"Amazing!" the red-haired journalist exclaimed admiringly. "May I ask how old you are?"
"I don't hide my age. I will turn ten this summer."
"Tell our viewers what else you do," the reporter continued her questions.
"I am concerned about the problem of orphaned children. That is why I decided to take an active part in charity work. I will admit honestly—it is an extremely difficult endeavor. On my very first charitable trip, I was able to help an orphan from a disadvantaged family, and I am proud of that. But this is only the beginning. This year, Grosvenor Junior is launching a campaign to support young professionals who intend to develop innovative technologies. We plan to invest substantial capital in promising venture startups. This support will also extend to young scientists, as well as research in artificial intelligence, nanomaterials, and nanotechnology."
"Lord Grosvenor, our viewers would also be interested in your personal life. Do you attend school? Do you have any hobbies?" the reporter pressed on.
"Managing a large company takes a great deal of mental energy. Due to a lack of time, I had to transfer to homeschooling and take my exams externally. Since I am still young, I must comply with labor laws and devote no more than twenty-four hours a week to work. The rest of my time is quite tightly scheduled. I practice aerobics and fencing, I study, and I enjoy performing magic tricks."
Without hesitation, Richard demonstrated a coin trick, pulling a coin from behind the journalist's ear. Twirling it between his fingers, the boy tossed it into the air, caught it, rubbed it between his palms, blew on them, and then showed the camera his empty hands.
Interacting with the journalists exhausted Richard. He sank into the back seat of the Bentley with indescribable pleasure. But relaxation was not meant to be.
"Richie, how many times have I told you not to disgrace the Grosvenor name? What was that clownish behavior?!"
"Dad, where was the disgrace? I played it perfectly. I behaved like a model boy. I promoted my company—free of charge, no less. I helped bring a promising new material into the world."
"And why did you demonstrate magic?" Gerald asked sternly.
"What magic?" Richard widened his eyes innocently. "It was a trick! The only trick I've managed to learn. Sleight of hand and no wizardry."
"Do you even realize that you turned an ordinary event into a circus performance?!" Grosvenor Senior continued indignantly. "You could have demonstrated your graphene later, in a calm setting, without journalists."
"No, Dad, that wouldn't do. The whole world must learn about graphene. Otherwise, the news would have reached journalists only in four years at best. But this way, the entire world will hear about the material. Corporations and governments in many countries will invest large sums into its research. The sooner they do so, the further science will advance—and the sooner I'll be able to earn serious money from it. The right action at the right time can work wonders."
"And what exactly is so good about this material?"
"With it, we can create shatterproof displays for electronics, tear-proof condoms, ultra-strong composite materials usable in every industry, including aerospace. Research into graphene will give rise to nanorobots that could fundamentally change the world. A cure for cancer, genetic surgeries, life extension… All of that is not far off. Who knows—perhaps we will live to see the day when scientists learn to extend human life with nanorobots. And then we won't be limited to the years allotted by nature—we could live for several centuries longer."
"Richie, you speak sweetly, like the song of a beautiful bird. No wonder your tutors were paid handsomely. But you'll still get the belt for behavior unbecoming an aristocrat!"
"The belt is hardly pedagogical! Dad, I suggest we limit it to a ban on sweets instead."
"Well done for bargaining, but that trick won't work on me. I've been in business far longer than you. So it's settled—the belt across your butt!"
"And that's what you get for making world-changing discoveries!" Richard sighed sadly. "You give everything to the world, and in return you get a spanking…"
"The world is unfair," Gerald said, barely suppressing a laugh while maintaining a perfectly serious expression. "At least next time you'll remember the whipping and think twice about your behavior."
***
There is one drawback in a child's body—the parents believe they have the right to punish their child. And so, after the trip, Richard could hardly sit down properly the entire next day. More than his sore backside, it was his pride that had suffered. He had thought of himself as a serious businessman, but it was difficult to maintain that image while nursing the sting of a belt.
His enhanced regeneration made life considerably easier. Otherwise, he would have avoided chairs for several days and slept on his stomach.
After the execution, a certain chill settled between young Grosvenor and Gerald. Richard believed he was in the right—for he was doing everything to spur the business industry, earn from it, give a slight push to global science, and, on top of it all, secure the reputation of a young genius.But the elder Grosvenor had his own vision of how a young aristocrat ought to behave.
Gradually, the tension faded, and Friday arrived.
Richard could not appear at a dinner party empty-handed, so he set out immediately after fencing practice and lunch. By prior arrangement, Scott Potter joined him.
Richie had reasonable suspicions that Steve might not be able to see wizarding houses. Mr. Potter did not suffer from such a limitation, which increased his value severalfold. Moreover, he was the only one who knew the exact address of their destination.
(End of Chapter)
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