The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 170

Chapter 170: The Dust Settles

Joseph glanced at Viscount Clermont's expression and immediately "added fuel to the fire":
"This time, the Office of Fair Investigation and the Secret Police have over 60 people handling this case. They will likely investigate every person and matter related to it thoroughly.

"Viscount Clermont, during this process, it's inevitable that they might uncover certain things you’d rather not let others know about."

Viscount Clermont could no longer maintain his composure. In a tone bordering on pleading, he said:
"Your Highness, I swear to the Lord, I had nothing to do with that investigator’s death!

"Please, could you ensure those people don’t disrupt my already miserable exile?"

Joseph stared at him and said:
"Viscount Clermont, I want to help you, but first, we need to establish mutual trust.

"As long as you are honest with me, I can guarantee that no matter what comes up, I can ensure your safety."

Viscount Clermont trembled as he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. In his heart, he was convinced that the young Crown Prince before him was undoubtedly sent by Her Majesty the Queen, representing her will. Moreover, it was clear the Queen already had significant information about him.

Yet, he also understood that his problems were too severe. Even if he confessed, he wasn’t certain the Queen would truly spare him.

Seeing Clermont's hesitation, Joseph stood up, feigning an intention to leave:
"Since you choose not to trust me, you can deal with the Secret Police and investigators on your own. I’m heading back to Paris."

Clermont panicked, rushing forward to grab Joseph’s arm, then realizing his impropriety, he quickly withdrew his hand, bowed his head, and spoke hurriedly, his breathing uneven:
"I deeply apologize, Your Highness, truly. I did not mean to offend you...

"Uh... could you truly help me? I mean, if I’ve done wrong, could you plead with Her Majesty the Queen to forgive me?"

"That depends on your behavior." Joseph sat back down, adopting a more amicable demeanor. "As I said, the royal family places great trust in you."

As he spoke, he placed a pardon document on the table:
"You see, even before I left Versailles, Her Majesty the Queen had already decided to pardon you."

Clermont picked up the pardon document in astonishment, his eyes reddening with emotion. So, Her Majesty had been thinking of him all along. Not long after the tax reform incident, she had granted him a pardon!

He recalled the Crown Prince’s earlier remarks. Perhaps Her Majesty already knew about his misdeeds and had sent the Crown Prince to offer him a chance?

Joseph interjected at the right moment:
"Viscount Clermont, our shared enemy now is Necker. As for you, you have always been a loyal subject of His Majesty the King."

Clermont cautiously looked at the Crown Prince and muttered:
"Your Highness, if I reveal everything about Necker, what punishment would await me afterward?"

Joseph smiled faintly: "Why not start by talking about your own issues first?"

Clermont’s face turned pale, but he reasoned that even if he didn’t confess, the Queen might already know. If she didn’t, the Secret Police’s investigation would still uncover something. After much deliberation, he gritted his teeth and said:
"Your Highness, in truth, when I served as Minister of Finance... I made some money for myself..."

Seeing Joseph’s calm nod, Clermont became convinced that his deeds had already been exposed. He began speaking more fluently:
"Four years ago, the Duke of Poix and I collaborated on expanding the Royal Canal of Languedoc. Together, we..."

As Clermont detailed his illicit activities, Joseph, growing impatient, interrupted:
"Viscount Clermont, just give me a figure."

"A figure?"

"Yes, the total sum you gained from everything."

"This... roughly..." Clermont hesitated, then lowered his head and muttered, "Approximately 5 million livres."

Good heavens!

Joseph could barely hold back his reaction.
This man had served as Minister of Finance for just over four years and pocketed 5 million livres?!

No wonder he was so frightened—some smaller provinces’ annual revenue barely reached that amount. If this were brought to trial, even if he weren’t executed outright, he’d likely spend a lifetime in prison.

Unexpectedly, while targeting Necker, Joseph had uncovered such a significant "catch."

If Necker’s dealings were on par with Clermont’s, the two of them alone could replenish over 10 million livres into France’s coffers.

This was more profitable than hosting a fashion week! Joseph gritted his teeth in anger.

Suppressing his fury, he took a deep breath and said as calmly as possible:
"Since you’ve been so candid, I’ll represent the royal family and promise you this: as long as you return the money that doesn’t belong to you, these matters will be considered forgotten.

"And if you assist me against Necker, you may even receive some rewards."

"Really?" Clermont had expected at least some punishment, but to his astonishment, the Crown Prince dismissed it all. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he nearly knelt to kiss Joseph’s boots.
"Thank you, Your Highness, and thank Her Majesty the Queen! You are both so merciful! May the Lord be with you always!"

Now that his predicament was resolved, Clermont felt a surge of relief. A menacing smile crossed his face.
"Necker, you’ve been opposing me all these years, scheming behind my back! Now, I’ll drag you into hell!"

He moved a table aside, pressed a section of the floor, and a faint "click" sounded.

Then, using a chair, he retrieved a stack of documents from a hidden compartment in the ceiling.

"Your Highness, these are the incriminating evidence I gathered about Necker’s corruption when I served as Minister of Finance." Clermont respectfully handed the documents to Joseph.
"At the time, he knew some things about me, so I didn’t dare expose him. But now, please bring him to justice!"

Joseph flipped through the files, beginning with several transcribed receipts. According to the descriptions, Necker had authorized additional funds for a southern irrigation system. Ultimately, these funds ended up in the hands of a few prominent nobles, while Necker received a kickback of 350,000 livres.

Next were records of Necker taking out a loan of 3 million livres from a certain bank. This sum never entered the national treasury, but France continued paying 20% annual interest. Five years later, when Necker was dismissed, the funds were finally accounted for, and a third of the interest payments had gone into Necker’s pockets.

The third document...

Joseph read page after page, his expression growing darker until he finally slammed the documents onto the table. Turning to Clermont, he demanded:
"How much did he embezzle in total from these transactions?"

Clermont’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction:
"Your Highness, the total is 7.22 million livres."

Joseph drew in a sharp breath. This scoundrel had outdone Clermont himself!

Yet Clermont added:
"Your Highness, that’s just what I have evidence for. From what I know, his actual embezzlement is far greater, especially his dealings with banks. These were conducted so discreetly that I only detected traces."

Joseph took a deep breath: "And how much might that be?"

"Most likely over 10 million livres."

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