"How?!" he exclaimed in astonishment. "But everyone knows it's impossible to defend yourself against Avada Kedavra!"
"There is a way," Richie said, shaking his head. "According to verified information, the blade of a lightsaber is capable of reflecting the Killing Curse. I want a defence developed that can automatically reflect an Avada."
"That's incredible!" Arthur's eyes lit up with genuine interest, while his face reflected intense curiosity. "And how was this discovered?"
"Mr. Weasley, that's classified information," Richard replied. "Just accept that it's true. The research will require a bunker. How is construction progressing?"
"At the moment, the shell of the two lowest levels is complete," Arthur answered. "We're building the bunker using the Ministry of Magic as a model. It will occupy almost the entire plot, which is why construction is taking so long. We have to proceed very carefully, since most of the work is being carried out beneath existing buildings and the lake. However, if necessary, we can redirect additional wizarding construction crews and make one level of the bunker operational for researchers within a couple of weeks."
"I would be grateful if you could do that, Mr. Weasley," Richard said with a serious nod. "An Unspeakable specialist will oversee the research. Security will be provided by officers from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I believe that concludes the important matters. Now tell me about the progress of your research and show me the latest developments."
"Of course, of course," Arthur replied, hastily rising from his desk. "Come with me, sir, and I'll show you everything."
Richard spent several hours inspecting his magical enterprise. He observed dozens of wizards at work, tested new prototypes, and spoke with the researchers and craftsmen. By the end of the inspection, he was extremely pleased with what he had seen.
***
Richard devoted the fifteenth of July to work at the Grosvenor Group offices. He was sorting through a towering pile of accumulated paperwork when a cautious knock at the door interrupted the tedious task.
"Come in," he said.
Dan Silver slipped into the office past Proudfoot, whose athletic frame was visible in the doorway.
"Excuse me, sir. You asked to see me," Dan said.
"Mr. Silver, have a seat," Richard invited. "I've reviewed the hedge fund documents. Not bad."
"Thank you, sir." A faint smile appeared on Mr. Silver's face. "Forgive me, but I still don't quite understand why we need a hedge fund."
"Obviously for currency speculation, Mr. Silver," Richard stated as though it were self-evident.
Mr. Silver's face stretched in astonishment.
"Currency speculation?" he repeated.
"Yes," Richie replied curtly. "What is the status of our dollar-denominated assets?"
"Sir," Dan recovered from his surprise, "we have just under three million dollars in our accounts. All other funds are currently invested."
Richard reached for a document on his desk. After glancing at it, he remarked:
"Two hundred and seventeen million. Not bad, though it could be better. Mr. Silver, begin negotiations with the banks. We need an investment loan secured against our securities portfolio, and we need the largest amount possible."
"Sir..." Dan pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at his perspiring forehead. "A loan? For which project?"
"We'll be obtaining a separate loan for the power plant project," Richard replied. "The Crown will act as our guarantor, so that financing is already assured."
"If we're not talking about the power plant, then what are we discussing?" Dan asked.
"Mr. Silver, I require capital for currency speculation through the hedge fund," Richard said openly. "By the end of August, you should have the loan proceeds in hand. Convert them into dollars, then purchase Deutsche Marks and wait for the pound to decline. According to my estimates, sterling will reach its lowest point against the Deutschmark around the middle of October, though I can't guarantee the exact timing. You'll need to monitor broker reports and market data. Your objective is to achieve the highest possible return from currency fluctuations while keeping risk to a minimum."
"Oh, sir..." Dan began sweating even more heavily. "Operations like that could result in enormous losses."
"To ensure that doesn't happen, I employ professionals," Richard said pointedly. "Including you. Do your best not to disappoint me. Follow the established principles of financial speculation, and everything will be fine."
"But Lord Grosvenor," Dan continued, "why are you so certain that the pound will begin to fall?"
"It's obvious!" Richie replied. "The Bundesbank is maintaining a higher interest rate than either the United States or the rest of Europe, and despite considerable pressure, it has no intention of lowering it. That will inevitably drive down the value of European currencies and the dollar while strengthening the Deutschmark. However, the dollar will be less vulnerable than the pound. That's why the chain of pound-to-dollar, dollar-to-Deutsche-Mark, and Deutsche-Mark-to-pound conversions should generate the greatest profit. The Bundesbank will announce its new interest rate at the beginning of September. That announcement will almost certainly attract investors from across Europe and the United States into Germany. That is when the pound's decline will begin."
Throughout Richard's explanation, Mr. Silver sat there looking utterly stunned.
"Er... I understand, sir," he finally managed. "I'll pass your instructions on to the hedge fund's brokers."
"Mr. Silver..." Richard's gaze turned stern, pinning the man to his chair like an insect on display. "I trust you won't ruin such a simple and effective strategy—or leak any information to outsiders..."
"Y-yes, sir," Dan stammered. For some reason, the little boy suddenly frightened him considerably. "I mean, no, sir... I mean, I won't tell any competitors anything. You can rely on me."
"Excellent." The intimidating look on Richard's face instantly gave way to a warm smile. "I'm counting on you."
(End of Chapter)
P@treon: /SadRaven
🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰