Chapter 64: Money Moves the Heart

Looking at the shocked expressions of Gramme and his friend, Kadier Bruno wore a smile of anticipation and asked in return, "What method should I use to prove my identity?"

Kadier Bruno knew that taking the initiative to explain at this moment would not dispel Gramme's suspicions.

The best way to make him believe was to let Gramme make the request himself, and then prove his identity.

In any case, Kadier Bruno's identity was not fake; no matter which method was used to prove it, the final result would not change.

"Please forgive me, this is simply too crazy for me. Do you have anything that can prove your identity?" Gramme asked.

"Of course." Kadier Bruno nodded, took out a check he had prepared long ago, and explained, "This is the latest check issued by the Royal Bank of Spain. Currently, no one except the Spanish nobility can obtain it. This should be enough to prove my identity, right?

As long as Mr. Gramme is willing to go to Spain to take up a post, this check will be yours."

Looking at the clear Spanish royal emblem on the check and the amount of 5, 00, Gramme already had a measure of trust in Kadier Bruno.

This type of check was not something an ordinary person could forge, and someone with the ability to forge such a check would have no reason to trick him into going to Spain.

Thinking of this, Gramme had gradually lowered his guard against Kadier Bruno, but still asked with slight doubt, "Sir, why would His Majesty the King choose me?

I am just an ordinary person; His Majesty the King shouldn't even know who I am, right?"

"I am only responsible for conveying His Majesty's orders," Kadier Bruno replied. "His Majesty is very optimistic about the development of the electrical industry, which is the reason His Majesty invited you to join Spain.

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

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

Believe me, Spain is the place most suitable for you; your research will receive better support in Spain." Since he had already revealed his identity, the next most important thing was to invite Gramme to join Spain's Royal Academy of Sciences.

To be honest, the conditions Carlo had prepared for Gramme and the other scientists were by no means low.

First of all, being invited by an envoy sent personally by a king gave those scientists plenty of face. Although the status of scientists had risen with the tide since the Industrial Revolution, it had not yet reached the level of the highest national echelons.

Scientists with a head for business could obtain large amounts of capital through the technologies they developed, thereby becoming capitalists or members of the social elite.

But most scientists remained poor their entire lives, and the patents they developed could be snatched up by other capitalists.

Under such circumstances, let alone an invitation from a monarch, even an invitation from a high-ranking noble would be enough to move these scientists.

What's more, the treatment Carlo offered these scientists was top-tier. A check for 5, 00 pesetas might not seem like much, but it was worth about 200 pounds, equivalent to the total annual income of eight or nine skilled workers.

Although Gramme worked at an electrical equipment company, he was not in management or an important position; he was an ordinary electrical equipment consultant.

His income was considered middle-class in Paris, with a weekly wage of about 35 francs, for an annual income of 1, 25 francs, which was 73 pounds.

This check was almost equal to Gramme's total income for three years, and it was funds he could obtain unconditionally as long as he agreed to join Spain.

Such terms were undeniably sincere, and for Gramme, who needed to support his family, the appeal was sufficient.

Although he was already tempted, seeing the envious look on his friend's face, Gramme decided to help his friend out.

"Sir, if I go to Spain, may I invite a few friends to go with me? Please rest assured, my friends also have excellent abilities in electricity, and they are absolutely capable of filling positions at the Spanish power company," Gramme asked cautiously.

After all, the other party represented the King of Spain, and Gramme knew his request was somewhat presumptuous and could very likely cause the other party's resentment.

But he did have some good friends here, and his friends' abilities were quite good; Gramme also wanted to have a few familiar friends in the foreign land of Spain.

"Of course." Kadier Bruno nodded and said with a smile, "Anyone working in the field of electricity can choose to acquire Spanish citizenship.

The Spanish power company needs a large amount of talent. Please rest assured, your income at the Spanish power company will definitely not be lower than it is now, and residences in Madrid will be arranged for you as well."

Gramme's inquiry sounded like music to Kadier's ears. Carlo had originally set an additional task of attracting some ordinary talent; if he could recruit some extra talent while inviting Gramme, wouldn't that be an even more perfect completion of the task His Majesty the King had entrusted to him?

Hearing that the other party had agreed to his request, Gramme breathed a sigh of relief, and William also cast a grateful look at Gramme.

Although they were both consultants at the electrical equipment company, it was, after all, a small company that was quite stingy with capital investment.

Especially with the recent instability in Paris, the company's boss had repeatedly delayed wages; if it weren't for the need to support their families and having no other options, they would not want to continue staying in such a company with no future.

Now that there was a better choice, it was only natural to make an effort and strive for more income for themselves.

"Mr. Gramme, I will be staying in Paris for a few days. If you are ready, you can come to this address to find me, and I will arrange a train to Spain for you at any time.

Of course, the more friends you have working in electricity, the better; even if there are hundreds of them, His Majesty will not mind.

I look forward to meeting you again in Madrid. Perhaps when we meet in Madrid, you will have become the chief consultant of the national power company." Kadier Bruno said goodbye with a smile, leaving Gramme with time to think and prepare.

After all, moving to Spain was equivalent to another immigration, and for Gramme, who had a family, it was still necessary to persuade his family members.

Kadier Bruno maintained full expectations for Gramme. If Gramme could really bring hundreds of electrical workers to Spain, he believed His Majesty would definitely be satisfied.

He could also rely on the merit of recruiting Gramme to become a trusted aide to Carlo, gradually gain Carlo's heavy reliance, and enter the upper echelons of Spain.

First update, asking for support!

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(End of chapter)