Chapter 467 - Teatime? Ⅲ (1/2)
With their conversation over, the two of them remained silent for the remaining lapse of time until Georgine returned. Seeing the two of them sitting across from each other, she nods her head and takes a seat between the two of them. ”Well, have the two of you finished discussing all your matters?” Georgine sharply asked.
Rowan sniffs and says, ”Yes, Aunt Georgine. That being said, on Avery's behalf, I wish to request that you accept the position of Godmother to his newborn son.”
Georgine snorted as if annoyed, before pouring herself a cup of tea. Leaning back in her seat, she elegantly sips at her tea, before coolly saying, ”Suppose I consider this, Avery, what will the Prince's have to gain?”
Evan nods his head in plain understanding and swiftly answers, ”My father, a pureblood has yet to officially change sides and remains steadfast neutral. With the position of Godmother filled by a Prince, the Avery family and all its branches will side with the Prince family. Not only will this solidify the Prince's inner power but cement the Prince's position within pureblood society.”
”But the Prince's do not have any need of the Avery family.”
”True, but the Prince's have only recently become active in pureblood society once again. There are many voices of complaint that the Prince's do not socially abide with us. Such a show of unity would silence the opposing voices.”
Georgine narrows her eyes at the young fifteen-year-old widower's words. Evan Avery was not considered a child anymore, and nor were his words of one. No, this showed the promise of an excellent politician or the proper head of any pureblood family. It was most vexing, to say the least. They tended to be the most troublesome of buggers to deal with.
Not quite relenting yet, Georgine with a hint of mockery in her tone of voice says, ”That is exactly why we have an alliance with the Malfoy family. I am not the least bit sorry to say, Avery, but I do not see any other added benefits to Avery's proposal.”
Not one to take things sitting down, Evan flashes Georgine a white glistening smile. ”Well, there is one more thing,” Evan slowly said, ”and it is something that the Prince family have always wanted.”
Georgine's eyes narrow, while Rowan's eyes widen in shock at the statement. Just what was it that the Prince family desired? Whatever it was, it had caused Aunt Georgine's expression to change.
Leaning back, Georgine flashes a cold, frigid smile. ”The sharing of the shipping routes of the Avery family would be a most tempting offer, yes, but we already own several shares in other successful endeavors. And nor do we seek to invest any further in the shipping industry than we already have.”
”The Avery family is well aware of that,” Evan replied without having lost his glittering expression. ”However, what the Prince family lacks most is not power, but footholds on other continents. The Avery family is willing to share and make any necessary introductions to create these valuable trading channels.”
Georgine hides her delight at Avery's words as that is precisely at what she was aiming for. But she was a Prince, and she would not be captured quite so easily. No, it was all or nothing, and negotiate she would.
Georgine laughs as if in jest, before taking another sip of her tea. ”That is certainly a valuable and priceless offer, Avery. However, the Prince's do not own any trading enterprises and nor are we seeking to open such a risky venture at this time.”
”We are aware of that,” Evan confessed, but still did not give up. ”That is why we will offer a tenth of our existing shares with Kain Shafiq. And introductions will be made at that time as Kain Shafiq has accepted the role of godfather to my son.” (And the role had only been given to him when the uncle of Marceline had declined the position arguing that it should go to someone with more power. And Evan had, had no choice but to accept the said decision.)
The name Kain Shafiq caused Georgine to startle for a variety of reasons as said opportunity represented an untold treasure trove of wealth and information. Kain Shafiq owned the most valuable wizarding shipping enterprise but was notorious for almost never taking partners nor sharing shares of his trade. Even the Prince family had been unable to negotiate a joining, nor much less purchase any shares. Even if the offer of the Avery's was only a tenth of their shares it was enough to get the Prince's inside the door. And after that anything would be possible with enough time.
However, Rowan grew rather pale, and still at the name of Kain Shafiq. It was one of the names on her list, but more importantly, it worried her. What if it was Kain Shafiq? And if so, wouldn't they be walking into the lion's den?
Rowan is pulled out of her thoughts by Georgine saying, ”Very well, I shall agree, however, there will is a need for a formal godparent arrangement via contract.”
”Of course,” Evan replied, and without any hesitation removed two already prepared goblin contracts. ”Please view the contracts and ensure that they are to your satisfaction, Madam Prince.”