After running through the numbers, Ferdinand asked, "So this time, the government can still raise over a hundred million in funds by selling land?"
After giving it some thought, the Minister of Finance said, "Yes, Your Highness! Our Ministry of Finance estimates that the figure will be somewhere between 150 and 200 million lev! However, considering that the price is only half the market value, we are actually taking a loss!"
Ferdinand nodded. "Mm. Let's leave this matter here for today. The government will proceed according to plan! How are the preparations for the victory celebration coming along?"
Konstantin thought for a moment before replying, "Your Highness, everything is ready! However, Montenegro is now preparing to establish the Kingdom of Montenegro. Should we also begin preparations to establish the Third Bulgarian Kingdom?"
Ferdinand caught the key point: "kingdom," not "empire." It seemed public opinion had already fermented, but the government remained clear-headed. They had not foolishly set their sights on establishing the "Third Bulgarian Empire."
"This is indeed a problem. How about holding the victory celebration together with the founding of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom? That would save another sum of money, and we could invest it in industrial development instead. The results should be better!"
Konstantin raised no objection. They were all pragmatists and had little interest in such hollow ceremonies.
If not for winning over the people's hearts, Ferdinand could not even be bothered with these ceremonies!
For no other reason than that they were simply too troublesome. Every major ceremony exhausted him to the bone. Ferdinand had always avoided such events whenever he could; if he truly could not avoid one, then the simpler, the better!
Swift and decisive—this had always been Ferdinand's style. Over time, the Bulgarian government naturally learned the same approach.
With a nod