rhetoric.
"So yes, I am serious," Greed said with a grin, facing Lina. "To prove my status as an elite in this formidable frontier, I propose to purchase Emma Kline's freedom just so she can spin that box!"
The Earthians exploded into uproarious laughter and cheers, delighted that Greed was even more eccentric than they had imagined.
The 10,000 credit requirement is telling because it's based on a US anti-money laundering law called the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (Bank Secrecy Act). It requires citizens to report any $10,000 or more cash transaction to the IRS using Form 8300. Grey's a criminal – therefore, he would know this law. This is one of those telling statements in the unclear novel, especially since it sounds like a rationalization. Thanks for reading!