The former French Minister of Finance, Charles Alexander de Calonne, smiled and returned the courtesy, then loudly said, "Thank you to Prince Maximilian for organizing this banquet for us. And thanks to everyone for coming here."
After a few simple pleasantries, he quickly got to the point: "I know everyone must be very concerned about 'that matter.'
"I also know that some people are murmuring in their hearts, 'Calonne is likely a fraud.'
Everyone cooperatively laughed.
Calonne pointed west: "To dispel everyone's concerns, I would like to invite you all on a trip together.
"Hmm, the journey will be very long, but please believe me, the scenery along the way will make you feel it's very worthwhile.
"And our first stop is Metz."
The Bavarian Trade Minister Dieterich asked puzzled, "Metz? What's there?"
"A sugar beet garden," Calonne's tone was like reciting poetry, "and the largest sugar warehouse in France.
