Richard immediately realized that the goblins were buying up precious stones. Therefore, there was a chance to convert more pounds into galleons than the cap allowed. The goblins were probably buying precious stones at a discount, but when there were no other options, that was a good thing.
"Good morning," Madam Marchbanks said to the goblin clerk. "Mr. Richard Rich wishes to retrieve some money from his safe."
- Madam, do you have Mr. Rich's key?
"Mr. Rich's safe was supposed to be opened by Ministry officials, on the Minister's orders, six weeks ago," the old woman explained. "Richard is visiting Gringotts for the first time today and is ready to receive his key."
The goblin looked at Richard with a searching look.
"It looks like it," he said. "Who can confirm that this young man is really Richard Rich, ma'am?"
"Me and Millie... I mean, Madam Minister," Madam Marchbanks corrected herself.
"Sir, the Queen of Great Britain and Prince Charles will be happy to confirm that I am that very Richard Rich," the boy said with dignity. "I can call Prince Charles right now and give you the phone number."
Richie removed a massive radio telephone from his belt and showed it to the clerk.
A goblin, examining a galleon through a magnifying glass nearby, dropped the coin, which clattered to the floor. His eyes widened. He stared at Richard with astonishment, as if he'd just seen a talking pony.
The clerk who asked the question choked on air and began coughing. He soon recovered from his surprise and even managed a scornful look.
"Er... I believe we shouldn't distract such important people. Moreover, the words of the Wizengamot elder are quite sufficient. I will now give the key to Mr. Rich and escort him to the safe."
"Sir, there's no need to take me to the safe," Richard said. "Just give me the key and exchange the pounds for galleons. Two hundred galleons is the maximum amount, right?"
- Yes, sir. Do you wish to exchange a thousand pounds?
"I'd like to exchange a couple of tens of millions of pounds," Richard replied calmly. "But rules are rules. So, yes, a thousand."
"We can always come up with something for such a respected client," the goblin said suggestively in a fawning tone.
- I'll keep that in mind, mister...
- Rickbeth, sir. Contact me with any questions. I'll be your personal manager.
"Good to hear, Mr. Rickbeth. We'll discuss business next time we meet. For now, the key and the exchange."
- Yes, yes, just a second...
While Richard was getting his key and money, a nearby goblin quietly asked Madam Marchbanks:
- Madam, can this young man really contact the queen?
The elderly sorceress gave the goblin a crooked smile and said:
"Considering that Prince Charles brought the Minister and me to the Duke of Rich's house, and that he had a warm conversation with Richard, I believe this is indeed true.
"Cough-cough-cough..." the goblin coughed, his eyes widening at the boy in amazement. "Duke?! Lord?"
"What's surprising?" Madame Marchbanks asked calmly.
"No, no, nothing, ma'am," replied the clerk next to him. "I just can't remember the last time Gringotts was visited by such important people."
Soon Richard and his mentor left the bank and headed to the owl shop, where the boy bought himself a postal barn owl.
After this, the elderly sorceress enchanted a one-time portal and transported her charge home. For Richard, a typical Saturday began, with him practicing levitation spells until he dropped.