After gaining a better understanding, Edel finally grasped the essence of the technology at hand. It was a fundamental inorganic chemical process, invented by Fritz Haber earlier that year, which synthesized ammonia directly from nitrogen and hydrogen under high temperature and pressure, using a catalyst. Yet, it remained confined to laboratory settings and had not been escalated to industrial production. At present, its primary significance lay in serving as a raw material for the explosives industry, potentially replacing the role of saltpeter.
Given that the majority of saltpeter mines were located in Chile and predominantly controlled by the British, the ammunition supply of various countries was indirectly under British influence, since ammonia was an indispensable component.
"Carust, arrange for someone to gather information on this Fritz Haber who invented 'synthetic ammonia'," Edel instructed. "Find out how far his research has progressed. We should consider converting this into an industrial investment and, ideally, secure production rights."
"Yes, my lord, I will assign a reliable person to handle this," the chief guard responded promptly, and immediately set out to organize the manpower needed after receiving the command from the crown prince.
"Summon Sikuslow and Rossliwa," Carust ordered upon returning to his office, referring to the duo who had previously been involved in engaging Rudolf Diesel.
"We just returned from a business trip, why are we being sent out again?" Sikuslow complained to the head of the guard upon learning of their new mission.
Karust simply stared at the two men, his gaze piercing enough to make them uncomfortable. "Well, let's get going now," Sikuslow quickly conceded.
As the two left Carust's office, Rossliwa remarked to Sikuslow, "Don't you know the chief? There's no room for negotiation when it comes to your assignments."
"I know, but I can't help wanting to speak up. After all, the guards are always tasked with these missions," Sikuslow replied, somewhat begrudgingly. "Hey, I'm just trying to secure some advantages for us. Can't you back me up?"
"I can't do much there. You're the only one brave enough to challenge the chief guard. I truly admire that about you," Rossliwa responded, half-mocking, half-serious.
The duo arrived in Karlsruhe by train and, after some inquiries, located Fritz Haber, a professor at the University of Karlsruhe. Upon learning their intentions, Haber welcomed them to his laboratory.
"This is my masterpiece," Haber proudly declared, pointing to the ammonia synthesis setup, which included a series of converters, compressors, and circulating pumps. Although Sikuslow and Rossliwa were baffled by the barrage of technical jargon, they were fortunate that Haber focused primarily on demonstrating the production of synthetic ammonia. After observing the experimental procedures, they witnessed the production of liquid ammonia firsthand.
"Professor Haber, your experiment is truly remarkable. Is this the magic of science? It's absolutely fascinating," Sikuslow exclaimed, impressed. "We need to send a telegram back home and report everything we've seen. I believe it will soon bring substantial financial support to your work."
"Indeed, we scientists also need funding to advance the power of science and technology. So, in this respect, we are aligned. The only difference is that you provide the money, and we provide the intellect," Professor Haber remarked, acknowledging their mutual interests.
"By the way, Professor, can your 'synthetic ammonia' technology be fully industrialized? I heard no chemical plants have approached you for collaboration. That's quite unbelievable," Sikuslow inquired as they prepared to leave, posing a somewhat awkward question to Haber.
"I'm not sure why they haven't shown interest," Haber admitted, visibly disheartened. Despite the promising nature of his experiment, many in the chemical industry remained skeptical, leaving Haber to face a mix of cold shoulders and doubts.
Before Sikuslow and Rossliwa's visit, Haber's last hope rested with his friend and colleague, Engel, who served as a consultant at BASF and believed that Haber's "synthetic ammonia" could revolutionize the chemical industry and help Germany circumvent British control over saltpeter. Engel had been advocating for BASF to embrace the technology, though without any success so far.
After witnessing the synthetic ammonia production, Sikuslow and Rossliwa sent a detailed report back to Edel, who was eagerly awaiting news in China. The report described everything they had observed.
Edel, upon reading the telegram in the palace, was intrigued by the narrative surrounding Haber's "Synthetic Ammonia." Had it not been for his memories from a past life and a vague recollection of 'synthetic ammonia,' this technology might have remained disconnected from Romania's interests. He anticipated that such technology would only become accessible after World War I, which would be too late for Romania, given Edel's aspirations to secure significant advantages for the nation during the conflict.
Seizing the opportunity, Edel swiftly sent a telegram back to Sikuslow and Rossliwa in Karlsruhe.
"Hi Sikuslow, what does the telegram say?" Rossliwa inquired, noticing his partner scrutinizing the message.
"Take a look for yourself," Sikuslow replied, handing over the telegram.
Rossliwa read through the telegram, which outlined that they were to sponsor the Fritz Haber Laboratory with no more than 1 million gold marks (equivalent to over 40,000 pounds). However, 800,000 of this sum was designated specifically for the industrial research of "synthetic ammonia," with the remaining 200,000 serving as a personal grant to Haber. As a condition, Haber was to grant Romania the rights to use the "synthetic ammonia" technology he had developed. Additionally, any future industrial achievements involving this technology must not exclude Romania's participation.
"This is a substantial grant. If only I had 1 million marks," Rossliwa commented enviously after reading the details.
"You might as well apply to the crown prince soon," Sikuslow teased.
"Can't you ever be serious?" Rossliwa retorted, slightly annoyed.
"Let's go inform Professor Haber of the conditions," Sikuslow suggested, putting an end to their banter.
They returned to Haber's laboratory, where the professor eagerly awaited their news.
"Hello, Professor. We have just received a message from Romania expressing a keen interest in your 'synthetic ammonia' technology and hoping to secure your authorization for its use," Sikuslow stated directly upon entering.
"And the conditions?" Haber inquired, keen on understanding the full proposal.
After Sikuslow relayed the conditions outlined in the telegram, Haber, feeling reassured and satisfied, consulted with his colleague Rosegger. After their discussion, he agreed to accept Romania's terms.
The news of Haber's approval for Romania to use the 'synthetic ammonia' technology quickly reached Edel's desk. Edel was keenly aware of the technology's future potential in the explosives industry. With Romania's limited national strength, securing this technology was crucial, especially since transporting saltpeter into the Black Sea would be challenging during World War I. Haber's 'synthetic ammonia' presented a valuable opportunity, one that Edel was determined to capitalize on for the benefit of Romania.