"That was simply a nightmare!" Louise snorted. "You must compensate me for the torment I suffered. For instance, increase the deliveries of cheap coal."
Baron Trudaine wrapped an arm around her slender waist and laughed. "Are your eyes filled with nothing but that black coal?"
Queen of Prussia twisted hard, trying to shake off his groping hand.
But Trudaine only tightened his grip, pulling her into his embrace.
"My dear, let us set our sights farther ahead."
The woman stopped struggling. "And what do you mean by farther ahead?"
"I had people investigate my industries. I mean, those steelworks in which I hold shares." Governor of Essens began to paw at her. "I must admit, they have excellent prospects. In the future, they will surely bring me—oh, bring us—a great deal of wealth." Louise immediately replied, "That will require making sure they all receive enough coal."
"Coal, yes, coal." Baron Trudaine nodded. "Rest assured, there will be plenty of coal. And I guarantee it will be cheaper than the market price. In fact, the first ten thousand tons have already set out from Dortmund. There is more to come, and no department will ever find anything amiss. You see, my experience is not something that Little Prince can compare to."
"Oh, my dear, you are so thoughtful."
"I told you, we will have a future filled with light." As he spoke, the man had already begun unfastening his buttons. "First of all, at Prussia's current scale of steel smelting, it could not even use up one-seventh of the coal I can provide."
Louise pressed herself against him cooperatively. "I had Mr. Behrens draw up a large-scale government procurement plan to ensure those factories all turn a profit. They will rapidly expand their production capacity."
Baron Trudaine shook his head. "How