Chapter 573: A Courtesy Returned
"It is an immense honor to receive your recognition!" Carona quickly stood and bowed in gratitude.
"Please, sit," Joseph gestured for him to do so and continued, "In light of your contributions, I will recommend to Her Majesty the Queen that you be appointed as a Special Advisor to the Minister of Trade."
Carona was overjoyed. After his previous embezzlement scandal, he had nearly lost all hope of re-entering the bureaucracy. Yet, in less than a month in Austria, his nightmare had unexpectedly ended.
Though the title of Special Advisor was modest, it was a good start. With diligent service to the Prince, Carona now saw the possibility of rising to a mid-level official position before the end of his days.
In truth, Joseph's reward was relatively modest.
As the mastermind behind the Austrian operation, Carona had uncovered the key clues to the fraudulent orders, saving France at least tens of millions of francs. Factoring in the potential wave of factory bankruptcies averted, his contribution was even greater.
Thus, Joseph decided to reinstate him.
This operation also revealed Carona's talent in trade and counter-fraud—a skill Joseph found valuable for a new task he had in mind. Giving Carona an official title would make this task easier.
As for Carona's prior embezzlement, Joseph trusted Marat's oversight. Marat, having directly dealt with Carona during the previous scandal, would undoubtedly keep a close watch on him.
After Carona's tearful pledge of loyalty, Joseph turned to the figure standing at the door.
"You may enter as well, Mr. Mesmer."
Mesmer hurriedly adjusted his clothing and stepped forward, bowing with impeccable courtly etiquette.
"It is an honor to be summoned by Your Royal Highness, the Prince. Your name resounds under the watchful eyes of the Lord Almighty—"
"Ahem." Joseph raised a hand to cut off the flattery and turned to Fouché. "Mr. Fouché, how much time does he have left on his sentence?"
"Thirty-five years, Your Highness."
Joseph nodded. "Given Mr. Mesmer's invaluable assistance to Viscount Carona, I will recommend to the Supreme Court that his sentence be reduced by 20 years. He will continue to assist the Viscount in his duties."
Mesmer immediately began bowing profusely, spilling a torrent of gratitude.
Joseph had to interrupt him again and then turned to Carona. "Regarding the fraudulent orders, we cannot let this matter rest."
He signaled to Fouché. "Please share the Intelligence Bureau's findings."
"Of course, Your Highness."
Fouché bowed slightly before addressing Carona and Mesmer.
"Our investigation into the mastermind behind this scheme, the Vice President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, Clystiel, revealed that he was murdered on the outskirts of Vienna the day you left Austria.
"This was clearly to silence him.
"Moreover, our investigation into his financial situation found that he was deeply in debt, with his businesses on the verge of bankruptcy. He could not possibly have provided the initial funds to launch this scam."
Carona nodded slightly. "The initial deposits and subsequent payments for the 'additional goods' totaled over 10 million francs. Even if his finances were stable, he wouldn't have that kind of money."
"Exactly," Fouché replied. "This indicates that someone else was backing Clystiel."
"And who is that wretched individual?" Carona demanded.
"That, we cannot confirm yet. However, many clues point in the same direction. For instance, the Duke of Leeds suddenly traveled to Vienna shortly before the fraudulent orders began.
"Witnesses reported seeing Clystiel visit the Duke's residence multiple times. Other than debt management, this was his only significant contact during that period.
"Most importantly, a subordinate of Clystiel, Erwin Lenner—whom we apprehended with the help of the Grand Duchess of Tuscany—testified that most of their funding came in pounds sterling. Even the deposits paid to French companies included a substantial amount of pounds."
Carona narrowed his eyes. "It seems Osborne is behind this."
The Duke of Leeds' full name was Francis Godolphin Osborne.
"More precisely, it's the British Parliament," Joseph corrected. "The Duke of Leeds alone could not raise over 10 million francs. Moreover, the British government has clear motives for this action."
Joseph refrained from explaining Britain's "Continental Balance" policy. The fraudulent orders were clearly the opening move in an economic war targeting France.
Recalling Joseph's earlier comments, Carona lowered his voice. "So, do you plan to retaliate against the British?"
"Indeed," Joseph nodded. "Previously, to disrupt London's gaslight project, I used only simple methods.
"Now, it seems necessary to escalate these tactics and teach the British a memorable lesson.
"I'd like you to lead this operation. Of course, you'll have the assistance of Mr. Mesmer."
Stellar, the general manager of the Lightning Company, was a capable businessman who had secured the London gaslight project contract. However, he lacked the skills for more complex maneuvers.
Having witnessed Mesmer's brilliant performance in Austria, Joseph felt the time was right.
"A courtesy returned," Joseph remarked. "The British initiated this economic war. Now it's France's turn."
"It would be my greatest honor to serve you!" Carona bowed deeply. "What are your orders?"
"Lightning Company, the firm managing the London gaslight project, is one of my operations," Joseph explained. "It already wields considerable influence in London. Once you arrive in Britain, do as follows..."
He then turned to Mesmer. "As for you, you'll reprise your familiar role—a wealthy merchant—and collaborate with Viscount Carona to..."
Mesmer, ever the fraud mastermind, immediately suggested refinements to Joseph's plan.
"Excellent. Execute it as you proposed," Joseph approved with satisfaction. "If this mission succeeds, I will petition His Majesty the King to grant you a pardon."
"Thank you, Your Highness! I swear before God, I will complete your mission, even at the cost of my life!"
Austria
Eastern Suburbs of Vienna
Lord Grenville stepped off his carriage and bowed to the waiting Duke of Leeds. Smiling, he remarked, "I've heard that your progress here hasn't been very smooth."
The Duke hung his head.
"I warned you," he grumbled. "That Dutchman, Hope, had a scheme as rotten as month-old fish! He cost us £500,000 and achieved nothing!"
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