Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 240 This is a necessary sacrifice! (Bonus Chapter 1)

François Behring Jr. stood frozen in place like a statue, his lips trembling, but unable to utter a sound.

He seemed to have already foreseen that his meticulously planned, heavily invested, and determinedly successful "Two Children's Travelogue in France" would not only fail to bring the expected monopoly profits, but might not even recoup his costs.

The book he considered a gold mine instantly became a pile of worthless paper that no one cared about and anyone could print.

A state acquisition? A symbolic fee? That might not even cover the author, Madame Augustine Fourier's, writing fee!

François Behring finally managed to squeeze out a sound, but it was like shattered porcelain: "He... Count Rohan... how could he...?"

He's going to ruin the entire publishing industry! This is robbery!

Charles de Blanchard walked back to the table, picked up his glass, and downed it in one gulp: “No, François, in the lexicon of politics, this is not robbery—it’s called ‘necessary sacrifice.’”

François Behring Jr. was torn between despair and anger: "A necessary sacrifice? Whose is necessary? Why should my publishing house have to sacrifice?"

We've invested so much! We followed your instructions...we..."

Charles de Blasio abruptly raised his hand, stopping him from saying what he was about to say: "Watch your words, Mr. Belling. There is no 'hint,' just a coincidence of business decisions and political risks."

You've made what you believe is the right investment, so now you need to bear the potential risks it may bring.

His tone turned indifferent again: "The Earl of Rohan's proposal is in accordance with procedure, has the moral high ground, and caters to the idea of ​​some members of parliament to cut spending."

Prime Minister Ferry is currently busy dealing with the backlash from royalists and clergy in parliament, and is unlikely to refute his deputy minister on such a 'detail'.

After all, he was so 'patriotic,' and his proposal was flawless! Roon didn't seem like a traditional nobleman at all; he was more like… well, a thorough republican.

François Behring Jr. was utterly desperate: "Then... what about all the costs we've already incurred...?"

His voice was choked with sobs, almost pleading: "Charles, you can't just stand by and watch us die! You must stop this proposal!"

Charles de Blasio remained expressionless, as if looking at a naive child: "Stop? On what grounds? Say it will harm the interests of the publisher 'Behring'?"

Do you want me to make that statement in the National Assembly?

Then he lowered his voice even further: "Listen, François, if Count Rohan's proposal is ultimately passed, then it's the inevitable trend."

You, and Hachette, need to learn to accept this. This isn't just about your publishing house; it's a necessity for reform.

"But……"

"No buts!"

Charles de Blasio interrupted him, his tone resolute: "If you don't want to lose everything, find a way to recoup your costs as soon as possible before the proposal is fully passed."

Or, let's pray that Prime Minister Ferry sees the potential problems and vetoes it. But in any case—

These are necessary sacrifices. For the sake of education in the Republic, someone always has to pay the price. Unfortunately, it looks like it's your turn this time.

François Behring Jr. repeated, distraught, "A necessary sacrifice...a necessary sacrifice..."

He seemed to have all his strength drained away, staggered back two steps, and bumped into the door frame.

Charles de Blasio stopped looking at him, turned around and poured himself another glass of wine: "Good night, Mr. Belling. Remember, keep your mouth shut."

When the storm comes, bow your head and endure; you will live longer than complaining loudly.

François Behring Jr. had no idea how he left the de Blancs mansion or walked onto the deserted streets.

The wind lashed his cheeks like knives, but he felt no coldness, only a chill spreading from the deepest part of his heart.

He looked up at the gray, starless Parisian night sky, the cruel verdict echoing repeatedly in his ears:
"This is a necessary sacrifice!" ——————

The weather in Paris was still gloomy and cold, but inside the Charpentier Bookshelf publishing house, it was warm and cozy.

George Charpentier paced back and forth in his office, almost wearing a path through the expensive Persian carpet.

The fire in the fireplace blazed brightly, reflecting the excitement and joy on his face.

Georges Charpentier finally stopped, picked up the brandy on the table, and took a big gulp: "Lional, my brother, Count Rohan's proposal..."

Good heavens, I almost couldn't breathe when I heard the news! A unified acquisition of copyrights? Decentralization of printing rights?

This is going to shake up the entire publishing industry! But will this proposal actually pass?

Lionel nestled comfortably on the sofa, admiring the gray sky outside the window, as if Charpentier's words had nothing to do with him.

After a while, he spoke calmly: "Count Rohan's proposal is far-sighted and in full accord with the interests of the Republic. It will save the Ministry of Education a lot of money and also save money for school children."

Do you think Prime Minister Ferry would oppose such a 'correct and efficient' proposal? Do you think those gentlemen in parliament who are always clamoring for budget cuts wouldn't support it?

George Charpentier carefully considered Lionel's words: "You're right! Lionel, you're right!"
If the proposal passes, the copyright will belong to the Ministry of Education, and the printing rights will be delegated… This means a huge opportunity! A tremendous opportunity!

The enormous commercial potential thrilled the publisher so much that he even began planning ahead: "Yes! We must act immediately to find out the preferences of education officials in each province and to cultivate relationships in advance..."

This requires a significant investment, but it's worth it! Absolutely worth it!

He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see countless printing orders flying to his printing factory.

He patted Lionel's arm hard and generously promised, "Leon! You created this opportunity in a way!"

If Charpentier's bookshelves can truly benefit from this transformation, I assure you, you will receive your due share!
Although you don't want the royalties for the textbook, I can give you an extra 'consulting fee' or 'referral fee,' which is perfectly reasonable!
The numbers will definitely satisfy you!

However, Lionel slowly shook his head: "No, George. Thank you for your kindness, but I will not take the money."

George Charpentier was stunned. "Why? This is completely different from your donation of works! This is what you deserve!"

Without you, I wouldn't have seen the opportunities here at all..."

Lionel interrupted him: "It is precisely because I see the opportunities here that I cannot accept them."

George, you only see the huge market, but you don't see the bloody competition that's about to erupt.

George Charpentier was quite confident in his abilities: "Competition? Our 'Charpentier's Bookshelves' aren't afraid of competition!"

Lionel shook his head: "It's not the kind of competition we used to have. Think about it, once printing rights are decentralized, each province, each individual, even each school can choose its own printer."

What does this mean? It means a price war! A fierce, nationwide price war!

He began to analyze in detail: "Hachette and Behring—especially Behring, they have invested too much and will never be willing to be excluded."

They also possess a large printing scale and a more established education market channel. To win back orders, they'll drastically lower prices! They'll squeeze profits to the bare minimum!

George Charpentier gasped: "So, according to you, this isn't a good opportunity at all, but rather a quagmire?"
Why should our "Charpentier's Bookshelf" wade into this muddy water?

Leonard paused, a sly smile spreading across his face. "The 'collaboration' I really want to talk to you about, or rather, the 'new business' that can really make us both a lot of money, isn't textbook printing."

Charpentier's attention was completely captured: "A new business? Not textbook printing? What is it then?"

(End of this chapter)