Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 188: Chapter 145: Treasure Hunting Cooperation (Part 2)

Since it can’t be determined, it’s naturally better to acquire the Temple Treasure as soon as possible. This valuable treasure, whether left to the British or future Indians, is not advantageous to Spain and Carlo.

Now is considered a good opportunity, the market fluctuations before the economic crisis erupts will surely attract the attention of the British Government, and this is also the most suitable time to go to India to excavate the treasure.

By the time the British refocus their attention on India, it will not be easy to dispatch personnel for large-scale operations.

After careful consideration, Carlo finally decided to collaborate with Prime Minister Prim, leveraging the power of the Spanish Government to acquire this batch of treasure.

Of course, when cooperating with the Spanish Government, a portion of the treasure will certainly be allocated to them. If Prime Minister Prim is more assertive, the Spanish Government may take the larger share, and Carlo could only get a smaller portion.

But this is something that can’t be helped, as the power of the Royal Family is too weak at this time. Although the nobles have a certain influence, the matter of the Temple Treasure is of great importance and can’t rely entirely on these old-style nobles.

There’s no need to mention the new-style nobles. Their power comes from the Royal Family, and Carlo doesn’t have the ability to hide the excavation of the treasure from the Indian Colonial Government and the British Government, let alone these new-style nobles who have no power.

Although collaborating with the Spanish Government means giving the majority to the government, the good news is that the Spanish Government indeed has sufficient power. Besides, the Temple Treasure in India is not the only one. As long as a few treasures with Gold and other valuables are obtained, the benefits Carlo ultimately receives will not be insignificant.

Moreover, for Carlo, it’s beneficial for the Spanish Government to acquire these treasures. Although Spain’s development is relatively smooth, all of this is premised on loans from the Italian Government and the Austro-Hungarian Empire Government.

Including France, which provided Spain with a loan of 500 million francs, requiring 100 million francs just for the interest repayment.

There’s a significant financial pressure on the Spanish Government, and obtaining a batch of Temple Treasure to expand Gold and financial reserves will undoubtedly alleviate a substantial part of this financial pressure, allowing for greater investment in development and achieving better results.

Since it’s decided to cooperate with the government, the next steps are straightforward.

Carlo just needs to finalize the relevant plans with Prime Minister Prim, leaving the specifics to the government, with at most some assistance from the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau.

January 15, 1873, inside the Madrid Royal Palace.

“Your Majesty, what urgent matter do you have that requires my immediate presence?” Prime Minister Prim hurried over, his eyes showing a hint of curiosity and doubt.

Since ascending the throne, Carlo had never summoned him so urgently and mysteriously. This sparked Prime Minister Prim’s curiosity, and he rushed over without much thought.

“Prime Minister Prim, my subordinates have discovered a mysterious treasure outside of Europe, which may contain a large amount of Gold and silver treasures, as well as other priceless valuables.

But as you know, the Royal Family does not have enough manpower to retrieve these treasures. Would the government be interested? If possible, I am willing to allocate thirty percent of the treasure to the government as compensation for its participation in this endeavor.” Carlo went straight to the point with his proposal.

However, regarding relatively confidential agencies like the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau, Carlo did not speak truthfully but rather summed it up with a simple mention of his subordinates.

“A priceless treasure outside of Europe?” Prime Minister Prim was a bit incredulous; this didn’t sound very reliable.

“Your Majesty, where did you hear about this information? Forgive me, but if our actions yield no results, it would be difficult to account for it to the government.” After pondering for a few minutes, Prime Minister Prim expressed his concerns.

Though Carlo is the King of Spain, the Spanish Government clearly wouldn’t act on Carlo’s mere words.

The risks involved and potential benefits are considerations for Prime Minister Prim. Unless it’s ensured that the government could gain tangible benefits, the Spanish Government wouldn’t set off on an unlikely treasure hunt outside Europe based on Carlo’s word.

“There’s nothing much to say about the source of the intelligence, but I can assure you that the intelligence is highly likely to be true. Even if it’s not, the Royal Family is willing to bear all the costs of this action.

If the intelligence is true, the specific expenses of this action will be deducted from the share obtained from the treasure. Prime Minister Prim, I hope you consider my suggestion seriously; it’s a treasure that shouldn’t be missed, an enormous wealth for both the Royal Family and the government.” Carlo had no intention of foolishly disclosing every detail about his established Royal Security Intelligence Bureau.

Though Prime Minister Prim might not be completely unaware of the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau, he surely wouldn’t have a detailed understanding of its current state.

As the King of Spain, it’s natural for Carlo to establish his own power. Unless Prime Minister Prim intended to tear apart the rapport with Carlo, he wouldn’t probe too deeply into the situation of the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau.

As expected, things unfolded just as Carlo anticipated.

Upon hearing that Carlo couldn’t disclose the source of the intelligence, Prime Minister Prim immediately connected the intelligence to the previously rumored intelligence bureau established by Carlo.

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