The Fox of France No Chapter 139: The Grand Order from North America (1)

Chapter 139: The Grand Order from North Arica (1)

Orders for weapons, especially those related to the French army, were few and far between. Despite Carnot's efforts to direct orders towards Joseph and his associates, Carnot's influence had dwindled. He no longer held sway even in military matters.

On the other hand, the Naval Research Institute, located far from Paris and seized quickly by Joseph's team, retained so critical technologies. As a result, they were the sole producers of flying clipper ships in all of Europe.

During this ti, the advantage of flying clippers in smuggling had beco evident. Since their introduction, not a single flying clipper had been caught in illicit activities.

Though the cargo capacity of flying clippers was not ideal, after accounting for the shorter round-trip tis due to higher speeds, it was concluded that these vessels were more efficient in transporting goods compared to conventional cargo ships of similar size. Consequently, more orders for flying clippers ca pouring into Joseph's hands.

Joseph realized that the shipyard attached to the research institute was struggling to keep up with the increasing demand. Expanding the shipyard beca necessary, but it was a large project that required substantial funds, and Joseph's resources were not sufficient.

However, the economic situation of the Bonaparte family remained healthy, with almost all of their businesses turning a profit, and Joseph's wealth was steadily growing. To most people accustod to building a family business over generations, his rate of earnings was remarkable. Yet, from Joseph's perspective as a modern-day individual, the pace of expansion was frustratingly slow.

"This era is sorely lacking reliable financial instrunts," Joseph muttered to himself. The banks of this ti provided limited funds at shockingly high interest rates, with 20% annual interest rates considered friendly. Given the ager economic growth typical of the era, even in peaceti, a 1% growth rate was a rarity. Most businesses could not support such interest rates. Despite the impressive profitability of Joseph's enterprises, he found it exasperating to borrow loans at 20% interest rates.

If borrowing was not an option, the alternative was to attract more investors. However, this would result in the dilution of equity, sothing Joseph was reluctant to do. Thus, expanding production beca a vexing issue.

"It seems I'll have to pressure the custors," Joseph thought, as he was left with no other option.

Initially, to attract custors and facilitate sales, Joseph offered installnt paynts for the flying clippers. However, he had co to realize that he could change this approach and require full prepaynt.

High-quality custors could still receive so discounts. Joseph even considered establishing the "Bonaparte Shipping Bank" specifically for providing favorable-rate loans to custors purchasing ships.

However, the profitability of flying clippers couldn't be sustained for long since their technology was primarily based on their appearance, making long-term secrecy nearly impossible. In a short ti, other countries, particularly the British, would likely master the manufacturing technology of flying clippers.

At the end of December, the flying clipper "Black Pearl" completed a round trip from Marseille to New York in just over a month, with an average speed exceeding ten knots. This speed was twice that of ordinary cargo ships, turning the ship into a legend.

Accompanying the "Black Pearl" from Arica to France were not only the much-needed French goods but also a few Arican visitors.

As soon as they arrived in Marseille, these Aricans made their way to the Bonaparte Research Institute's recruitnt office.

The recruitnt office of the Bonaparte Research Institute differed from others. It was a curiously shaped counter in the street, displaying various short firearms and related accessories, as well as models of cannons and ships. The counter had one or two attractive female attendants and a few burly n behind it.

Most of the ti, when a smuggling ship docked, rchants from the ship would casually approach the counter, order a few crates of "small lons," and other items, exchange a few jokes with the female attendants, pay promptly, and have their goods loaded onto their ship.

If a wealthy shipowner ca to buy a ship, a female attendant would escort them to an upstairs eting room, serve freshly brewed Turkish coffee, and then have the manager co over to discuss matters.

The group of Aricans entered the recruitnt office and approached the counter.

"I've heard that you can order ships here," said the middle-aged man in his forties or fifties, using a Bordeaux dialect. His hair was slightly graying, perhaps due to frequent travels at sea, which had left his face weathered and tanned.

As soon as they ntioned ordering ships, both female attendants stood up.

"Sir, we do indeed accept ship orders here, and we can manufacture various ships, including the fastest vessels in the world. If you have such a need, you've co to the right place. Please follow us upstairs for a detailed discussion."

The two female attendants led the Aricans upstairs to the eting room. One of them poured coffee for them, while the other found the manager responsible for this type of business, Du Thierry.

Du Thierry, accompanied by a young clerk, arrived in the eting room. They sat down on the sofa in front of the Aricans.

"Gentlen, how can I assist you? I'm Du Thierry, the manager of the Bonaparte Research Institute's recruitnt office," Du Thierry introduced himself.

The graying man, Stephen Girard, looked at the young clerk next to Du Thierry. He noticed that when the clerk interjected during their conversation, Du Thierry did not react at all.

"Normally, managers don't appreciate a clerk interjecting during negotiations. However, in this case, the manager seems unfazed by the clerk's interruption. This young clerk must have a significant role."

"Sir, we've heard about the stories of your brother," Stephen Girard said with enthusiasm, "and we've co all the way from Arica to purchase flying clipper ships. I'm particularly interested in these high-speed rchant vessels. If you can et my requirents, I might buy seven or eight of them in one go. However, I'm not looking for flying clippers the size of the 'Black Pearl.' Ships of that size have limited usability and high operating costs. I need larger flying clippers, ones that can transport ordinary goods. Do you have flying clippers of a larger size, or can you build them?"

Du Thierry asked, "Currently, we manufacture flying clippers that are slightly larger than the 'Black Pearl,' such as the 'Skyborne' class, which has nearly double the cargo capacity. Does that et your needs?"

"Only twice the size of the 'Black Pearl'?" Stephen Girard shook his head, "That's still too small. Are there no larger options, or is it impossible for you to build larger flying clippers?"

"I'm sorry, I'm not certain about this, but I believe" Du Thierry was about to find a way to persuade the Aricans when the young clerk by his side suddenly interjected, "We can build larger flying clippers, even ones as large as battleships. It shouldn't be a problem."

Stephen Girard looked at the young clerk with great interest. He noticed that when the clerk interjected, Du Thierry, the manager, had no reaction at all.

"Sir, you ntioned that you can build much larger flying clippers?" Stephen Girard asked.

"In theory, it should be possible. At least, that's what my brother said. Of course, he's never built such large flying clippers before, so there may be so technical details that need to be worked out. But major issues should not exist. My brother, Joseph Bonaparte, said that the primary problem would be funding," the young clerk replied.

"Ah, may I ask who your brother is?" Stephen Girard inquired.

"Oh, my brother is Joseph Bonaparte, the owner and controller of the Bonaparte Research Institute, the asurer of lightspeed, and the inventor of flying clippers and small lons. I'm his younger brother, Lucien. It's a pleasure to et you."

Lucien had been assigned so social practice tasks by Joseph during this period, one of which was to assist at the recruitnt office and serve as a clerk to gain more social experience. It just so happened that he t Stephen Girard and his group, who were interested in purchasing large flying clippers.

"I see, you're Mr. Bonaparte," Stephen Girard said quickly. "I've heard various stories about your brother back in Arica. Could you arrange a eting for us? I hope to discuss the construction of large flying clippers with you and your brother."

Lucien considered this and thought it should be acceptable since building larger flying clippers was not a significant secret. Additionally, if this Arican could genuinely buy seven or eight ships at once, it would an substantial profits for Joseph.

"Of course, you can. However, you might not be aware that my brother has been occupied with sothing lately, spending most of his ti in the laboratory. I'm not sure when you'll be able to et him. It might take a day or two," Lucien replied.

"Thank you. I believe 'Black Pearl' has already saved us a lot of ti, and we have other purchases to make as well. Waiting for a day or two won't be a problem for us."