Chapter 58: The Golden Illusion

A week later, within the elegant living room of the Dumpty family’s private residence, Camilla found herself surrounded by a gathering of young noble scions.

Nearby, the Dumpty family’s servants diligently finalized the accounts, meticulously calculating the investors’ returns, all under the watchful eye of Baron Charles Ponzi.

“Is it truly possible to double one’s money in mere days?” a young noble exclaimed, his gaze fixed on the bank draft clutched in his hand. “This is absolutely astonishing!”

Not long ago, at Camilla Dumpty’s persistent urging, they had joined an investment club spearheaded by Baron Ponzi from Reedspear Province.

Today marked their first settlement day, and they had received their initial dividend—a sum that incredibly exceeded their original principal.

“Weren’t you just moments ago questioning whether this was all a scam?” another young man teased.

“Nonsense! Don’t speak such rubbish!” The first noble boy nervously glanced at Charles, who was standing not far away.

Charles had clearly overheard their conversation, but he merely turned, offering a gentle smile. “Haha, it’s indeed impossible for ordinary investments to yield such profits, so a little doubt is perfectly understandable.”

“Only large-scale investments like this, pooling vast sums of capital, can truly sway the entire market and claim the biggest slice of the pie.”

“This is all thanks to the opportunity you’ve given us, Baron Ponzi! To you!” Someone suddenly raised a glass.

“And it’s thanks to Miss Dumpty that I’ve had the chance to meet all of you,” Charles Ponzi remarked, gracefully bowing behind Camilla’s seat.

Through his artful diplomacy, he swiftly integrated into Maplewood City’s circle of young nobles, mingling effortlessly with these future heirs.

He had deliberately refrained from mentioning his connection to the Liddell family. Instead, he relied on Camilla’s introductions, leading almost everyone present to assume he was a close acquaintance of the Dumpty family.

Camilla, for her part, was more than pleased with this arrangement.

When Viscount Dumpty passed away, many had presumed the Dumpty family would decline, having lost their influence. Attitudes towards Camilla had grown noticeably colder, a clear sign of the adage, ‘the tea grows cold when the person leaves.’

Yet now, Camilla felt she had reclaimed her former standing—perhaps even ascended to a position grander than before.

This resurgence was entirely due to the investment club’s extraordinary returns, which endeared Baron Ponzi to these young individuals and elevated Camilla’s status within her social circle.

She had made two consecutive investments, and with the commission she earned from other investors she had recruited as a branch manager, she had netted a small profit.

However, it was merely a ‘small’ profit. She had only tested the waters with a little over ten gold coins, and the other investors she’d brought in were even less significant.

After all, these scions had not yet inherited their family fortunes; they were merely playing around with their pocket money.

‘Had I known it would be this profitable, I would have invested all my substantial assets directly,’ Camilla thought, a hint of regret in her heart. ‘At this rate of return, a few more dividends, and the Dumpty family could rival the wealthiest in Maplewood City.’

With money, the glorious future Baron Ponzi had envisioned for her no longer seemed distant. By having someone acquire land and establish a manor estate, the once titular Viscount Dumpty could become a true lord!

At this moment, Charles continued to converse eloquently with the group. “In matters of investment, the more capital one possesses, the greater their influence. It’s much like business: expensive goods offer larger profit margins. How many coppers do small-time artisans earn from selling a single item?”

“Only by consolidating funds, by leveraging them to move the entire market, can one truly become a master of that market.”

All the young nobles nodded in agreement. Baron Ponzi and Camilla had granted these provincial aristocrats an opportunity to partake in investment projects typically reserved for the empire’s elite.

This instilled in them the illusion that they were already on the cusp of joining the highest echelons of society.

“Miss Dumpty, might I ask your servants to withdraw?” Charles suddenly turned to Camilla. “I have something to announce, a significant piece of news reserved exclusively for club members.”

Camilla nodded, promptly dismissing all the household staff.

“Now, what I am about to disclose, I trust you will all guard closely and, under no circumstances, reveal,” Charles cleared his throat. “Recently, Duke Faberlio initiated a major mining project within his territory, requiring the establishment of an entirely new, large-scale mining district—essentially, a temporary town.”

“This demands a substantial capital infusion, so much so that even the Duke himself couldn’t immediately provide all the liquid funds. Thus, he specifically sought my counsel.”

“After dispatching a specialist to briefly assess the mining area, I conferred with Duke Faberlio. The Duke has agreed to repay me five times the invested capital once the mine commences operations!”

“Five times?” A collective gasp rippled through the young nobles, Camilla included.

“Could the Duke have struck a gold mine?!” one noble boy exclaimed.

“Shh, lower your voice!” Charles’s expression abruptly turned serious. “I won’t elaborate further. I can only say that those who understand, understand. Keep it to yourselves.”

The young nobles exchanged glances, then silently nodded, their eyes gleaming with a mix of shock and fervent desire.

“Duke Faberlio wishes to keep this project confidential from other powerful figures, as their involvement could prove quite troublesome for him. Therefore, I cannot openly announce this investment project at the club headquarters in the capital.”

“I can only discuss it with you all, as I trust only those introduced by Miss Dumpty.” Charles surveyed the group. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; there won’t be another.”

Camilla involuntarily swallowed. While a five-fold return was astounding, the project’s potential benefits were even more incredible: this was a secret initiative by Duke Faberlio.

If they could become lead investors, they would become partners with the Duke, forging a connection with this formidable imperial magnate!

“So, how much money do you intend to raise?” Camilla asked, her voice as composed as she could manage.

“In truth, the Duke himself bears the brunt of the costs. I merely need to raise an additional thirty thousand gold coins,” Charles replied with a smile.

‘Merely’ thirty thousand gold? Everyone present was stunned by the daunting sum. Yet, Charles had uttered it so casually that they dared not show too much surprise, lest they appear unsophisticated.

“If possible, I would very much like to monopolize this project myself, and I could certainly raise the funds. However, doing so would leave me quite short on cash, as I have other projects requiring investment.”

“Moreover, I hope to invest alongside all of you. After all, we are friends, and developing our networks is crucial for doing business. Invest what you can, and I will cover any shortfall,” Charles stated with an earnest expression.

Upon hearing this, Camilla was utterly convinced.

“Rest assured, I will provide my utmost support,” Camilla declared, being the first to respond.

This was a golden opportunity to stake all the Dumpty family’s assets and reclaim their former glory in one fell swoop!

Seeing someone take the lead, the others also offered their affirmative replies.

After the profits from the previous investment round, combined with Baron Ponzi’s masterful persuasive rhetoric, no one present doubted the veracity of this investment project.

Only a fool would pass up an investment with a five-fold return; it would be utterly idiotic to forgo such profits!

Charles revealed a satisfied smile. “Ah! It is truly my honor, Charles Ponzi, to have made your acquaintance! How about this: we’ll adhere to the club’s rules. Funds will be managed by Miss Dumpty, each of you will sign a written agreement, and then Miss Dumpty will liaise with me. How does that sound?”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Charles chatted with the group for a few more moments, then consulted his pocket watch. “Time is pressing; I have another investor’s guild meeting to attend. Please excuse me.”

Amidst their farewells, Charles departed the Dumpty residence, leaving Camilla and the others in the living room, still excitedly discussing the fictitious investment project.

He entered the carriage that had been waiting outside since early morning and headed directly to the Liddell family’s manor.