Chapter 202: Collaboration 2

Actually, Roland had been opposed to Napoleon's sweeping approach from the start. While nationalizing the mineral resources would ensure government control, it would inevitably sap the economic vitality of these assets, resulting in more harm than good.

Therefore, Roland believed that cooperation was more suitable than forced nationalization.

"No, no, Your Highness, you've misunderstood my meaning." Otto hastily explained upon hearing Roland's words.

Roland was puzzled. He didn't know what Otto was up to, so he asked, "Oh, then what exactly do you want to discuss with me?"

"I'm sure Your Highness is aware that I control 30% of France's iron production and 40% of its copper production."

"I know that," Roland nodded.

"I want to give these mining resources to you, Your Highness," Otto dropped a bombshell.

"What? You... you want to give all those mining resources to me?" Despite Roland being born into nobility and having a wealthy family, he was still shocked by this statement.

30% of the iron production and 40% of the copper production. That's tens of millions of francs in annual revenue! Haven't they always said that Jews value profits the most? How come they've had a change of heart lately?

Roland forced himself to calm down. He knew there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Moreover, Jews always pursue their interests, and they wouldn't do anything without profit.

So Roland composed himself and asked, "So what do I need to give in return? Or what do you want me to do?"

Seeing Roland recover so quickly, Otto's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration. It seemed that his choice was indeed correct. Although Roland was young, he had a deep understanding. Even facing tens of millions of francs in profits, he could quickly regain his composure. He was truly a young talent.

Originally, Otto had hesitated about choosing Roland. Despite his excellence, he was just a junior member of the Bonaparte family. Initially, he wanted to find a partner like Joseph or Roland's father Louis. But Joseph was too greedy, and Louis was too incompetent. Otto was forced to choose Roland. However, now that he had come into contact with him, Otto realized that his choice was extremely wise.

Although Roland was young now, Otto didn't think it was a disadvantage; on the contrary, it was an advantage. In the not-too-distant future, Roland would surely achieve unimaginable accomplishments. He would become a legendary figure for the Bonaparte family, following in the footsteps of Napoleon.

At this point, Otto decided not to beat around the bush anymore. He knew that continuing to beat around the bush in the face of such a figure would only make people laugh.

Clearing his throat, Otto said, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. Our money is hard-earned. To be honest, you also know that we Jews have always been treated unfairly, so we need your protection."

"My protection? Mr. Otto, are you mistaken? I'm just a small colonel. Can I protect you? I think you should send those mining resources to His Majesty the Emperor. If he's in a good mood, he might agree to change your situation," Roland said with a laugh.

But Otto shook his head and said, "We've thought about that too, but we quickly verified that it wouldn't work. His Majesty the Emperor simply doesn't need our help. He's more inclined to treat us Jews as fat sheep to fleece, which suits his character better."

"But Your Highness, you're different. Your good relationship with Jobs proves that you don't dislike Jews. So we can trust you with these mining resources. And I believe you're not an ordinary person. In the future, you will surely become a figure like Napoleon. So working with you now, becoming your friend, undoubtedly exchanges the smallest investment for the greatest return."

After hearing Otto's words, even Roland couldn't help but admire Otto's shrewdness. He had guessed too accurately about himself. And Roland had no reason to refuse. Moreover, who wouldn't be tempted when someone gave you tens of millions of francs for free?

So Roland asked, "As far as I know, the Rothschilds are a large family with many members. Can you tell me if this is your decision alone or the decision of your entire family?"

Otto said seriously, "We have obtained the consensus of most Jews in France. They have indicated that if Your Highness agrees to our conditions, we will make our greatest effort to help you."

Upon hearing this, Roland became interested. Knowing the current situation of the Jews was not very good, he asked, "I want to know specifically what you mean by the greatest help?"

"Money, that's all we can offer." Otto smiled bitterly and said.

Otto's response was within Roland's expectations. After all, the Rothschild family's reputation was synonymous with wealth. But it was fine this way; let them offer money, rather than suggesting they help organize an army. That would keep Roland up at night.

"Could you be more specific about how much help you can provide me?" Roland asked.

"After discussing it, if you agree to our terms, from the day the agreement is reached, we will not only give you France's domestic mineral resources, but also provide you with ten million francs in annual assistance," Otto laid out their conditions.

Roland thought for a moment. Ten million was a substantial amount in this era, but compared to the goals he had to accomplish, it was somewhat inadequate. However, he didn't immediately demand an increase in aid; instead, he asked, "So, what do you want in return?"

Otto replied, "As you know, for centuries, we have been treated unfairly. We don't want any special treatment; we just hope that the Empire will treat us like ordinary citizens. We hope to gain citizenship, to join the French nationality, and for our shops not to be subjected to heavy taxes."

Hearing Otto's words, Roland couldn't help but admire the resilience of this people. Despite centuries of oppression, they had endured and remained the wealthiest. But while sympathetic, Roland could also recognize his limitations. Discrimination against Jews was a European tradition that would be difficult to change single-handedly. Otto seemed to place too much importance on him.

"Mr. Otto, although your requests are not unreasonable, as you know, discrimination against Jews has been a tradition in Europe for centuries. It would be difficult to change this situation, and it's beyond my power alone," Roland shrugged.

"But I do have a way to alleviate your current situation," Roland continued.

"Oh? Please, tell me more!" Otto became interested upon hearing Roland's words, curious about what solution could alleviate their situation.

"I may be insignificant, unable to help you directly, but don't forget, there are many influential people in France. We may not be able to do it ourselves, but as long as we entrust the matter to them, it can be done," Roland explained.

"Who?" Otto inquired.

"The Emperor of France: Napoleon!" Roland declared.

"The Emperor? I don't understand," Otto hesitated.

"To be frank with you, our Emperor is currently troubled by a lack of funds! If you were to bring a large sum of money to him, I believe he would open his doors to you," Roland smiled.

As the saying goes, even heroes are stumped by a lack of money, and this theorem applied to Emperor Napoleon as well. According to Roland's knowledge, Napoleon had been scratching his head lately due to financial difficulties.