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The Fox of France - Chapter 139
🕑 Added 2023-11-07 20:23:57 +0000 UTCOrders 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 some critical technologies. As a result, they were the sole producers of flying clipper ships in all of Europe.
During this time, the advantage of flying clippers in smuggling had become 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 times 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 came 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 became 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 accustomed 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 instruments," Joseph muttered to himself. The banks of this time provided limited funds at shockingly high interest rates, with 20% annual interest rates considered friendly. Given the meager economic growth typical of the era, even in peacetime, 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, something Joseph was reluctant to do. Thus, expanding production became a vexing issue.
"It seems I'll have to pressure the customers," Joseph thought, as he was left with no other option.
Initially, to attract customers and facilitate sales, Joseph offered installment payments for the flying clippers. However, he had come to realize that he could change this approach and require full prepayment.
High-quality customers could still receive some discounts. Joseph even considered establishing the "Bonaparte Shipping Bank" specifically for providing favorable-rate loans to customers 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 time, 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 America to France were not only the much-needed French goods but also a few American visitors.
As soon as they arrived in Marseille, these Americans made their way to the Bonaparte Research Institute's recruitment office.
The recruitment 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 men behind it.
Most of the time, when a smuggling ship docked, merchants from the ship would casually approach the counter, order a few crates of "small melons," 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 came to buy a ship, a female attendant would escort them to an upstairs meeting room, serve freshly brewed Turkish coffee, and then have the manager come over to discuss matters.
The group of Americans entered the recruitment 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 mentioned 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 come to the right place. Please follow us upstairs for a detailed discussion."
The two female attendants led the Americans upstairs to the meeting 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 meeting room. They sat down on the sofa in front of the Americans.
"Gentlemen, how can I assist you? I'm Du Thierry, the manager of the Bonaparte Research Institute's recruitment 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 come all the way from America to purchase flying clipper ships. I'm particularly interested in these high-speed merchant vessels. If you can meet my requirements, 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 meet 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 Americans 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 mentioned 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 some 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 measurer of lightspeed, and the inventor of flying clippers and small melons. I'm his younger brother, Lucien. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Lucien had been assigned some social practice tasks by Joseph during this period, one of which was to assist at the recruitment office and serve as a clerk to gain more social experience. It just so happened that he met 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 America. Could you arrange a meeting 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 American could genuinely buy seven or eight ships at once, it would mean substantial profits for Joseph.
"Of course, you can. However, you might not be aware that my brother has been occupied with something lately, spending most of his time in the laboratory. I'm not sure when you'll be able to meet him. It might take a day or two," Lucien replied.
"Thank you. I believe 'Black Pearl' has already saved us a lot of time, and we have other purchases to make as well. Waiting for a day or two won't be a problem for us."
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