Flowers, Swords and France

"Mr. Treville, I have to congratulate you on your success in becoming the helmsman of an ancient family."

Under Charles's gaze, the great banker Baron de Beauvain extended his hand to Charles with his unique smile that made people feel like spring breeze. "I always believe that the late Duke Treville passed away. He made a wise decision and his demeanor was convincing. I really regret not being able to interact with him more.”

"Thank you for your compliment." Charles also stretched out his hand and shook his hand. "Long time no see, Your Excellency Baron."

He had really aged a lot - this was the first impression that came to Ciel's mind when they met again a few months later.

Since the sudden death of his son last year, the baron has become a lot depressed. Not only has he lost a lot of weight, he even has gray hair on his temples. In addition, perhaps because his eyesight was gradually failing, he also wore a pair of thick reading glasses. He no longer looked like an ambitious bourgeois with huge capital in his hands, but instead had some kind-hearted meaning.

But no matter how kind-hearted a tiger may be, it will always be a man-eating tiger and will never turn into a house cat.

Although the two were chatting and laughing, Charles certainly remembered that just a few years ago, the big banker had made a little trick that almost caused the Treville family to suffer a big loss, so no matter what, he kept reservations about the other party in his heart. A little wary.

The lessons of the past can be avoided forever, but they must always be kept in mind and remembered at all times, so as to avoid making the same mistakes again.

"I think you are temporarily putting aside those diplomatic affairs that are vital to the country, and you are not just here to say hello to me, right?" The Baron shrugged, "In order not to waste your precious time and not affect France's national interests, Please tell me directly, I think we can speak freely as collaborators.”

"Well, I won't waste your time anymore." Charles smiled, "I'm here to ask for your help."

"Oh, is it borrowing money?" After hearing this word. The baron adjusted his reading glasses with his hands, "It doesn't matter, that's our job. Of course I'm happy to borrow money from you. How much do you want to borrow?"

"No. I'm not here to borrow money." Charles said very calmly. "I want you to help me and tell me the detailed information of my cousin's account in your bank, and help me monitor these accounts in the future. If there are any large abnormal transfers recently, please let me know Give it to me. In addition, you are a big shot in the banking industry and are very influential among others. Please discuss with several other colleagues and help me with this - of course, in your name."

"In principle, we can't do this. It's against the rules." The baron frowned slightly, obviously hesitant. "Besides, you want me to drag others along with me to break the principles..."

"I didn't know you were so principled?" Charles couldn't help laughing.

"That's how we stick to our principles when it's profitable." The banker replied calmly.

"Then, I can assure you that helping me will definitely be profitable." Charles straightened his chest and looked up at the other party. "Or. You still don't believe it now?"

After the two looked at each other for a moment, the Baron nodded, "Okay, sometimes we can make exceptions."

"Thank you." Charles bowed slightly.

"However, I don't need to ask you about your purpose, but at least I want to know why you want to do this?" The baron looked at him again curiously, "As far as I know, you are not someone who likes to be picky. "

"Of course it's to fulfill my responsibility." Charles smiled slightly, "There are some things we have to do even if we don't want to do them."

"Did something big happen?" The Baron was still a little curious.

"It's not easy for me to tell you about internal affairs of the family..." Charles still smiled, "But please don't worry, everything is just an internal matter of our family. I don't need to bother anyone else, and I won't involve it. to others.”

That's right. The reason why he did this was to monitor the money transactions of his cousin's family - if his cousin's family was really prepared to return such a large sum of money to the Bourbon family (although this possibility is very small), then He must raise funds through various banks, and only in this way can he repay the money.

It was true that he was not just worried about his cousins, but also about Charlotte and her loyalty to the old ideals.

Saying some words of comfort to his wife to Charlotte does not mean that he will completely let his wife do all these things, especially on such an important matter.

In today's political environment, he cannot afford to be accused of "using large sums of money to sponsor the Bourbon family", even if it is actually just repaying a debt.

Besides, the basis of the agreement he made with his cousin was to give the Bourbon family's money to them for their own use. If the money is paid back, the basis of the agreement will no longer exist. God knows how many more troubles will arise within the family.

After hearing the implicit but forceful warning "Don't trouble others," Baron de Beauvain promptly restrained his curiosity. "Okay, I will help you with this. However, please remember that I am not a natural philanthropist, and I will naturally do you a favor."

"Of course I understand, and I will find ways to repay your favor." Charles shrugged, "After the Duke died, according to his will, we need to take inventory of his property and convert most of the wealth into cash, which requires your help... Of course, commission is absolutely indispensable."

"You know, I don't care about small money." The baron was not easily dismissed by his words, "I should have told you what I want."

"Of course I remember." Charles sighed and had to make another promise to the other party, "His Majesty the Emperor will soon be re-appointed. As his control over the country's economic affairs becomes stronger and stronger, you will become the president of the Bank of France."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the country." The baron finally showed a satisfied smile, "Well, actually I just have something to tell you, you come here by yourself and save me the trouble..."

"What is it?" Charles was a little confused.

"Do you remember? Not long ago, you borrowed a lot of money from us... to buy land." The baron's expression was a little strange.

"Remember." Charles was stunned for a moment, then nodded, "Are you going to withdraw the funds now?"

Speaking of this, he was still a little depressed. At that time, he was discovered by Charlotte because of his cheating. So in order to please Charlotte, he raised money to buy a lot of land in the south. However, now it seems that this is unnecessary behavior. He and Charlotte have inherited the Duke's legacy. The land is many times more valuable, and these lands are like chicken ribs in his eyes, with no value.

"Mr. Treville, given our relationship, if you had any inside information at the beginning, you should tell me?" The baron's expression was a little strange. "Don't you think it's too lonely to make a lot of money alone?"

"What do you mean by this?" Charles was still confused.

Then, after the baron's explanation, he realized that the land prices in the country had begun to rise, and the south was now preparing to build railways. Some plans were just about to pass by the land he bought, so the price of those lands appreciated a lot in the short term.

But this is not surprising. When the February Revolution broke out and the Second Republic was in turmoil, asset prices fell throughout France due to the turmoil. Land transactions were also sluggish, so it was not normal for him to acquire a large amount of land at a low price.

After Louis Bonaparte successfully launched a coup and seemed to be able to rule France for a long time, the political situation began to stabilize, so the economy became active again, and it was normal for land prices to rise again. In addition, the south has begun to industrialize and railway construction is in full swing, so it is natural that land prices will skyrocket.

This kind of thing does seem a bit coincidental, but it is really just Charles's unintentional act. But the baron should not believe it.

"I really just did it casually." Charles said with a smile, "But you mentioned this to me, it shouldn't be just to congratulate me on my wealth, right?"

"Of course it's more than that," the baron nodded. "I hope you can sell all these lands to me at a new price that is as low as possible - you don't lack land now anyway."

"You mean, you support the railway companies along the way behind the scenes?" Charles finally understood.

The baron just smiled and didn't answer.

The original text is in the six # 9 @book/bar!

Taking someone else's loan to buy land, and then selling it back to others at a high price, what reason is there not to do such a good thing?

"Okay. I agree to sell the land to you." Charles made a decision without much hesitation, "You can arrange the procedures as soon as possible, and then let me sign it."

"Very good, Mr. Treville, I know we have always cooperated happily." The baron laughed happily, and then shook the bell wire on the table.

After waiting for the servant, he gave an order directly. "Go and call the lady over!"

When Charles heard this order, his heart was directly shocked, but he soon regained his calm.

Just as he was trying to figure out what the baron meant, there were light footsteps outside the door, and then Laura followed closely.

Even at home, she was still dressed in gorgeous clothes, wearing a long embroidered dress with lace, and her hair was carefully permed, looking just like a doll.

However, her face was a little more mature than last year... Is this due to my contribution...

Just as Charles was still daydreaming, Laura also noticed his presence, and then at that moment, her eyes widened slightly, and the resentment inside stabbed at Charles without reservation.

However, Charles just smiled slightly.

"Dad, what do you want to talk to me about?" Laura's resentment was only a flash, and soon she returned to her calm appearance.

"Lola, I just discussed with Mr. Treville, and he was very straightforward and decided to sell all the land he bought in the south to us. Therefore, this is very beneficial to the development of our railway company. I think you should be responsible for the next thing. You should confirm this deal with Mr. Treville."

"Okay, Dad, I will get it done as soon as possible." Lola agreed directly without any hesitation, and she was smart and capable, not like a woman.

"It's just a small matter to make a deal. Mr. Treville's help to you will not be limited to this..." The baron spread his hands again, "Although Mr. Treville is no longer in the Ministry of Railways, he is the founder of this department after all and is very familiar with related affairs. You should learn more from him, understand?"

"Okay..." Laura's voice was slightly out of tune, but her father certainly didn't hear it.

Then, the baron looked at Charles again, "Charles, now I'll tell you the truth. This railway company was indeed set up by me in secret. The affairs are actually managed by Laura now. I ask you to take care of her in the future..."

Charles almost understood that Baron de-Bovan was already training Laura as his heir. The railway company was given to her to let her practice and get familiar with her father's network of relationships in the political and business circles to pave the way for succession.

"Okay, of course I'm happy to help Miss de Beauvann." Charles agreed immediately, "If she has any problems in this regard in the future, just tell me. I think my words still have weight in the ministry."

"That's great!" The baron laughed, then glanced at his daughter, "Laura?"

"Thank you, Mr. Treville." Laura bit her lip and bowed to Charles to thank him.

"You're welcome." Charles sneered, then bowed to Laura in the same way, "I firmly believe that Miss de Beauvann's child will be able to live up to your expectations and inherit your career. God has given you enough compensation for your tragic loss. Our Maurice will definitely feel very relieved."

When she heard this obvious sarcasm, Laura's expression could no longer be maintained. With her back to her father, she looked up and glared at Charles.

However, Charles just liked to see others hate him but feel helpless, so he was very happy in his heart.

In order to make Laura more unhappy and make himself happier, under the Baron's gaze, he pulled Laura's hand, and then ignored her resistance and pulled her hand to his lips little by little.

"I am happy to be your most respectful friend, Miss de-Bovan, and I hope you can trust me as well." (~^~)