Chapter 194 - Chapter 194: Lilia's Decision
The payment to Granville Construction arrived sooner than expected, but aside from that, the schedule proceeded exactly as originally planned.
It was time to cross-check the investigation results between Granville Construction and Cavendish Construction.
In the usual room of the Economic Revolution Club, the club members and Natalia gathered to report the investigation results from their respective teams to one another.
Isabella and Michael's team traced back into the past to confirm Granville Construction's management status, verifying that payments from Cavendish Construction had been delayed recently, and that other work partners were similarly experiencing delays.
They added that there had been no instances of making enemies through their work.
On the other hand, regarding Cavendish Construction investigated by Arthur and the others, while it was known to be a publicly listed company, it was clear that its management status was not good.
This was because the Marquess Cavendish, a major shareholder, was converting the company's funds into his own personal assets, resulting in significantly low retained earnings.
In the construction industry where post-payment was the custom, this was a considerable problem.
Furthermore, being a publicly listed company, the Marquess Cavendish was not the only shareholder. The Marquess's shareholding was approximately 35%, merely slightly exceeding one-third, while the rest was sold to and owned by general shareholders.
Therefore, if he were to make such reckless asset conversions, the Marquess, who was also the president, should have been dismissed, but due to his status as a Marquess and his strong influence over public works, he had managed to survive the shareholders' meetings.
"The capital adequacy ratio is around 15%. If anything happens, it's a level that will lead to an immediate management crisis."
Arthur added that.
The capital adequacy ratio is the ratio obtained by dividing total assets by equity capital, meaning capital with no repayment obligation. Total assets include debt as well.
Hearing that, Michael's face turned grim.
"Do you intend to cause that 'anything'?"
"Yes."
Arthur affirmed without hesitation.
"If it were just the delayed payment to Granville Construction, I wouldn't have intended to make a big deal of it, but the Marquess Cavendish is exploiting public works. A Marquess, a subject of His Majesty, embezzling the nation's funds is something I cannot overlook."
The one most surprised by this talk was Natalia.
"Such a thing... confronting His Excellency the Marquess over my family's affairs..."
To her like that, Arthur directed a gentle smile.
"This is not for your sake. We are also subjects of His Majesty, simply doing what we must do."
At this moment, Isabella and Elizabeth showed their determination. Michael resigned himself to the inevitability, and Lilia showed confusion.
"Such a thing, we are students, after all. If we are to clash with a great noble, we must first confirm our family's intentions..."
"I have already obtained my father's permission."
Arthur conveyed that he had obtained Steve's permission, and Isabella
"Well, that would be the case."
said with a bright smile.
This was the joy of being able to proceed without any worries about the future.
However, even hearing that, Lilia still felt uneasy. If the other party learned that she was confronting the Marquess Cavendish here, it would cause trouble for her real family.
The Hess Remington Margrave, the leader of the Southern Faction, also has noble relatives in the Royal Capital. They are not part of the Southern Faction. Naturally, they have connections with the Marquess Cavendish, and if investigated, there might be families they are on good terms with.
Arthur, noticing her, showed consideration for Lilia.
"Lilia-hime does not have to participate if it is too much for her. Our family circumstances are different from yours."
But at that consideration, Lilia felt a sting. She felt she was being told she was immature.
So, in a rush of emotion, she blurted out.
"My family matters can be handled however they may. I will see this through to the end!"
She said.
"Good. Then I am looking forward to it. With this, a scenario to crush the Marquess Cavendish has been completed. Lilia-hime will be the key person, so please take care of it."
Arthur immediately completed the attack scenario against the Marquess Cavendish upon Lilia's participation.
Or rather, he had been considering a scenario assuming Lilia's participation, but since her participation was uncertain, he had also considered other options. However, those were weaker than the plan when Lilia participated.
By Lilia saying she would participate, the best course of action became possible.
Called the key person, Lilia's expression hardened, but it was too late to say she would quit now, so she offered a forced smile to Natalia, who was looking at her with expectant eyes.