Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 64: Chapter 63: Money Moves the Heart

Looking at the shocked faces of Graham and his friend, Kadir Bruno smiled knowingly and asked in return, “How should I prove my identity?”

Kadir Bruno knew that actively explaining at this moment would not dispel Graham’s doubts.

The best way to convince him was to let Graham make the demand himself, and then prove his identity.

After all, Kadir Bruno’s identity was real, and no matter what method was used to prove it, the final result would remain unchanged.

“Forgive me, this is simply too crazy for me. Do you have anything to prove your identity?” Graham asked.

“Of course.” Kadir Bruno nodded, pulling out a check he had prepared in advance, and explained, “This is a check newly issued by the Spanish Royal United Bank. Currently, no one other than the Spanish nobility can obtain it. It should be able to prove my identity, right?

As long as Mr. Graham is willing to take up a position in Spain, this check is yours.”

Seeing the clear Spanish Royal Family emblem on the check and the amount of 5000, Graham already began to trust Kadir Bruno somewhat.

This kind of check was not something ordinary people could forge, and those capable of counterfeiting checks had no reason to deceive him into going to Spain.

Thinking of this, Graham gradually let down his guard against Kadir Bruno, but still asked with some doubt, “Sir, why would His Majesty the King choose me?

I am just an ordinary person. His Majesty the King shouldn’t know me, right?”

“I only convey His Majesty’s orders.” Kadir Bruno replied, “His Majesty has high hopes for the development of the electrical industry, which is also the reason for inviting you to join Spain.

As for why His Majesty knows your name, perhaps only God knows.”

“Mr. Graham, as long as you agree to join the Royal Academy of Sciences, this check is yours, and His Majesty will arrange a residence for you in Madrid and provide you with a job.

Trust me, Spain is the best place for you, and your research will receive better support there.” Having clarified his identity, the most important task now was to invite Graham to join Spain’s Royal Academy of Sciences.

Frankly, Carlo had prepared very generous conditions for Graham and the other scientists.

Firstly, being personally invited by a king gave those scientists considerable face. Although the status of scientists had risen since the Industrial Revolution, it had not reached the highest echelons of the state.

Scientists with business acumen could obtain substantial funds through their developed technologies, thus becoming capitalists or social elites.

But most scientists still lived in poverty throughout their lives, and their developed patents might be seized by other capitalists.

In such circumstances, let alone a national monarch inviting them personally, even an invitation from a noble with status would be enough to move these scientists.

Moreover, the treatment Carlo offered these scientists was top-notch. A 5000-pesseta check might not seem like much but it was equivalent to about 200 pounds, roughly equal to the total annual income of eight or nine skilled workers.

Although Graham worked at an electrical equipment company, he was not in any management or important position, just an ordinary electrical equipment consultant.

His income was considered middle class in Paris, with a weekly salary of about 35 francs and an annual income of 1825 francs, equivalent to 73 pounds.

This check was almost equivalent to three years of Graham’s total income, and he could obtain the funds unconditionally as long as he agreed to join Spain.

The sincerity of such conditions was undeniable, and for Graham, who needed to support his family, the offer was extremely appealing.

Although already tempted, seeing the envious look on his friend’s face, Graham decided to lend his friend a hand.

“Sir, if I go to Spain, could I invite a few friends along? Rest assured, my friends also have excellent abilities in the electrical field; they will definitely be able to fill positions at the Spanish Power Company.” Graham asked cautiously.

After all, the other party represented the King of Spain, and Graham knew his request might be presumptuous and could lead to the other party’s displeasure.

But since he had some friends here and they were quite capable, Graham also wanted to have a few familiar acquaintances in a foreign country like Spain.

“Of course.” Kadir Bruno nodded, smiling as he said, “Anyone working in the electrical field can choose to join Spanish citizenship.

The Spanish Power Company needs a lot of talents; rest assured, your income at the Spanish Power Company will definitely not be lower than it is now, and accommodations in Madrid will also be arranged for you.”

Graham’s inquiry was like music to Kadir’s ears. Carlo had originally planned to attract some ordinary talents, and if he could recruit some extra talent while inviting Graham, it would perfectly fulfill the mission given to him by His Majesty the King.

Upon hearing the other party had agreed to his request, Graham breathed a sigh of relief, and William cast a grateful look at Graham.

Although they were consultants at an electrical equipment company, it was a small company and stingy with investments.

Especially with the recent instability in Paris, the company’s owner had been delaying salaries multiple times, and unless they had no other choice to support their families, they would not want to stay in such a dead-end company.

Now that there was a better option, they would certainly strive to secure more income for themselves.

“Mr. Graham, I will stay in Paris for a few days. If you’re ready, you can find me at this address, and I will arrange for you to take a train to Spain at any time.

Of course, the more friends you have working in the electrical field, the better, even if there are hundreds, His Majesty won’t mind.

Looking forward to meeting you in Madrid again, perhaps by the time we meet in Madrid, you will have become the chief consultant of the National Power Company.” Kadir Bruno smiled as he bade farewell, leaving Graham time to think and prepare.

After all, moving to Spain was tantamount to immigrating again, and for Graham, who had a family, he needed to communicate thoroughly with them.

Kadir Bruno held great expectations for Graham. If Graham could really bring in hundreds of workers in the electrical field for Spain, he believed His Majesty would definitely be satisfied.

He could also leverage his success in roping in Graham to become Carlo’s confidant, gradually entering the upper echelons of Spain.