Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 154
Archduke Victoria furrowed her brow.
In her view, this was not a minor business. It was a significant matter that could affect not only sailors and shipowners but also everyone living around the ports and everyone who traveled by sea.
She disliked how casually it was being discussed.
“Perhaps it’s because I’m old-fashioned, but I believe such matters should be handled with responsibility.”
Her sharp blue eyes gleamed as they scrutinized Claire, more intensely than they had even at her wedding.
To her, Duchess Klausener was Erich’s choice, and if he was happy with his decision, that was all that mattered.
However, it was different if someone proposed a business that could significantly shake her domain and potentially influence the entire empire.
“You truly are a noble in spirit, Your Grace.”
Claire said with a smile. For the first time, she was using the term positively.
She would have spoken of a mission where others spoke of responsibility. This was the second time she encountered someone like that; the first was Erich.
Thinking about rights and duties as two sides of the same coin, she believed that Erich fulfilled his duties because he saw himself entitled to his rights.
Many see their rights as power to neglect their duties, so such an attitude was commendable.
She had only recently come to accept this.
Of course, she still thought it was utterly presumptuous to assume that one could bear responsibility for land and its people just by virtue of birth.
‘At best, it’s a managerial responsibility.’
As her thoughts threatened to wander off, Claire caught Archduke Victoria’s gaze and snapped back to the moment.
“Ideally, handling it with responsibility is best, but a business cannot last long without profit. Besides, even Your Grace’s wealth alone couldn’t fund such an endeavor.”
“Given the scale, that’s true.”
Archduke Victoria looked at Claire, thinking that perhaps that’s why Klausener was getting involved.
“My plan is as follows. Each port’s shipowners’ union maintains mutual insurance, under which we create a sort of grand union led by Archduke Victoria.”
“If an incident becomes too large for a port’s mutual insurance to handle, other unions can assist with their pooled funds. While being overseen to ensure repayment is made over time.”
“Yes, if the port owners keep an eye, shipowners won’t be able to declare bankruptcy or let the union dissolve without due consideration.”
Archduke Victoria pondered deeply. By now, any negative attitude from her was hard to detect.
She, being a royal, naturally felt a sense of duty and was a significant port owner herself.
She felt it was crucial for the empire’s sea routes and fit well as it wasn’t something to be regulated by law or managed by the cabinet.
“I’m not sure if I can fulfill the role you speak of. And still, I don’t see how this ties back to your finances.”
“Klausener will manage the pooled funds.”
Claire responded.
Archduke Victoria pressed her temples wearily.
“If Klausener provides a financial guarantee, there shouldn’t be any concern. What do you plan to do with the money?”
“Just possessing large sums of money naturally generates corresponding benefits. The larger the scale, the more Klausener stands to gain.”
Archduke Victoria hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed.
“Alright. Trying it out wouldn’t hurt.”
“You won’t regret it.”
Claire assured her with a bright smile.
* * *
[Dear Duchess Klausener,
How has your first winter in the north been? Baden, while relatively warm due to geothermal heat, also sees heavy snowfall. I was concerned.
I hope the white devil hasn’t soured Madam’s feelings towards the north.
No, as finding warmth in the cold air can be one of the deepest pleasures a person can experience. I may be overly concerned here.
I recently visited County Krozik on an errand for my father. The elderly count was vigorous and enthusiastic.
He is extremely knowledgeable about diamonds. Deep down, I understood why Klausener had chosen County Krozik as a partner in the diamond business.
You might already have heard from the County’s side, but they have discovered a new mine.
It’s not far from our family’s estate, so it seems I might be involved in this matter to some extent.]
Hermann Ludendorff reviewed his letter once more.
No matter how many times he read it over, there was nothing amiss. If there were any faults to be found, it was in writing a letter to a lady he was not close to.
However, considering that the recipient was a noblewoman, such a letter was permissible.
Consoling and admiring a lady was considered a virtue, especially when the recipient was the Duchess Klausener.
If there was even a slight acquaintance, many would flail about to continue that connection.
Compared to those individuals, he was certainly ahead.
‘I have no intention of competing with the duke or exploiting any vulnerabilities.’
He had no unscrupulous intentions towards the newlyweds.
Yet, there was no need to forsake the joy of forming a friendship with a beautiful and intelligent lady.
Especially when she was a woman of substantial wealth and a noble who could potentially support him.
With a smile, he filled the rest of the page with his writing.
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