9. Four twelves are forty-eight
The spending had started in modest amounts early on so as not to draw too much attention before he was able to aptly defend rebuttals. But as he further healed from the fall and crash and desperation took him over, it quickly multiplied into larger and larger amounts; his fortune dwindled. His army grew, almost matching his ambitions, and the crew steadily weeded over time to nurture only the most loyal. His force was small but his drive killed. His silence and withdrawal hurt. Even so, she had taken pity on him as the funds of a nobleman were depleted and she supported him with hers, not once cursing what her heart harbored or her mind for giving in to it.
Arithmetic worked both ways. He was privileged and grateful to have the royal resources fill in the deficit caused by his despair. They both knew he would be unable to repay it.