Chapter 42: The Birth of the Bank (Part One)

Once again, the Crow accompanied Representative Kidd and Mr. Spielberg to meet with Philipki. The beautiful Princess Helen was delicately eating grapes as translucent as crystal, the taste of land-grown fruit offering her a distinctly different pleasure compared to the bounty of the sea.

“So, have you come up with any solutions?” Philipki’s gaze burned intensely at the three men, finally fixing on the elderly Spielberg.

The Crow said nothing. After returning yesterday, he had simply relayed Philipki’s words to Spielberg but, following Warren Hight’s instructions before their arrival, there were certain details not to be shared with Representative Kidd.

“I think we could build a dedicated warehouse for you and the Feixi people,” Kidd tentatively suggested, rubbing his hands nervously.

“No,” Helen immediately vetoed the proposal before Philipki could respond. “Do you expect me to trek all the way to a warehouse just to eat grapes? And how long would they last? If they spoil, they won’t taste good.”

Philipki affectionately stroked his sister’s head, but when he turned back to the others, his expression was stern. “You heard her. We will not accept that proposal.”

“Or perhaps you would like to hear my idea?” Spielberg smiled gently.

“Of course. If any of you can find a solution, I will honor my promise—not only will I withdraw my troops and return the city, but I will also agree to trade and any other interesting ideas you propose,” Philipki said with a hint of meaning.

“I have thought of a plan. We will establish an institution specifically serving the Feixi people,” Spielberg said.

“What’s the difference from the warehouse just mentioned?” Philipki’s interest waned immediately, and he yawned wearily.

“It is quite different,” Spielberg said calmly. “Because this institution is designed to store currency exclusively—only the money belonging to you and the Feixi people will be kept and managed.”

“Oh?” Philipki’s interest was piqued. “Do explain.”

“Your Highness, your concerns are twofold. First, if you simply barter goods—exchanging land specialties for sea delicacies—the Feixi goods are hard to preserve and easily spoil. So, I propose exchanging currency instead. With money in hand, you and the princess can buy whatever you wish on land, and it will always be fresh. You could even hire people to craft things especially for you or to attend to your needs.”

Philipki nodded slightly. “Not bad, but it still doesn’t resolve my dilemma. We cannot carry large amounts of metal currency, and how would we determine the exchange rate?”

Spielberg smiled. “That brings us to your second concern. Even after converting to currency, you still couldn’t carry it all. Hence the institution I mentioned earlier. We can establish it specifically to serve you and the Feixi people. All money from your trade with the land will be deposited there. You need only keep a special token, which we will divide into two halves. Whenever you or Princess Helen cannot come in person, whoever holds the token can withdraw within a certain limit on your behalf. For convenience, we can even open multiple accounts under different names, storing the Feixi people’s money separately. Using special magical crystals fashioned into crystal cards bearing designated marks, other Feixi people can freely withdraw portions from these accounts.”

Philipki suddenly stood up, pacing back and forth before stopping and patting Spielberg on the shoulder. He glanced at the Crow and said, “Old man, you’re not wrong. You really have come up with a solution.”

“Your Highness, all you need to do is remember how much money was under your name when you last left, add the current income, subtract expenditures, and keep track of the balance. We will handle everything else, meticulously recording every transaction, so you can check your account at any time,” Spielberg said respectfully.

“I think this is a fine idea,” Philipki told Representative Kidd. “What do you think?”

Kidd looked deeply at Spielberg, evidently surprised by the old man’s ingenuity. “I think it’s good as well.”

Philipki sat down contentedly. “Then there remains only one problem. If this institution is established by the old man alone, I certainly cannot trust it entirely. Mr. Kidd, do you have any suggestions?”

“You mean...?” Kidd hesitated.

“Unless this institution is founded under your country’s name,” Philipki said deliberately. “If anyone dares to embezzle my money, I will hold your entire nation accountable.”

Kidd opened his mouth, a cold sweat breaking out. “Your Highness, that would never happen.”

“Of course, that would be best. I am pleased with his proposal,” Philipki said.

“But I have a concern,” Kidd said with a wry smile. “If this institution is created privately, it could easily pass through parliament since the treasury wouldn’t spend a penny. But if it requires state backing, government employees must supervise it. Establishing such an institution solely for Your Highness would need only a few staff, essentially a private ledger. However, as more Feixi people join, it will grow larger, requiring more employees, higher wages, and a dedicated administrative system for daily operation and maintenance—costs that must be covered. If these come from the treasury, it will be difficult to gain parliamentary approval.”

“Then you’re unwilling to agree?” Philipki said angrily, while Princess Helen looked at Kidd in confusion.

The Crow inwardly feared disaster, but fortunately Mr. Spielberg spoke again. “Don’t worry. I believe this problem is solvable.”

“We can proceed like this: the institution will be established under the nation of Landia’s name, but I am willing to contribute part of the funding myself. Naturally, in return for my investment, I must receive the corresponding rights. The institution will hold the Feixi people’s money, but these funds will not increase simply by being stored there. I have a good idea that will not only allow the money to generate profit—bringing additional income to the Feixi people and Your Highness—but also cover the construction and maintenance costs I just mentioned. It may even benefit both myself and Landia.”

“Please, do tell,” everyone except Spielberg urged in unison. The Crow also looked at the old man with curiosity, eager to hear what clever solution he might propose.