Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 69: Chapter 68: Large Laboratory

While Prim was focused on implementing reforms and Spain was quite stable domestically, Carlo was surprised to find himself with nothing to do.

Let Prim handle the reforms since it’s bound to offend people.

To be blunt, the reforms have offended all of Spain’s factions, except for the Reform Faction that supports them.

If it weren’t for Prim’s exceptionally high prestige in the Spanish Army, it’s likely the Prime Minister of Spain would have been replaced before his reforms were even complete.

The current reforms are also a huge gamble for Prim himself. If he wins the bet, Spain has hope of regaining its place among the great powers, and Prim remains a beloved Prime Minister in Spain.

But if he fails, those offended by Prim will not let him go. Even if Carlo could provide protection for Prim personally, his reputation would be tarnished, used as a lesson against reformists.

With Prim serving as the vanguard of reform, Carlo naturally preferred not to involve himself too much in Prim’s reforms.

Now with some leisure, Carlo decided to oversee the construction of the Electricity Laboratory and the engine company.

As the core of the Second Industrial Revolution, Carlo placed great importance on electricity and engines. Both core institutions were located in Madrid, not too far a drive from the Imperial Palace.

In a field on the outskirts of Madrid, a large area of land had already been fenced off.

This was the designated site for the Electricity Laboratory and engine research facility, marking Spain’s entry into and advancement of the Second Industrial Revolution.

To inspire confidence in Graham and the others for future research, Carlo specially invited Graham, Benz, and two others, along with many technical talents, to visit the construction of the research facilities.

The construction difficulty of the research facilities was actually not high, as current research on electricity and engines didn’t require highly precise equipment, and everything was starting from scratch.

The entire construction site could be seen as a large experimental area, with the west designated for Graham and the Electricity Laboratory and the east for Benz and his team’s engine R&D area.

The whole large experimental zone featured mostly low-rise buildings under three stories, allowing faster construction since there was no need for skyscrapers.

In the center of the experimental zone, an apartment building more than five stories high would rise. The ground and first floors were for dining and leisure, while the third to fifth floors were rest areas for the staff.

During the most critical stages of experimentation, most participants wouldn’t have time to shuttle between home and the lab.

This would waste too much time, so it was better to build an apartment building in the experimental zone for short rests.

Looking at the planning of the entire experimental zone, Graham and his colleagues were quite pleased. This layout was far more formal than the companies and places they had been before, allowing them to conduct their experiments more effortlessly.

“Your Majesty, when can the Electricity Laboratory be completed? I can’t wait to conduct my experiments in such an environment — it’s simply perfect.” Graham couldn’t contain his excitement, asking Carlo eagerly.

Carlo turned his gaze to the laboratory construction supervisor beside him, who immediately caught on and explained to everyone, “The overall construction of the experimental zone is proceeding very smoothly, and it’s expected to be completed in 3 to 4 months.”

“Too slow, still too slow,” Graham shook his head in disappointment, then asked, “Can the laboratory be completed first?

Other less important auxiliary buildings can be constructed later. If there’s a laboratory, research on electricity can commence.”

“That should be possible, Mr. Graham,” the official thought for a moment before replying, “If we only build the laboratory, it should be finished within a month and a half.

Considering the installation of some experimental equipment, the laboratory should be operational in two months.”

Graham nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.

Two months is theoretically the shortest time possible. After all, the laboratory also has certain requirements, especially the Electricity Laboratory, which must ensure safety.

Hastily constructed buildings are not beneficial for experiments, so it’s indeed necessary to wait two months.

Noticing Graham’s eagerness to start electricity experiments, Carlo smiled and said, “I have already prepared a temporary site for your experiments on the outskirts of Madrid. Although not very formal, it should suffice for two months.

Perhaps by the time we visit again, the construction of the laboratory would be nearly complete.”

Although Carlo had approved the construction of the laboratory before Kadir’s departure, the construction speed of this era was inevitably slower than that of future times.

Even though these were small, low-rise buildings, being used for experimental purposes still required a lengthy wait.

If this were in later times, the construction of such three-story buildings would be extraordinarily fast, possibly completed before Graham and his team even arrived in Madrid.

The group continued their tour.

At the rear of this large experimental area, there was a sizable lake. The scenery around the lake was beautiful, and the water was remarkably clear, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and vacation.

Everyone was attracted by the beautiful scenery around the lake, and even Daimler, who had long since started a family, couldn’t help but exclaim, “It’s a great vacation spot — it seems a waste to build a laboratory here.”

“No, Mr. Daimler,” Carlo said with a smile, “It is precisely why I chose this place to build the laboratory. You scientists need such beautiful scenery; both experiment and rest are indispensable. With good rest, you can conduct better experiments.”

Upon hearing Carlo’s words, Daimler paused and then smiled, nodding his head.

Had he recently still harbored at least six parts resentment about being “kidnapped” to Spain, that resentment had now almost entirely dissipated.

At least he had accepted working in Spain, for where else could one find a King who respects scientists this much?

To be honest, at this time in Europe, ordinary people had no human rights. The common folk were subjects of exploitation, cheaper even than livestock.

Adult males were exploited most harshly, working like animals and earning barely enough to support their families, sometimes not even that.

Adult females were exploited like men, their labor not less than that of their male counterparts, but their income was pitifully small.

As for child labor, it goes without saying. Capitalists used child labor as they would adults, yet their wages were the lowest.

In an era when commoners were barely considered human, encountering such a respectful Monarch, Daimler thought Spain was perhaps not so bad after all.