Chapitre 13: London Trip
The financial turbulence that briefly engulfed Austria-Hungary quickly subsided with decisive government intervention, injecting much-needed capital into the market and catalyzing a swift recovery. Seizing the opportunity afforded by the capital feast, Ferdinand Koháry, having amassed substantial wealth, now deemed it prudent to step away from the public eye.
Ferdinand, since his rebirth, had strategically acquired lands rich in valuable minerals, anticipating their future significance. Among these holdings were several open-pit gold mines, assets that required careful protection to prevent premature disclosure and potential loss of tens of millions of pounds.
Recognizing the need for a robust ally to safeguard his interests, Ferdinand set his sights on London. The trip would serve a dual purpose – fortifying his position in the gold mining sector and, perhaps equally importantly, ensuring a strong partnership in navigating the complexities of the business landscape.
As Ferdinand arrived in London in early December, he was met by his good friend and cousin, Albert Edward von Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, better known as Edward VII. The two aristocrats had forged a friendship grounded in shared habits and a proclivity for living outside the confines of conventional aristocratic norms.
Edward, the Prince of Wales, greeted Ferdinand warmly, recognizing the potential advantages of their alliance in navigating the challenges that lay ahead. In response to Edward's welcome, Ferdinand, with a touch of playfulness, expressed his grievances about the arduous sea journey.
"Damn, it's not like you don't know how far it is! The wind and waves at sea are just too hateful!" Ferdinand grumbled, highlighting the unpredictable nature of maritime travel. Their banter set the tone for their reunion in London, where both friends and business partners would embark on a journey that held promises of wealth and influence.
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Ferdinand's innate ability to engage in meaningful conversations served as a notable strength, and as the two friends engaged in lively discussions, they naturally found common ground. Observing protocol, Ferdinand knew that his first order of business was to pay a visit to Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace.
Despite the palace's future fame, Ferdinand, having become somewhat accustomed to grandeur, didn't view it with the same awe as many in the future world might. To him, it was merely a palace, similar to those he had encountered in his previous life. However, as he traversed the halls adorned with paintings and antique relics, Ferdinand couldn't help but express genuine amazement at the collection of art and furniture.
Edward, pleased by Ferdinand's appreciation, offered, "If you like, I can consider arranging some pieces for you. But for now, let's go and pay our respects to my mother."
This brought Ferdinand back to the present moment, and he chuckled at his momentary lapse in decorum. "Ferdinand, it's a pleasure to welcome you here as a guest!" Queen Victoria greeted him warmly.
For Ferdinand, however, this encounter was more than a routine social engagement. The formidable aura of Queen Victoria left him with a sense of empathy for Edward. With such a powerful mother, Ferdinand couldn't help but wonder about the challenges his friend faced in navigating familial expectations and responsibilities.
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After a brief meeting with Queen Victoria, who, due to her age and limited energy, graciously allowed Ferdinand to attend the customary welcome party, the following day saw Ferdinand and Edward embarking on a tour of London.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, Edward couldn't help but express envy at Ferdinand's financial success over the past two years. Ferdinand, in his usual nonchalant manner, downplayed his earnings, stating, "Not too much. It's just a few million pounds, which is a small amount for the royal family."
However, Edward's envy persisted, even as he acknowledged the relative ease of securing funds as a member of the world's ruling family. "Sure, a few million pounds is nothing to the royal family! But to me, it's enormous!" Edward admitted with a hint of resentment. Despite his position as Crown Prince, Edward faced financial constraints, unable to engage in political affairs and constrained by strict spending limits.
Ferdinand, sensing an opportunity for collaboration, teased, "God, are you kidding me! The Crown Prince of the British Empire will actually have no money. Don't tell me that with the hundreds of millions of pounds of assets of the royal family, you will have no money?"
While playfully exaggerating the situation, Ferdinand was inwardly pleased. The prospect of Edward's financial constraints opened up new possibilities, especially considering the potential collaboration in their ventures. The idea of securing Edward's cooperation seemed all the more promising.
Edward, not one to mince words, bemoaned his financial restrictions. "Financial rules, no more than ten thousand pounds per month! You know my expenses are high. How can this amount be enough?" he grumbled.
Ferdinand, seizing the opportunity, suggested, "Wouldn't you invest?"
Edward, intrigued but constrained by limited capital, lamented, "Why not? But with this little capital I have, I can't get much of a share in it!"
Ferdinand, with a mischievous smile, disclosed, "Yes, I have found a gold mine. Are you interested again?"
Edward, initially thinking of supermarkets, expressed his experience with ventures in that domain. Ferdinand couldn't help but mockingly curse under his breath, realizing that Edward had unwittingly stumbled upon his own business idea.
"Of course not, I'm talking about a 'gold mine.' And an open-pit one at that! Do you understand me, Edward?" Ferdinand clarified, emphasizing the lucrative nature of his proposal.
Intrigued, Edward asked, "Oh my God, I'm not kidding! If you have a gold mine, you won't go dig it yourself. Why do you come to me?"
Ferdinand, explaining the challenges of managing a mine, noted the high wages of European workers and his reluctance to pay for their labor. Edward, seemingly shocked at the prospect of unpaid labor, threatened to disown Ferdinand, but when presented with the details, he shifted gears.
The ensuing negotiation led to the establishment of United Mining Co., Ltd. Ferdinand, as the mine owner, contributed 300,000 pounds, securing 60% of the shares. Edward, without contributing any capital, assumed responsibility for worker-related matters, offering protection to the company and handling diplomatic issues, in return for a 40% stake.
Their first target was the Coolgardie mines in Western Australia, one of the largest gold-producing areas in the country. The mine, discovered in 1892, triggered a global gold rush, drawing thousands to the region. The Coolgardie Gold Mine held considerable reserves, and Ferdinand saw it as a lucrative opportunity for their joint venture.
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