"When you et President Johnson, express the British governnt's hope that the U.S. agrees to delay the loan repaynts. Sound him out."
"And if possible, try to secure new aid or loans from the U.S. That would be even better."
Margaret nodded with an air of obedience.
But her mind was already racing with plans for how Hardy could show her the exciting places he'd once ntioned.
Her body hadn't yet arrived in Arica, but her thoughts were already soaring across its vast landscape.
---
A passenger plane landed at Washington Airport.
The airport was already swarming with journalists, Arican diplomats, and social elites who had co to welco the arrival. Hardy was among them, standing prominently near the front of the welcoming party.
The cabin door opened, and Princess Margaret stepped out, standing at the top of the stairway, waving to those below.
She wore a white gown, round-toed English leather shoes, and a delicate tiara perched atop her head. A mink stole was draped over her shoulders.
The princess's gown was cut low at the neckline, revealing a swath of alabaster skin. Hardy thought to himself, after a year, this girl had grown quite a bit.
As to how did he know?
Perhaps because he had already "asured" once before—a thought he dismissed as overly presumptive.
"Click, click."
The journalists took a barrage of photos of Princess Margaret.
As the princess descended the stairs, diplomats approached her warmly. "Welco to the United States, Princess Margaret."
"Thank you," Margaret responded with a graceful nod.
The officials introduced the people present to welco her. She politely shook hands with the first two diplomats. When the third person stepped forward—Hardy—Princess Margaret extended her hand to him.
"Baron Hardy, hello."
Hardy didn't just shake her hand; he kissed it lightly. "Welco to Arica, Princess. You've grown even more beautiful since we last t a year ago."
Margaret smiled softly, clearly pleased by Hardy's complint.
The princess and her entourage got into their cars, which drove them to her hotel. Once in her room, a diplomat inford Princess Margaret, "President Johnson extends his warst welco to your visit. Your eting with him has been scheduled for tomorrow evening, where he will host a dinner in your honor at the White House."
"Thank you for arranging this," Margaret replied with a nod of appreciation. Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire
After the officials left, Margaret turned to Hardy, smiling. "Baron Hardy, could we speak privately?"
"Of course," Hardy agreed.
A servant brought in coffee and then quietly exited. Margaret spoke, "Baron Hardy, I've co to Arica with two objectives. First, I hope to secure a delay in loan repaynts. Second, I aim to seek additional aid and loans. I hope you can assist ."
Hardy was well aware of Britain's situation.
World War II had drained hundreds of billions of dollars, left the country in ruins, and severely weakened its power. The loans totaling over $22 billion were now an unbearable burden. Even paying the annual interest was proving difficult.
Post-war, as the U.S. sought to cent its position as the world's leader, Britain resisted handing over its influence, resulting in so friction between the two nations. Naturally, this led to a rift.
But Hardy knew Britain's struggle was mostly about pride. Its colonial era was over, and the age of Arican financial dominance had begun.
Britain was already entangled in Arica's web of financial colonialism. Wrapped tightly in layers of taphorical spider silk, resistance was futile.
"What would you like to do to help?" Hardy asked.
"I know you have a close relationship with President Johnson. I hope you can speak on my behalf, persuading him to delay this year's repaynt. Securing additional aid would be even better," Margaret said.
"Your Highness, international political matters like this are beyond what a businessman like can influence," Hardy replied, refraining from overpromising.
"I understand. I'm rely asking for your help. This is also my sister's wish," Margaret explained.
Hardy thought for a mont.
"All right, Your Highness. I'll do my best to speak with President Johnson. However, I can't guarantee the outco," Hardy said.
"Thank you, Baron Hardy," Margaret nodded, expressing her gratitude.
After Hardy excused himself and left, Margaret let out a long breath. "Phew… Keeping up the royal deanor is so exhausting."
She called for her maid, who helped her remove the tiara from her head, take off her shoes, and change into a loose, comfortable outfit. Margaret imdiately felt much more relaxed.
She took a quick shower before heading to the bedroom.
In the bedroom, there was a television. Margaret had heard that Arican television was incredibly advanced. Although the BBC existed in Britain, its programming was sparse and rigid.
Arican television, by contrast, was rumored to be vibrant and diverse. The largest network, ABC, was owned by none other than Baron Hardy.
Margaret turned on the television, which happened to be set to ABC. At that mont, a comrcial was playing, promoting Estée Lauder's face mask cream—a new product claiming to leave won's skin softer and more radiant.
Even the comrcials seed entertaining, a stark contrast to the stiff broadcasts on British television.
After the comrcial, the afternoon drama slot began, featuring a show calledThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.Margaret lay on the soft bed, watching the show with interest.
The drama revolved around a housewife who, after experiencing a failed marriage, worked her way to success. It had been airing for just two weeks but was already a national sensation, especially among housewives.
So called it an inspiring story for won.
Others derisively called it "poisonous feminist propaganda."
The idea for the show, of course, had co from Hardy. He believed that Arican won needed to embrace these so-called "poisonous ideas" earlier than his past life turning them into key consurs.
Won > Children > Seniors > Pets > n.
This hierarchy of consumption power had originated in Arica, Europe, and slowly passed on to Japan and South Korea before spreading elsewhere.
Hardy had summoned a team of writers, specifically hiring a female writer to better capture the emotions and psyche of a female protagonist.
He outlined the story's frawork and core thes. As for the details, he left them for her to flesh out.
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