Chapter 67: Maybach And Daimler
Gramme’s matter has been dealt with, but the subsequent arrival of Benz and his group is the real trouble.
Among the three founders of Mercedes, only Benz came to Spain voluntarily.
The remaining Daimler and Maybach were all brought by force. If they are determined not to work for Spain, then Carlo can only reluctantly accept the loss of these talents in the automotive field and engine field.
Another two weeks passed before the talents from Germany smoothly arrived in Madrid.
“Your Majesty, the people you wish to see have arrived in the drawing room.” While Carlo was reviewing the report on industry development, Butler Loren stepped forward and reminded him that the people he was to meet had arrived.
“Have that guy Cadillac come see me too. We have to give these kidnapped people some explanation, right?” Carlo nodded and then instructed.
“Mr. Cadillac is already waiting outside as well.” Butler Loren said with a smile.
Kidnapping people does not mean the end; how to handle these talents is also a problem. If they are willing to join Spanish nationality, it would naturally be a win-win.
But if they are unwilling, Cadillac still has to deal with them cleanly, pretending nothing happened.
Carlo nodded and walked toward the drawing room of the Madrid Royal Palace.
As Europe’s third largest palace, second only to the Palace of Versailles and Schönbrunn Palace, the Madrid Royal Palace can only be described as massive and luxurious.
The drawing rooms provided for the monarch and royal family members to meet guests number as many as a dozen, featuring a wide variety of styles.
Benz and his group were arranged in the small drawing room at the westernmost end of the royal palace, next to the massive restaurant that Carlo had carefully designed, which can prepare cuisine from various places in Europe.
The purpose of choosing this location to meet Benz and the others is also very simple. If the results satisfy everyone, Carlo will invite them to taste Spain’s specialty cuisine, then discuss matters regarding the automotive industry sector and engine business.
If the meeting results are not so satisfactory, then Cadillac will have to show the results of his recent training, making the world have a few fewer people.
In the nearby small drawing room, the atmosphere inside at this time appeared quite complex.
The one in a relatively good mood was Carl Benz. He was originally invited over and voluntarily joined Spanish nationality, so naturally he had no bad mood.
But it was different for Daimler and Maybach. They were forcibly brought over by Cadillac, and the journey from Germany to Madrid was not pleasant either, so naturally they had no good expressions.
The drawing room was adorned with several precious porcelain pieces and paintings by famous painters. Benz was seriously appreciating them under the introduction by the servant nearby, while Daimler and Maybach remained silent, quietly sitting in their seats.
Suddenly, the door of the drawing room was pushed open, and Carlo walked in with a smile on his face.
“Your Majesty!” The servants were the first to bow to Carlo.
Benz also reacted and saluted Carlo with German etiquette.
Everyone’s gazes turned to Daimler and Maybach, who had made no move. Even if they had any opinions, at this moment they had no choice but to return a German-style salute to Carlo.
The current monarchy in Europe is still quite popular, and these Germans have been immersed in a monarchical environment since childhood, with their respect and fear of royal power coming from the heart.
“No need to be so formal, Mr. Benz, Mr. Daimler, Mr. Maybach.” Carlo nodded and said with a smile.
“To be honest, this is actually a misunderstanding. My original intention was to invite you to Spain, not through kidnapping.” Carlo continued.
For talents like Daimler and Maybach, Carlo was still quite willing to show his sincerity. Of course, the sincerity is also limited.
If the other party is not very sensible, Carlo cannot make too many concessions.
“Your Majesty Carlo, it is an honor to meet you.” Benz spoke first.
Benz was originally willing to come to Spain, not to mention that Carlo, as king, had a friendly and approachable attitude, which made Benz feel that his decision was flawless.
As for Daimler and Maybach being kidnapped, Benz did not know the full story, but he was willing to trust the kinder Carlo.
“Your Majesty Carlo, I believe this is an accident. May I ask when we can return to Germany? I still have research in progress.” The youngest William Maybach was the first to lose his composure and asked somewhat urgently.
Hearing Maybach’s question, Carlo smiled, appearing very friendly: “I’m sorry, but I heard that Madrid’s train station has had some issues recently. If you want to return to Germany, you should have to wait a bit longer.”
When Madrid’s train station has issues is just a matter of one sentence from Carlo. If he doesn’t want to let Maybach and Daimler go, Madrid’s train station will keep having problems.
At this time, Daimler was silent for a long time before finally speaking: “Your Majesty, are we unable to return to Germany?”
Carlo smiled without answering.
The scene instantly fell quiet, then Daimler continued: “Alright, it seems we have no choice.
Your Majesty, can you ensure that you will support our research?”
When it came to supporting research, Carlo had full confidence: “Of course. I am more than happy to support your research, whether in the automotive field, mechanical field, or engines. I will support you without reservation.
If you are willing to join Spanish nationality, I can establish relevant laboratories to help you with your research.
Of course, I will also give you relevant shares. Your income will absolutely far exceed that in Germany, and you won’t have to worry about money anymore.”
Hearing the conversation between Daimler and Carlo, the youngest Maybach finally realized that the current situation was not as optimistic as he thought.
However, looking at Daimler beside him and then at Carlo, who confidently expressed support for their research, Maybach was actually not so opposed to staying in Spain.
Maybach was born in Germany, but he became an orphan at a young age and was adopted and raised by a charity institution.
With no family, the most important thing for Maybach was his hobbies, namely research in mechanics and engines.
The person currently closest to him was Daimler, whom he had only met recently. If he could work together with Daimler, it didn’t matter where.
The one most opposed to staying in Spain should be the oldest Daimler. Because Daimler had already started a family in Germany and held a position as chief consultant in a mechanical factory, with quite good income.
This kidnapping had destroyed his original good life, which was also why Daimler was unwilling to stay in Spain.
Second update, seeking support!
