"Minister, I have a question," Audrey said, closing her eyes and crossing her arms. "Is this matter entirely orchestrated by Gringotts?"
Fudge didn't get annoyed at her change in attitude. After all, being threatened into doing something against your will, it was only natural to vent a little. Audrey's composure far exceeded his expectations.
"Yes, Audrey. Gringotts is very eager to cooperate with you."
Audrey opened her eyes and looked at this man who seemed more like a businessman than a government official. She couldn't help rolling her eyes.
Just moments ago, she had read Fudge's mind: the elves had bribed him with a thousand Galleons as an advance to persuade him to visit her.
Hah, the "leader" of British wizards, driven by money from elves—the very beings wizards looked down upon! Audrey even suspected that Dumbledore's claims about the Ministry valuing ancient magic might have been manipulated by Gringotts from the start.
"I understand, Minister," Audrey waved her hand, and the teacups and teapot on the table vanished as if they had never been there. "I agree."
Fudge was overjoyed—if he could get Audrey's agreement, the elves at Gringotts would pay him another two thousand Galleons.
But Audrey added a condition that made Fudge's face change momentarily, only to relax once she continued:
"I'm very busy this semester. You know, I still have my OWLs. Could the excavation be scheduled for summer?"
"Of course! Of course!" Fudge beamed. "I'll pass your request to Gringotts. This is indeed a lucrative business—they're offering you a substantial deal, aren't they?"
After seeing Fudge off, Audrey snorted, turned back to the living room, and called Mr. Waterman.
"Mr. Waterman?"
"I have a task for you."
"Convert all my deposits into gold."
"Yes. All of it."
"Make it fast!"
…
…
On the morning of January 9, Audrey arrived at Gringotts in Diagon Alley.
Pucchi greeted her enthusiastically.
"Miss Astley, are you here to deposit again? I hear you're the wealthiest young witch in Britain!"
"Pucchi," Audrey's voice was icy, making him flinch. "Did you tell others about my vault?"
This was a grave violation—Gringotts should never reveal a client's vault details. But now that even Fudge knew about her hundred thousand Galleons, the only one who had accessed her vault must be the culprit.
"I-I can explain, Miss Astley," Pucchi stammered, sweat pouring down his face. If he didn't clarify, he risked losing her as a client—or worse, being fed to the dragon in the underground vault!
"I-I was threatened," Pucchi said. "One of the elders of our council forced me—I couldn't refuse."
"Enough. I don't want to hear that disgusting nonsense, but I don't want it happening again," Audrey waved him off. Pucchi instantly felt relieved, bowing deeply.
"Pucchi, I have a major business for Gringotts today. A very large one."
"Yes, yes," Pucchi bowed even lower. "What business, Miss Astley? I will serve you wholeheartedly!"
"You?" Audrey shook her head. "You're not qualified."
She opened her small bag and poured its contents onto the floor.
Clang, clang…
Golden bars gleamed in the light, making everyone in Gringotts—elves and clients alike—look over in astonishment.
This wasn't the usual coins mixed with a bit of gold. These were real gold bars! Though occupying less than a cubic meter, their weight was at least ten tons—half of Gringotts' gold reserves!
"Pucchi, can you authorize this?"
"I-I'll notify the council immediately. Please wait, Miss Astley!"
Elves hurried to stack the bars on flat carts. Greedy though they were, they still maintained the professional line—no copper Knuts would be embezzled.
Audrey was led to Gringotts' executive meeting room, where she met elders who had traveled from all over Europe. Her gold sat in the center, and their greed was palpable—even without Legilimency, Audrey could feel it.
"Miss Astley," said the British Gringotts elder Morristo respectfully, "your wealth is impressive. On behalf of the other elders, I formally ask: what business do you intend to conduct?"
"After all, depositing gold is simple; any ordinary banker can do that."
Audrey replied calmly, "I want a loan."
Her words caused a stir among the elders. They whispered and gestured to one another, calculating. A global tour by Audrey could earn two billion dollars a year. Over thirty years, that's sixty billion! Enough to buy two Gringotts banks!
Audrey, using Legilimency, read all their thoughts. Hmph—running a nonstop world tour? These old elves were dreaming! Now, all she had to do was push them further, and they'd fall into her trap.
After listening to the other elders, Morristo asked, "Miss Astley, how much do you intend to borrow, and in what Muggle currency?"
"Couban currency, newly issued by Ukraine. The more, the better."
Morristo asked cautiously, "May I ask what you intend to do with so much Couban currency?"
"Ukraine is about to implement full privatization. I want to acquire high-quality assets in large quantities—no upper limit."
Audrey continued, "I know you may worry about repayment."
Morristo shook his head quickly. "No, we trust your earning ability."
"No need for flattery," Audrey said. "Cooperation must be based on trust and mutual benefit. I will not let you bear excessive risk. After the first loan, I will use the assets I acquire in Ukraine—including property, stocks, technology, and weapons—as collateral for the second and third loans."
"I can pay 20% annual interest, with one condition: all settlements must be in Couban currency."
The elders, with their century-long experience, exchanged glances and murmured.
Morristo said, "This seems like a promising collaboration. But if we settle only in Couban, we cannot guarantee its stability. If it devalues drastically, we could lose everything!"
Audrey had anticipated this. In fact, Couban would eventually devalue by roughly a thousand times.
"Your concern is valid. However," she said confidently, "I don't believe Couban will devalue. Ukraine has inherited substantial Soviet assets, has fertile land, and geographical advantages. As long as the leadership isn't foolish, the economy won't collapse."
The elders nodded, though the sums involved were immense.
"Additionally," Audrey continued, "the U.S. will inevitably increase investment and aid to Ukraine. This is to contain Russia and, like me, acquire prime assets."
"So why take such risks?" Morristo asked.
Audrey smiled. "Events like the Soviet collapse occur once in centuries. Opportunities to buy assets cheaply won't wait—why not take the risk to get them first?"
Half an hour later, the elders reached consensus.
"Miss Astley, we agree to cooperate. But 20% interest is too low. We demand 50%, and the loan must be held for three years before principal repayment."
Greedy elves!
"Fine, agreed. May our cooperation be fruitful!"
"Agreed!"
If Audrey borrowed 100 billion Couban, she would pay back 250 billion over three years. With a thousandfold devaluation, the actual cost would be merely one-thousandth. Even a 100% annual interest wouldn't matter. By summer, Gringotts would be begging her to end the deal.
Her goal? Force herself to excavate the ruins—but first, she'd dig out the roots of Gringotts itself. As for acquiring assets… that was just a side plan.