"Oh?" Green gave Viscount Paul a searching look. He had heard nothing about this before; clearly, the two families had kept it well under wraps.
Green was not worried that Viscount Paul would keep all the profits for himself. Otherwise, he would not have told him about it now. Besides, Viscount Paul had just said that Green had played a part in bringing about the marriage alliance. Unless the viscount had lard over his heart and lost all sense, he would never kick Green aside for a little money.
They entered the castle and went straight to the study rather than the reception room.
Viscount Paul's enthusiasm had not dimmed. Beaming, he described the mine. "Three days ago, professors from Northwest Industrial Academy came to survey it in person. The reserves and ore grade are more or less confirmed. Our two families will invest a total of two million Gold Pounds, each taking a forty-percent stake. The dividends from the remaining twenty-percent stake will go to you, with no investment required. Based on the current reserves, the mine can operate for thirty years once production begins. Annual profits should be no less than three million for the first ten years. After that, it depends on how the geology changes deeper in the vein."
Green nodded. He did not think much of the twenty-percent stake or its six hundred thousand Gold Pounds a year. With the Mist World at his disposal, he already controlled several gold mines. Gold Pounds no longer meant much to him. Viscount Sissola's influence in Rhine City would be more useful, making it easier for the Shadow Trade Association to expand there. But that was for later. Green had not come for any of it.
Once the maid who brought the tea had withdrawn, Green took a