Chapter 30 : Mansion

The intention of Butler Hunter was clear: the vineyard estate, after all, cost only about £100,000 a year to maintain. For Arthur, whose net worth already amounted to hundreds of millions, it was a mere drop in the ocean. Although the red wine produced by the winery had failed to conquer the European market in recent years, it managed to stay afloat thanks to its presence in Australia. However, the future of the region was uncertain. Europe was engulfed in growing political instability, and any spark could ignite a war among its nations. If European vineyards suffered a drop in production due to conflict or an unexpected crisis, it would be the perfect opportunity for Arthur's winery to take control of the market.

In the worst-case scenario, the winery could redirect its production to Southeast Asia and East Asia, where the rising demand for Western products guaranteed profitability. Europe remained the world's most coveted jewel, and Western-origin products were highly valued in other regions. For European aristocracy, wine was a status symbol, a tradition that no conflict could erase.

"Yes," Arthur nodded, reflecting on Butler Hunter's words.

"Your Highness, our winery includes a plaza, an exhibition hall, a main cellar, a vineyard, a storage area, and an underground cellar. The maximum annual production could exceed 4,400 tons. Based on the capacity of the barrels, we can produce over 39,000 barrels of wine per year. If we choose to bottle it, we could produce more than six million bottles," explained Butler Hunter with a calculated smile.

In the UK, barrels were a common container for wine. Even low-end wines sold for several pounds per barrel, while the more exclusive ones exceeded ten pounds. Even if Arthur's winery sold each barrel for just five pounds, it could easily break even. Bottling it would generate an even greater profit margin: bottled wines, labeled as high-end, sold at higher prices, doubling or tripling the value of the same volume of wine in barrels.

Currently, the winery's capacity was enough to supply Australia's consumption. As long as the country's per capita income continued to grow, the winery could store large quantities of wine while waiting for more lucrative opportunities.

"Uncle Hunter, when will we get to drink the wine?" Patricia asked impatiently.

The butler looked at Patricia and Margaret, who were eagerly awaiting his response, and said with a smile:

"The grapes won't ripen until August, and considering the time needed for production, I'm afraid the young Princes will have to wait until late September to taste the first wine from our winery."

Butler Hunter's words were not well received. Patricia and Margaret frowned with obvious disappointment.

"Well, isn't there still plenty of wine brought from England? That should be enough until October," said Princess Luisa with an indulgent smile, looking tenderly at her daughters.

In truth, Patricia and Margaret weren't particularly interested in the new wine; they were simply curious about the winery. The wines Arthur had brought from the UK were of the highest quality, produced at the Duke Arthur's winery, totaling a thousand bottles. And since the royal family consisted only of Arthur, Princess Luisa, and her two sisters, their consumption was minimal. Despite several months of use, over nine hundred bottles remained in reserve.

"Oh!" exclaimed Margaret and Patricia, hiding behind Arthur as their mother began to gently scold them.

"Let's go visit the winery," Arthur suggested with a smile, rescuing his sisters from the situation.

With renewed enthusiasm, Patricia and Margaret ran to join their mother and began to explore the estate.

The winery's surroundings were ideal. Built on a mountain overlooking a river, it was sheltered by a hill that provided abundant sunlight, perfect for growing grapes. The crystal-clear river running through the estate offered a natural source of freshness, with schools of fish swimming in its waters.

"Your Highness, I've built a small mansion on the estate, near the planting area with the stream in front. Now that it's summer, the government building can be stifling. In my opinion, you could stay there temporarily, and the young Princes will have a place to entertain themselves," suggested Butler Hunter.

When choosing the land for the winery, Hunter had meticulously considered the environment. Located in a basin protected by mountains and with access to water, the estate was a privileged spot both for wine production and for the royal family's leisure.

"Is the mansion finished?" Arthur asked, intrigued.

"Of course, Your Highness," affirmed Butler Hunter. "All that's left is to move the furniture, and you can settle in whenever you wish."

"Let's take a look," Arthur said with interest.

In European monarchies, it was common for royal families to own private properties for personal use. Queen Victoria, for example, had countless residences, from Balmoral Castle to Buckingham Palace. In comparison, the Australian royal family only had the State Government Building, a modest structure ill-suited for a family of their stature.

Thus, as the royal butler, Hunter had ensured that Arthur had a residence worthy of his status. The small mansion on the estate was not only a summer retreat but also a symbol of the growing influence and wealth of the royal family in Australia. With its spacious rooms, well-kept gardens, and views of the river, the mansion was a perfect place for Arthur and his family to enjoy moments of tranquility away from the pressures of government.

As they walked toward the mansion, Arthur couldn't help but think about the future. The instability in Europe was a threat, but also an opportunity. If war broke out, as many feared, the winery could become a crucial source of income and power. Moreover, the mansion could serve as a strategic location to host allies and plan political moves. Arthur knew that, in times of war, wealth and influence were weapons as powerful as armies.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Arthur was impressed by its design and location. From the terrace, he could see the entire vineyard and the river winding in the distance. It was a place that inspired both grandeur and peace.

"Uncle Hunter, you've done an exceptional job," Arthur said, looking at the butler with approval.

"Thank you, Your Highness. My only wish is to serve the royal family to the best of my ability," Hunter replied with a bow.

Arthur smiled. He knew he could trust Hunter to manage the estate and winery affairs. With such a capable and loyal butler, the future of the royal family in Australia seemed brighter than ever.

. . .

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