Ôgusto Bal

Who on Earth is Ôgusto Bal?!

This question is asked in every street and down every back-alley, on the trading floor and in the dingiest pubs. 

Not much is known about the man. They claim he comes from the upper nobility, with an illegitimate claim to the house of the house of Bal, his father being cousin of the heir to the family title. Living as modest, but nonetheless wealthy aristocrats in the countryside north of Zurich, growing up, Ôgusto Bal never took much interest in politics.

So why, all of a sudden, does everyone know about him? 
A bet that he placed on politician and good friend of his Ètièno Biôrd earlier in August. He claimed that Ètièno Biôrd would be chosen for the ministry by none other than Chancellor Rogiér Guonoz. Mr Bal placed good money on this bet of his, and rose to power Ètièno Biôrd did. 

All people seem to speak about is this young man's mysterious power to make anything happen in government; a puppet master pulling the strings. How much of this is true? Did he make a deal with the devil? No-one knows! But if you wish for your family's health and wellness, greet Mr Bal in the streets and take off your hat!

Excerpt from Zürcherisches Wochenblatt, Zurich Newspaper