Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 67: Chapter 66: Maybach and Daimler

The matter with Graham is considered resolved, but the real trouble lies with Benz and his entourage who arrived later.

Among the three founders of Mercedes-Benz, only Benz came to Spain voluntarily.

The remaining Daimler and Maybach were all brought by force; if they decide not to work for Spain, Carlo will have to painfully lose these talents in the automobile and engine fields.

Two weeks later, the talents from Germany successfully arrived in Madrid.

“Your Majesty, the people you wish to see have arrived in the reception room,” Steward Loren stepped forward to remind Carlo while he was reviewing the report on industrial development.

“Bring that guy Kadir to see me as well. We need to give an explanation to those who were brought here,” Carlo nodded and instructed.

“Mr. Kadir is already waiting outside,” Steward Loren said with a smile.

Bringing people by force does not mean it’s over; handling these talents is another issue. If they are willing to acquire Spanish nationality, it would naturally be a win-win.

But if they aren’t willing, Kadir would have to handle them discreetly and pretend nothing happened.

Carlo nodded and walked towards the reception room in the Madrid Royal Palace.

As the third-largest palace in Europe, only behind Versailles Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, the Madrid Royal Palace can be described as grand and luxurious.

The reception rooms available for the monarch and royal family members to meet guests are more than a dozen, each with different styles.

Benz and his entourage were arranged in the small reception room on the westernmost side of the Royal Palace, next to which is the large restaurant Carlo has meticulously crafted, capable of making cuisines from all over Europe.

The reason for choosing the meeting location for Benz and others is simple. If the results are satisfactory for everyone, Carlo will invite them to taste the specialties of Spain and then discuss matters about the automobile industry and engine business.

If the talks are not very satisfying, Kadir will have to showcase the training result of the short period, resulting in a few less people in this world.

The atmosphere in the nearby small reception room seemed quite complex at this moment.

In a better mood was Karl Benz. He was invited here voluntarily and agreed to acquire Spanish nationality, so naturally, there’s no bad mood.

However, Daimler and Maybach were different. They were forcibly brought here by Kadir, and the journey from Germany to Madrid wasn’t pleasant, so naturally, they wouldn’t show any good expressions.

The reception room had some precious ceramics and paintings by famous painters displayed. Benz was earnestly appreciating them with the introduction of a servant nearby, whereas Daimler and Maybach sat quietly in their positions without speaking.

Suddenly, the door of the reception room was pushed open, and Carlo entered with a smile.

“Your Majesty!” The servants first greeted Carlo.

Benz also reacted and saluted Carlo with the German-style etiquette.

All eyes turned to Daimler and Maybach who remained motionless. Despite any objections, they had to salute Carlo with German-style etiquette at this moment.

The current monarchy is still quite popular in Europe; these Germans, who grew up in a monarchy environment, have a deep respect and fear for royal authority.

“No need for such courtesy, Mr. Benz, Mr. Daimler, Mr. Maybach,” Carlo nodded and said with a smile.

“Speaking of which, this is actually a misunderstanding. My intention was to invite you to Spain, not through kidnapping,” Carlo continued.

For talents like Daimler and Maybach, Carlo is quite willing to show his sincerity. Of course, sincerity has its limits.

If the other party is not sensible enough, Carlo won’t make many concessions either.

“King Carlo, it’s an honor to meet you,” Benz was the first to speak.

Benz was originally willing to come to Spain, not to mention Carlo’s friendly attitude as a King, further reassuring Benz that his decision was without any issue.

As for Daimler and Maybach being kidnapped, Benz did not know the whole story but was willing to believe the friendlier Carlo.

“King Carlo, I believe this was an accident. May I ask when we can return to Germany? I have ongoing research,” the youngest Wilhelm Maybach couldn’t hold back and asked somewhat urgently.

Hearing Maybach’s inquiry, Carlo smiled, seemingly very friendly, and said, “I’m sorry, but I heard there were some issues at the Madrid train station lately; if you wish to return to Germany, you might need to wait a bit longer.”

When the Madrid train station encounters a problem is only a matter of Carlo’s word. If he doesn’t want to let Maybach and Daimler leave, the train station in Madrid will keep having issues.

At this moment, Daimler, after being silent for a long time, finally spoke, “Your Majesty, are we unable to return to Germany?”

Carlo smiled without answering.

The scene instantly fell silent, and then Daimler continued, “Alright, it seems we have no choice.

Your Majesty, can you assure that you will support our research?”

Discussing the support for research, Carlo was fully confident: “Certainly. I am very willing to support your research, whether it’s in the automobile field, mechanical field, or engine industry, I will support you completely.

If you are willing to acquire Spanish nationality, I can establish relevant laboratories to assist you in research.

Of course, I will also provide you with relevant shares, and your income will definitely far exceed that in Germany, so you won’t have to worry about money anymore.”

Listening to the conversation between Daimler and Carlo, the youngest Maybach finally realized that the current situation might not be as optimistic as he thought.

However, looking at Daimler beside him, and then at Carlo, who confidently expressed his support for their research, Maybach actually didn’t mind staying in Spain as much.

Maybach was born in Germany but became an orphan at a young age, adopted and cared for by a charity institution.

Since he has no relatives, the most important thing to Maybach is his hobby, which is research in mechanics and engines.

The person he was relatively close to currently was Daimler, whom he had only recently met. If he could work with Daimler, it wouldn’t matter where he is.

The one most opposed to staying in Spain should be the eldest Daimler. Because Daimler already has a family in Germany and the position of chief consultant at a mechanical factory, earning quite a good income.

This kidnapping disrupted his previously beautiful life, which is why Daimler is reluctant to stay in Spain.