The future of industry

"This will require buying a large quantity of potatoes to use as 'seed.'" Joseph rubbed the pattern on his teacup and looked at Mirabeau. "At present, the government can only spare one million livres, but we need five million in total. I don't have that much money on hand either, so I wanted to borrow some from you."

Joseph knew that Mirabeau might not have much money left after investing in the paper mill, but he had extensive connections and was on good terms with many capitalist aristocrats. He could help approach them.

"Oh, of course, rest assured that I can put up shares in the paper mill or Paris Angel as collateral."

Mirabeau said, "Your Highness, the only places in the country where potatoes can be bought are a few provinces such as Alsace and Lorraine. Do you mean to purchase them from somewhere that far away?"

"That's right."

Mirabeau first nodded. "Your Highness, I can help find a way to raise the money."

Ever since the affair with the tax law, his interests had become tied to the Crown Prince's, so naturally he had to do his part for His Highness.

But then he frowned. "However, what I'm about to say may displease you, but I believe I still have a duty to remind you."

"Please, go ahead."

"There's only a little over a month left before wheat sowing begins, and given how efficiently those people in the government work... you should know that purchasing several million livres' worth of potatoes will take them at least three weeks. The remaining time won't be nearly enough for transport and planting."

Joseph froze at his words, thinking that he had still been careless and failed to account for the bureaucracy's dreadful efficiency.

He thought for a moment, then nodded. "Thank