"In this world, I possess rights and a life that ordinary people would struggle to believe. I have the power to rewrite and influence history. This life is quite enjoyable," Su Wen said with a slight smile. However, his current focus was on enhancing Romania's capabilities as an independent nation since 1880. Romania, primarily an exporter of agricultural products and raw minerals, lacked significant industrial development. Its military industry was limited to producing light weapons and its output was modest. Although Romania was renowned for its oil, the operations in the Ploiesti oil fields were still quite primitive. These fields looked impressive within the Balkans, but to profit significantly from the upcoming World War I, substantial improvements were necessary. It was crucial for His Highness Edel to prepare for these enhancements.
"Overall, Romania still holds considerable potential for development," remarked the young prince, having studied the country's situation for three years. One significant advantage was the wealth of the Romanian royal family, which contrasted sharply with the government's less robust financial health. But, as it was a monarchy, this was to be expected. The first step for Edel was to convince his father, Carol I, aged 66, to finance the necessary investments.
"Father, here is a report on the extensive exploitation of the Ploiesti oil fields. According to this report, we need to purchase oil extraction equipment, a large oil refinery, and an oil pipeline linking to Constanta. The projected annual output could reach 1.5 million tons of crude oil, requiring an investment of about 3 million pounds," Edel presented the report to his father, Carol I, the King of Romania.
The white-haired but still majestic king slowly flipped through the pages without immediate response, instead turning to Viscount Adri, the palace chief, who was well-acquainted with the royal family's finances. "At present, we need to maintain a few castles, and we have reserved funds totaling 5 million pounds, of which 200,000 are in bonds. However, the king owns 58 properties domestically and 43 abroad. Excluding the essentials, selling two domestic properties could yield 840,000 pounds, and 26 overseas properties could bring in 1.04 million pounds. Additionally, we earn about 1 million pounds annually from government and industrial revenues, but most of our wealth is tied up in land," Adri reported.
Carol I gestured for his son to continue. "How much do you need?"
"I plan to approach American Standard Oil for an investment of 600,000 pounds, as they would likely be interested. I also intend to seek another 600,000 pounds from Germany, who I believe would also be eager to invest. With these contributions, we would only need 1.8 million pounds, and we would still retain ownership of the land, limiting their shareholding," Edel explained.
Carol nodded approvingly. "Proceed with the plan. I'll have Adri prepare the funds for you."
"Thank you, father," Edel said, then left the room.
With his father's approval secured, Edel was eager to move forward. He instructed his guard to locate Mr. Smith, the head of Standard Oil in Romania. The following day, Smith, accompanied by his assistant, arrived at Peresh Castle to meet with Edel.
"Hello, esteemed Prince Edel. How may Standard Oil assist you today?" Smith inquired after greeting the prince.
"Are you familiar with the Ploiesti oil fields? Our nation intends to undertake extensive exploration, and I believe your company would be interested," Edel proposed.
"Indeed, we are very interested. Could you elaborate on how the crown intends to develop these resources?" Smith responded, noting that the escalating demand for crude oil in Europe, spurred by the widespread adoption of internal combustion engines before World War I, had also gradually pushed up oil prices. Standard Oil had made initial investments in Ploiesti back in 1871, but with minimal involvement from the Romanian government. Now, with the government seeking active development, the potential profits were substantial.
Edel handed Smith the contract. "Please review this and then we can discuss further."
Smith examined the document, which outlined that the development of the Ploiesti oil fields would be led by the Romanian royal family with an investment of 1.8 million pounds, securing a 70% share, while Standard Oil's 600,000-pound contribution would grant them a 15% stake, including investments in technology, mining equipment, and refining facilities. Standard Oil would also be given preference for equipment and services of equal quality and price.
"This seems reasonable," Smith commented. "Your Highness, I will forward this to my company. From my perspective, there are no issues."
"I hope you bring back positive news. Be aware that Britain, France, and the Netherlands would also be interested in this opportunity," Edel remarked.
"I will relay this to my company as quickly as possible. Standard Oil possesses the finest technology, and I believe this will be a prudent decision," Smith assured, confident in his company's capabilities.
After Smith departed to telegraph his company, Edel requested the guards to summon the German ambassador, confident that Germany would also invest in the oil fields. His selections of both Standard Oil and Germany were strategic; the former had limited influence in Europe before the war, and the latter was part of Edel's broader plans.
Ambassador Borges, embodying the serious and punctual stereotype often associated with Germans, arrived promptly. "Your Highness, what can I do for you?"
"We are planning to develop the Ploiesti oil fields. Would your country be interested?" Edel inquired.
"Could you detail your development plan?" Borges asked, slightly uncertain.
Edel passed the contract to the ambassador. Noting the total investment of 3 million pounds, with the Romanian royal family contributing 1.8 million and securing a 70% share, and Germany's potential 600,000-pound investment for a 15% stake, Borges considered it a sound investment with a quick return.
"There should be no problem. I believe our government will respond favorably soon," Borges stated.
"One more thing," Edel added.
"Please, Your Highness, speak," Borges invited.
"I would like to visit Germany, primarily to acquire some equipment and technology," Edel expressed, which was welcome news for Germany, especially given its recent economic upturn.