In the afternoon, Palace of Versailles, Napoleon II's office.
The Minister of Finance, Henri Valois arrived in the office upon the announcement of Beaumont.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Valois bowed in reverence. "I hope the day is treating you well."
"I'm doing good, thank you very much," Napoleon II acknowledged his arrival and gestured for him to sit.
Valois nodded his head and took his seat on the vacant chair.
"Now, you know the drill, I need the report on the third quarter. How is our economy?"
Napoleon II's expression remained neutral.
"So you are saying that there is a potential crisis."
"If unmanaged," Valois said. "Yes."
"What is your recommendation? As Finance Minister of the Empire?" Napoleon II asked.
"New markets."
Napoleon II's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Be specific."
"Europe is finite," Valois said. "The Americas are developing, but protectionist tendencies are growing. South American instability complicates reliable demand."
He leaned forward slightly.
