"What do you mean? You bought them knowing everything, didn't you?"
"No, it's not that. It's just..."
As he spoke, Joshua remembered his meeting with the chancellor.
Upon receiving Rockefeller's summons and leaving for Black Label, Joshua took over the vacant position left by Rockefeller.
"Are you the younger brother of Lord Rockefeller? I heard you're the third child."
It was the first time he met the chancellor.
Since there was no harm in getting along with him, Joshua replied with a pleasant expression.
"Yes, I am Joshua Rothsmedichi, the third child of the Rothsmedichi family. Unlike my second eldest brother and fourth younger sibling, I am following my eldest brother and taking care of the bank's affairs."
"Is that so? I look forward to working with you. I've heard a lot about you from Lord Rockefeller. They say you're quite competent."
"Haha, that's not true. My eldest brother is much better at it. I've only learned by watching him."
The chancellor, who seemed to be somewhat convinced, nodded his head and continued the conversation.
"You've probably heard about our relationship?"
"Yes, I heard that our side will lend you the shipbuilding costs at a low interest rate."
"You must also know about the monopoly on the stock exchange."
"Yes, of course."
The conversation that started like this led to other stories to strengthen their friendship.
"Recently, some trading ships have been captured by pirates. It's a headache."
Joshua had not been at Black Label for long, but he had heard many stories because he had work to do.
Especially since he took charge of the stock exchange, he knew almost everything about the pirates and trading ships.
"I've heard that story too, and I'm curious about what the chancellor will do."
The chancellor's expression as he continued the conversation was not very good.
"If I were the same as before, I would have ignored whatever they said and swept them away."
The reason why he couldn't do it like his old personality.
There was a good reason for it.
"Is there a separate reason why you don't do that?"
"Yes, there is. Among the captured ships, some of my acquaintances and family members have invested. That's the problem."
It was then that Joshua finally understood the reason why the chancellor was racking his brains.
"I see."
"So it's hard to ignore their demands, and it's a real headache."
Joshua, who had been nodding his head, had a somewhat absurd thought.
'If I use this well, I can make some money, right?'
When the rumor that a trading ship had been captured by pirates spread, the securities related to the trading ship were usually worthless.
What would happen if he bought those worthless securities and later the story of the captured ships being released circulated?
'The worthless securities would skyrocket in value.'
If the chancellor changes his mind and accepts the pirates' demands, it's obvious that all the captured trading ships will be released, and the worthless securities will return to their normal prices.
At that point, Joshua smelled money.
'The problem is whether that person is willing to compromise with the pirates.'
"So what are you going to do?"
The chancellor still seemed to be undecided.
"I'm still considering it. If I do it like before, the amount invested by those around me is so large."
As he spoke, the chancellor let out a deep sigh from time to time.
"I'll probably compromise. It wouldn't have been like that in the past, but it's not like that now. There's no end to the investment in that damn trading ship, everyone's invested in it."
After reminiscing, Joshua looked at Bob, who was holding him.
"I also bet that the chancellor would make a deal with the pirates to save the captured ship."
"Wasn't it certain?"
"Certain... Is there such a thing in the world? Only the chancellor would know the answer."
Bell, who was nearby, stepped forward.
"No, then, did you buy it without any confidence?"
"Not that much. I thought he would do that."
"What about the cargo on the ship, even if the pirates let it go? You didn't think about that at all?"
Joshua laughed and replied to that.
"Anyway, I'll profit as long as the ship returns safely."
Bell and Bob had nothing to say to that.
Even if the captured ship returned without cargo.
From Joshua's point of view, who had bought the securities at a very low price, it was always a profit.
"Oh dear."
Bob, who had finished talking with Joshua, slumped down.
He was swayed by something that was not even certain.
"Oh dear! My fate."
Watching Bob collapse, Bel felt drained.
'That's why you shouldn't invest in stocks. Never.'
"Hey. Can you just sit here like that? People are watching, so get up quickly."
However, Bob's ears did not hear the sound.
"I'm ruined. What now? How many times have I bought and sold?"
Joshua, who had been watching Bob quietly, left a comforting word.
"Still, I think there's a high probability that the ship will return, so don't be too upset. And who knows if there's cargo on it? The pirates want the captured captain right now."
"But aren't you worried? I saw that you bought a lot of stocks."
At that, Joshua remembered what Rockefeller had said.
'Rockefeller said that if you're not prepared to lose, you can't win.'
"I think there's a chance from my point of view."
Although he said that, Joshua did not think his bet would go wrong.
Why?
'Even if the chancellor thinks otherwise, I can make a deal with the pirates.'
If he offered money in exchange for releasing the ship.
Would the pirates have a reason to refuse from their point of view?
'In any case, I don't think I'll lose.'
"Cheer up. Everything will work out."
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