KEO.PLUS

December 26,1900, the first day after the Christmas vacation.

As the time to return to Australia drew closer, the entire diplomatic visiting group began to busy themselves, packing their luggage for the journey home. The crew of the fleet were also taking inventory of the supplies, stockpiling in preparation for the maritime consumption.

In the midst of such busyness, Foreign Minister Andrews and Minister of Industry Pierre jointly headed to Ladcnburg to meet Carl Benton, whom Arthur had specifically instructed to win over and befriend.

Although the two ministers didn’t know much about Carl Benton and the company he belonged to. However, because it was Arthur who personally instructed this, the two regarded it as important and did not underestimate Mr. Benton at all.

In a small restaurant in Ladcnburg, the two ministers successfully met “the father of cars” Carl Benton.

By this time, Mr. Benton was 56 years old, but he was still striving in the frontline of the automobile industry’s research and development.

Perhaps because of being invited all of a sudden, Mr. Benton’s clothes were full of dust with a few conspicuous oil stains, which made him look no different from the lower-class citizens.

“Gentlemen, who might you be?” The Mayor of Ladcnburg had informed Mr. Benton, causing him naturally to assume that the two ministers were high officials in Germany.

“Arc you Mr. Carl Friedrich Benton, the owner of Mercedes-Benz Rhine Automobile Ltd.?” Minister Andrew patiently asked.

Two senior officials born of British politics would not despise Mr. Benton who appeared somewhat scruffy. After all, he was someone who Arthur personally instructed to win over.

“Yes, I am, sir. Is there something you need?” Mr. Benton nodded his head and asked with curiosity.

Although Mr. Benton and his car had caused quite a stir at the previous Munich Expo, this was only in the business world.

In front of officials with significant backgrounds, Mr. Benton was merely a commoner with a bit of fame.

“Let me introduce ourselves, Mr. Benton. I am Andrew Kim Potter, the Foreign Minister of the Australian Principality. And this is Pierre Silvio Berlusconi, the Minister of Industry of the Australian Principality,” Minister Andrew smiled and introduced themselves to Mr. Benton.

“Ministers from Australia? …” Mr. Benton was first very surprised, and then he fell silent.

He really couldn’t think of why two national ministers would come to see him personally, even if they were from a small country like Australia.

After all, the treaty between Germania and Australia had just been signed and had incited much discussion in Germany.

“So, what brings the Ministers here? Is it that Australia wants to order our cars?” Mr. Benton couldn’t figure out why the two ministers from Australia had come to see him personally. Besides manufacturing cars, he doubted he had any other abilities.

“No, sir. Just yesterday, our Duke requested His Majesty the German Emperor to purchase automobile production technology from Germania. With the Emperor’s permission, the Duke has chosen you and the Mercedes-Benz Rhine Automobile Ltd. you own,” Minister Andrew laughed and shook his head as he explained.

“The request of His Highness the Duke? Approved by His Majesty the Emperor? The Duke has chosen me?” Upon hearing Minister Andrew’s explanation, Mr. Benton was completely shocked and surprised.

If it weren’t for the ministers’ years of official demeanor and the armed guards behind them, Mr. Benton would really have questioned the ministers’ true identities.

“So the Ministers’ purpose is to acquire Mercedes-Benz Corporation?” After about a minute of silence, Mr. Benton finally forced himself to believe everything in front of him and asked.

“Certainly, Mr. Benton. His Highness the Duke has expressly instructed us to acquire Mercedes-Benz Corporation and all the factories and laboratories owned by you, Mr. Benton. As for all the workers, if they’re willing to go to Australia, we can pay for all the costs of relocation and resettlement, and arrange accommodations and household registration for each worker’s family,” said Minister Andrew, nodding and smiling.

Since they were considering acquisition, they had to naturally acquire Mr. Benton’s car company along with all its research laboratories and factories.

Mercedes-Benz Corporation, as a standalone entity, was a company that manufactured cars. It did not have the capability to develop new products.

Mr. Benton nodded without expressing any dissatisfaction or resistance to the acquisition, but asked, “If the company is acquired by you, do all the factories and labs have to be relocated to Australia? Does this include all equipment and workers?”

“For now, yes, Mr. Benton. But rest assured, we will not force all workers to go to Australia. For those willing to go, we’ll cover the costs of relocation and resettlement. For those who want to stay in Germany, in addition to paying their wages on settlement date, we will pay three months’ extra salary to express our apologies,” said Minister of Industry Pierre, taking over the conversation and responding.

Mr. Benton continued to nod and said, “Alright, gentlemen. If you can choose Mercedes-Benz Corporation, I believe you have come prepared. I don’t object to selling Mercedes-Benz Corporation, but I hope that if you can acquire it, you will treat all the workers kindly.”

Although Carl Benton had established his own machinery factories, research labs, and car company, he was not a pure businessman.

Compared to making money, what Benton loved more was seeing his cars being accepted and welcomed by more people.

Compared to being a business magnate, what Benton enjoyed more were the times he spent in the lab and on the production line of cars.

Being able to work on car technology research and production, an area he was passionate about, was the greatest acknowledgment and respect for a technical personnel.

“Of course, Mr. Benton. We would also like to invite you to continue as the head of research and production for Mercedes-Benz Corporation. For this, we’re ready to reserve 10% of Mercedes-Benz Corporation’s stock for you. His Highness the Duke asked us to convey a message to you: He is very optimistic about the future prospects and market of cars, and he believes that under your leadership, Mercedes-Benz Corporation can become the leader of car production. Therefore, on top of acquiring Mercedes-Benz Corporation, His Highness the Duke is willing to allocate at least one million pounds of research funds to Mercedes-Benz Corporation each year, and use all his power to support the research and production of Mercedes-Benz Corporation. He hopes that you, Mr. Benton, can witness the development and rise of Mercedes-Benz Corporation in the car industry with His Highness the Duke, and witness the development of the automobile as a new means of transportation,” Minister Andrew said with a smile.

For a technical personnel, what can move them is not personal interests, but the freedom of research and ample research funds.

Arthur also believed that compared to the funds for acquiring Mercedes-Benz Corporation, what Mr. Benton really cared about was the funds invested in Mercedes-Benz Corporation’s research each year.

If Mr. Benton was previously indifferent about his company being acquired, he now agreed somewhat.

After hearing the words Minister Andrew conveyed on behalf of the Duke, Mr. Benton nodded and said to the two ministers, “Very well, esteemed Ministers. The words you have conveyed have deeply moved me. I agree to sell Mercedes-Benz Corporation and continue to serve as the person in charge of the company. Please convey my promise to His Highness the Duke that I will ensure that he witnesses the rise of Mercedes-Benz and cars in the future..”