Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet

When William heard Kelner-Bacon's remarks, he realized that a million-pound watch-type detector was indeed too extravagant and conspicuous for public officials. Even someone like Kelner, a high-ranking leader, had to think it over multiple times; surely, there were few lesser-ranking officials who dared to buy it.

Lowering the price was out of the question, as the detector was currently one of a kind worldwide. If it couldn't be a volume seller, he could at least tailor it to clients' needs; after all, with Sunday's support, the production costs wouldn't be high.

"Thank you; it seems I really should listen more to client feedback. Otherwise, I'll keep inventing things that are useful but miss their market niche."

"Haha, I'm glad it helped," Kelner said, pleased. "Perhaps you might even consider setting up a factory in France; we'd be willing to offer some preferential policies for such high-tech products."

William smiled and shook his head. "I'll consider it, but I'm honored by your invitation." He glanced at his watch again. "Sorry, Kelner, but I really have to go. See you at the chapel."

"See you soon," Kelner nodded.

After personally seeing William off, Kelner's assistant, Kevin, approached and quietly remarked, "Boss, you really don't need to lower yourself to win over William Devonshire."

This annoyed Kelner, who felt a certain helplessness at Kevin's lack of economic understanding despite his talent for PR.

He explained in a low voice, "If I don't try my best to win him over, what happens if he, who's already dissatisfied with the Bank of France, decides to short-sell its stock, which has already plummeted? That could spell real trouble, even potential bankruptcy for a bank that's been around for over a century and ranks third in France. In that case, how could I save them? Just saying a few nice words to keep him on our side is a small price to pay."

"Besides, even if I stay in this position for two terms, I'll only be 59 when I retire. Who knows what will happen in the future? And what if William does decide to invest heavily in France?"

After a moment of thought, Kevin nodded in agreement. "Alright, thinking nine years ahead, a figure with William Devonshire's potential is indeed worth befriending."

After leaving the dock, William returned to his car and drove to the White Palace.

After about seven or eight minutes and two security checks, his car was finally allowed inside the palace grounds. After parking, he noticed several guards in bright red uniforms and tall hats standing in formation.

The butler who had come to receive William noticed his interest in the guards and explained, "There will be a private ceremony at 9:30 to send off Prime Minister James. Lady Agnes from Germany will be accompanying His Majesty Philip to observe. If you're interested, you could join them."

William checked his watch. It was already 9:05. He searched his memory but couldn't recall Philip being present at the ceremony.

After a few seconds, he decided to attend to Philip first and, if possible, help Agnes on the side. "Alright, take me to see King Philip."

"Yes, sir," the butler nodded, picked up a box, and, after opening it, took out a gold-colored ID badge. "Mr. Devonshire, this is a special ID prepared just for you by His Majesty."

A gold ID badge? Curious, William took it and saw his photo on it. The ID listed his title as a special advisor to the Royal Special Operations Group, with an honorary rank of major.

"Advisor? When did I become a noble with a title, let alone a major?"

"Mr. Devonshire, this identity is just an honorary position for convenience, allowing you to accompany His Majesty today without the responsibilities of active duty," the butler said, smiling. "The Royal Special Operations Group's authority is limited to the White Palace and His Majesty Philip's presence. It exists solely to protect the royal family and does not answer to any other individuals or departments."

"But I don't recall ever agreeing to join the Special Operations Group," William replied, displeased.

"Please don't mind, sir. This is a necessary arrangement," the butler continued, smiling as usual. "This temporary title allows us to create a suitable identity and reason for you to remain by His Majesty Philip's side. After today, you can choose to retain this title or leave it without any hassle."

Hearing this, William suppressed his annoyance. "Alright, that's acceptable, but I won't promise not to take it out on Wilson."

"Feel free to do as you wish; I'm sure His Majesty and Prince Charles wouldn't mind," the old butler laughed. "Mr. Devonshire, as a close friend of your late grandfather Henry Devonshire, please remember this: regardless of how you feel about the nobility, you're one of us. Your birth decided that. If you don't wish to accept the title, you should reject it sooner rather than later. Otherwise, dragging it out will be to no one's benefit."

With that, he gestured for William to follow him.

This made William pause. He realized he had indeed been indecisive about accepting the noble title. Since he didn't want to hurt his mother, inheriting the Earl's title was already a foregone conclusion. It was time to stop wavering.

On reflection, he saw that his resistance to the noble title likely came from that deeply rooted sense of identity he held, a remnant from his heart's connection to the East. But since returning there wasn't an option, there was no need to keep hesitating. After all, he had no financial worries and no intentions to pursue power. Being a super-rich noble wasn't such a bad idea.

With this thought, he clipped the ID badge to the left breast pocket of his coat, quickened his pace, and followed the butler. To his surprise, the butler led him toward the main entrance, closer to the street.

This caught the attention of many members of the public who had gathered outside the iron fences to watch.

When some in the crowd began calling his name, William couldn't help but smile and wave back. Seeing several older people wave to him, he even patted his left chest in a respectful greeting.

This courteous gesture not only made those watching feel appreciated but also drew attention to the golden badge on his chest.

The live broadcast cameras immediately zoomed in on the badge, and the image was transmitted to screens in homes across England.

Everyone was shocked to see that William had quietly become an advisor to the royal family. The announcers in the live studio soon received details, explaining to the audience that this position was only available to high-ranking nobles whom the royal family deeply trusted.

Before William could enter the main gates, as he waved, his unbuttoned coat lifted slightly, briefly exposing the grip of a gun under his arm, which the cameras caught in a fleeting shot.

This image left viewers with perplexed expressions, feeling a growing sense of unease.

William was no ordinary person. With a net worth exceeding 20 billion, even possibly 30 billion dollars, was it really necessary for someone of his status to be armed at an event like this?

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