"This will require the purchase of a large number of potatoes to serve as 'seed potatoes.'" Joseph caressed the pattern on the teacup and looked towards Mirabeau, "Currently, the government can only provide one million livres, while a total of five million are needed. I also don't have that much money on hand for the moment, so I was hoping to borrow some from you."
Joseph knew that after investing in the paper mill, Mirabeau might not have much money left either, but he had extensive connections and was on good terms with many of the capitalist nobility, so he could help by reaching out on his behalf.
"Oh, of course, rest assured, I can mortgage the shares of the paper workshop or 'The Angel of Paris' as collateral."
Mirabeau said, "Your Highness, you can only buy potatoes in a few provinces such as Alsace and Lorraine. Are you saying we need to procure them from places that far away?"
"That's right."
