Chapter 60 The “Sincerity” Of Fairies
Gallywix?
Hearing the name, Elena curiously poked her head out from behind Professor McGonagall and looked at Gallywix standing behind the old goblin. She had a pretty good impression of the goblin who first welcomed her and Dumbledore in Gringotts. At least its professionalism was closer to that of some later professional managers.
However, to be honest, apart from men, women, old and young, in Elena's opinion the differences between the goblins are not big: they all have short statures, dark faces, and long and pointed fingers, just like Pinocchio. Long nose bridge. Therefore, it was not until now that she recognized the familiar guide goblin.
"Ahem, dear British Minister of Magic and Hogwarts Board of Directors, Gringotts has always attached great importance to the friendship between goblins and human wizards."
The goblin Gallywix straightened his back, picked up a long piece of parchment, glanced at Fudge and Greengrass, then quickly glanced at Dumbledore who was slightly behind him, and read in a precise manner.
"In view of the proposals from the British Ministry of Magic and the Hogwarts Board of Directors, the Gringotts Goblin Council of Elders decided after careful discussion to make certain concessions, including waiving the handling fee of approximately 300 million gold galleons and returning Salazar Slytherin’s Castle Land Proof.”
"Sounds very tempting, so what are the conditions?"
Fudge nodded unmoved and asked in a deep voice.
Although he has always been criticized for his lack of ability, Cornelius Fudge cannot be just a good-for-nothing lucky guy to be able to serve as the Minister of Magic. He will not believe from the bottom of his heart that this group of goblins who regard wealth as their lives will make losses. of trading.
"It's just some trivial administrative convenience." Gallywix bowed respectfully and said with a smile, "Gringotts hopes to pilot a lighter, new currency in the UK to replace the heavy currency. Metal coins. You can think of each new currency as a miniature loan contract. With this contract, any wizard can go to Gringotts to exchange for the equivalent gold galleons."
"Like those in Muggle countries, those colorful little pieces of paper called pounds or dollars?"
"Yes, that's exactly it. The non-magical world has been implementing this currency system for a long time, and it has been proven that it has an extremely positive effect on promoting the trade flow of the entire society."
"But, this doesn't seem to be of any benefit to you goblins, right?"
Fudge frowned, feeling something was wrong in his gut, but he couldn't find the problem for a while.
"No, no, no, this is already the greatest enjoyment."
Gallywix shook his head with a smile and raised his slender index finger, with a serious expression on his dark face, "Dear Minister. Just like human women like shining jewelry, our goblins' only pleasure is to listen to gold. The sound of galleons clashing against each other.”
"Okay, is there anything else besides this?" Fudge raised his eyebrows with a clear look on his face. This is in line with his understanding of goblins. These cunning magical creatures always have an almost pathological obsession with gold coins.
Seeing that Fudge seemed to be loosening his tone, Gallywix's eyes flashed with a gleam, and he bent down further and said humbly, "The second thing is that Gringotts hopes to have more extensive cooperation with the wizarding world. By working together, we hope to add at least 500 human employees every year to participate in the daily operations of Gringotts Wizarding Bank."
"Oh, increase the employment quota? This really speaks to my heart. In fact, you see, there are indeed many wizards in the magical world who cannot find suitable jobs. I think your proposal sounds really great."
Fudge nodded approvingly and replied with a gentle expression.
"Yes, actually we also want to take this opportunity to deepen our friendship. Although this castle is very fascinating, we think there are some more important things that need to be done."
Gallywix's expression also became relaxed, and he smiled happily and said, "Last point, you need to understand that if you terminate the contract directly, Gringotts will lose a huge wealth of nearly 800 million gold galleons. This We have to get the principal back."
"Oh, don't you think about this? The Ministry of Magic doesn't have that much liquidity." Fudge waved his hand and said.
"The Ministry of Magic has always played a vital role in the stability of the entire magical world. However, a large number of workshops and companies often conceal their profits to evade taxes for their own benefit."
As he spoke, Gallywix pointed to himself, "And we at Gringotts can help the Ministry of Magic audit and review accounts to find those who evade taxes. All we need is the income from the additional tax revenue. A portion of the ratio will be given to Gringotts to repay the principal of this loan."
"Gentlemen, it sounds like there is absolutely no reason to refuse. With such sincerity, if anyone refuses, he must be the biggest fool in the world."
Fudge looked at the frowning Greengrass beside him, then turned to look at Dumbledore behind him, who looked thoughtful, and suddenly laughed.
"Of course, if you enjoy your cooperation, Gringotts will send the real estate certificate to your office tomorrow..."
Gallywix also laughed, rolled up the parchment in his hand, and said lightly, happily patting the shoulder of the goblin companion next to him, his eyes full of pride.
"Sorry, I refuse!"
The smile on Fudge's face suddenly disappeared, he took a deep breath and said seriously.
"Huh?" The expressions on the faces of the smiling goblins froze.
"I mean, the Ministry of Magic will not agree to any of the above requests." Cornelius Fudge repeated.
"You are joking...this joke is not funny." Gallywix said dryly, feeling that his smile must be a bit ugly.
"As you said, I am not a particularly smart and capable Minister of Magic. That is why I have never made any major mistakes in the past year or so. One of the most important principles is that I never do anything in an area that I do not understand. Make a promise. If a question makes a wizard like Dumbledore hesitate, then it is definitely not something I can decide directly."
Fudge shook his head, exchanged glances with Greengrass, straightened the front of his suit, and said in a relaxed tone.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit stiff, Greengrass smiled slightly, took a step forward, and clapped his hands gently.
"Well, gentlemen. Let's change the topic. If the Ministry of Magic and the Hogwarts Board of Directors can come up with enough gold galleons to repay the debt, can they legally take back the deed of Hogwarts Castle from you? Woolen cloth?"
"Think about it again, that's 800 million gold galleons..."
Gallywix's voice was a little sharp. He didn't understand why such an attractive offer was completely rejected.
This time, Fudge ignored him and shook his head again.
"I don't think you will just accompany the young man here to breathe the fresh air of the Scottish Highlands, right? Honorable Leos, one of the twelve elders of Gringotts."
When he said the last sentence, Fudge looked firmly at the wrinkled old goblin who had been sleeping with his eyes closed.
"Okay, Gallywix, come back. I have said before that although human wizards are insensitive to money, it does not mean that they are stupid and easily deceived."
Leos opened his eyes suddenly, and a captivating light emitted from his old and cloudy eyes, and he looked at the people in front of him.
"Let's talk about the contract itself."
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Gu~
Gu~so tired