After dealing with the corrupt Duzweigan, Edel was tasked with finding a new leader for Romania's key steel industry enterprise. Duzweigan, had his greed not overtaken his sense, could have continued as head of the steel plant. Unfortunately, his avarice landed him in prison instead.
"Your Highness, these are the candidates we are considering for the position at the steel plant," Industry Minister Karituri said as he presented several resumes to Crown Prince Edel.
"Is Bisk not suitable for the role?" Edel inquired, referring to the deputy director of the steel plant who had been temporarily overseeing operations. Bisk had been cleared of any wrongdoing in the recent scandal.
"Bisk is competent as a production leader, Your Highness, but he lacks the broader vision required for the growth and development of the steel plant," Karituri explained.
Understanding the minister's point—that Bisk was more accustomed to following orders than setting direction—Edel began to review the candidates' resumes Karituri had selected.
Vazquez: A 45-year-old Frenchman, previously the deputy director at Solak Steel Company in France. He resigned after clashing with the general manager and was currently unemployed.
Upon reading this, Edel internally dismissed Mr. Vazquez, suspecting his arrogance might bring more problems than solutions.
Kturowski: A 51-year-old Pole, formerly a deputy director at the Platte Steel Plant in Russia. He resigned due to ethnic discrimination and was now managing a small family-owned steel plant.
Bodeville: A 48-year-old German, previously a deputy at Krupp Steel Works. He had resigned two years ago due to health issues but was looking to re-enter the workforce after recovery.
Carosta: A 54-year-old Spaniard, who had directed a steel plant for the Spanish company Sotac but resigned over salary disputes. He too was currently unemployed.
After reviewing these profiles, Edel turned to Karituri. "What are your thoughts?"
"Your Highness, these candidates were carefully selected from a large pool, and all meet the basic requirements for managing the steel plant," the minister responded.
Still uncertain, Edel pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Perhaps we should arrange interviews with them."
"That sounds prudent," agreed Karituri.
"Please make the arrangements," Edel instructed.
Two weeks later, Karituri escorted the candidates to the palace.
"Greetings, Your Highness," they said, bowing upon meeting Edel.
"Welcome. You are all esteemed professionals in the steel industry. Given the importance of this enterprise to Romania, I've personally decided to interview each of you. We'll proceed one by one," Edel explained.
The candidates nodded in understanding.
"Mr. Vazquez, you'll stay first," Edel directed, and the others left the room.
"Mr. Vazquez, please share your vision for the Romanian Steel Company," Edel began.
"Your Highness, I believe the Romanian steel industry is currently too conservative. The production capacity of the steel plant is insufficient to meet domestic demands. I propose expanding production and aiming to dominate the surrounding markets as well as securing our domestic market," Vazquez explained.
Edel listened quietly then Karituri politely dismissed Vazquez to bring in the next candidate, Kturowski.
"Mr. Kturowski, your thoughts?" Edel asked.
"Your Highness, I believe we should first stabilize internally. Our current production can satisfy domestic needs without issue," Kturowski responded.
"Why do you think so?" Edel asked, intrigued.
"Because Romanian steel plants currently lack competitive advantages. All raw materials are imported, which drives up costs. Also, our industry's growth is heavily influenced by tariffs," Kturowski explained.
"Please, go on," Edel encouraged.
"In my opinion, until Romania discovers substantial coal and iron resources, our steel industry should focus on fulfilling domestic demand. We aren't competitive internationally yet," Kturowski concluded.
After a brief discussion, Karituri thanked Kturowski and then called in the German and Spanish candidates for their interviews.
Once all interviews were concluded, Karituri sought Edel's decision. "Your Highness, whom do you favor?"
"I believe Mr. Kturowski is the most suitable for the current situation at the Constanta Steel Plant," Edel decided, aligning with Kturowski's realistic assessment of the industry's capabilities.
"Very well, Your Highness, I will inform them of your decision this afternoon," Karituri said before departing.
Later that day, Karituri announced Kturowski as the new head of the Romanian Steel Company. The other candidates graciously congratulated him.
Upon assuming his role, Kturowski focused on enhancing production efficiency and eliminated unnecessary departments. He wisely allocated half of the saved funds to improve the food and welfare of the workers, earning their respect and solidifying his position.
As the steel plant began to thrive once more under Kturowski's leadership, Edel turned his attention to other matters. Soon, he received uplifting news—the Romanian Power Laboratory had successfully developed a small diesel engine, a significant achievement that promised new industrial opportunities for Romania.
The crown prince, upon arriving at the laboratory entrance, was promptly greeted by Rudolf Diesel. Without waiting for formalities and salutes to be exchanged, the crown prince, with a warm smile, took Diesel's hand and exclaimed, "Mr. Diesel, truly, you are the inventor of the diesel engine! You've developed a practical small oil extraction machine so quickly."
Diesel, slightly taken aback by the crown prince's enthusiastic approach, quickly regained his composure. As a businessman, he was adept at navigating such interactions. "Your Highness," Diesel responded with a smile, "all of this was made possible under your visionary guidance, and, of course, thanks to the tireless efforts of many colleagues in the laboratory."
Edel, observing the exchange, noted Diesel's ability to distribute credit where it was due.
"But without you, Rudolf Diesel, the progress wouldn't have been so smooth. This honor rightly belongs to you," Edel remarked conclusively.
Realizing they were still standing at the entrance, Edel added with a chuckle, "We can't spend all day exchanging pleasantries here, Diesel."
Prompted by the crown prince, Diesel quickly ushered, "Your Highness, please, this way."
The group proceeded into the laboratory. Under Diesel's lead, they arrived at a power experiment warehouse where a newly built diesel engine was on display.
"Bisslow, please introduce our new machine to His Highness," Diesel instructed a young researcher in his thirties who was standing by the engine.
The researcher named Bisslow stepped forward enthusiastically. "Your Royal Highness, what you see here is the latest innovation from our power laboratory. This is a 28-horsepower two-cylinder in-line diesel engine. It boasts a maximum output speed of 1850 RPM, a maximum power of 18.6 kW, and a rated frequency of 50 Hz. The engine features counterclockwise rotation, four-stroke water cooling, a cylinder diameter of 117 mm, and it weighs a total of 306 kg. Remarkably, it consumes only 5.4 kg of fuel per hour, making it an excellent candidate for installation in vehicles to replace other power equipment."
Edel, listening to Bisslow's detailed explanation, pondered Diesel's intentions. It seemed Diesel was keen on showcasing the diesel engine's potential applications in vehicles to the crown prince at the earliest opportunity.
"What is the trouble-free working time of this diesel engine currently?" Edel inquired, focusing on the engine's reliability.
Bisslow hesitated slightly before answering, "Due to limited testing, the engine's trouble-free working time currently stands at 310 hours."
Edel expressed his concern, "That won't do. The trouble-free working hours need to be extended. Our main targets for this engine are agricultural machines, which typically lack sophisticated maintenance facilities. If we stay at this level, it will hinder development, and potential users might not be inclined to invest."
Turning to Diesel, Edel asked, "How does the cost of this diesel engine compare to a gasoline engine of the same efficiency?"
Diesel pondered before responding, "Currently, due to higher requirements for cylinders and other components, this diesel engine is about 20%-30% more expensive than a comparable gasoline engine. However, we are still in the early stages of improving the reliability of this new diesel engine type. Give us three more months, and I believe we can meet practical standards."
Edel, now with a clearer understanding of the diesel engine's status and its management challenges, remained optimistic about its early stages. He recognized the pressure Diesel must be feeling to demonstrate the engine's viability.
Since taking charge of the power laboratory, Diesel had seen substantial financial support from Edel, with nearly 7 million lei invested in research and development. The crown prince had ensured that Diesel's team lacked neither materials nor personnel, making it one of the most financially intensive projects under Edel's jurisdiction.
"I am quite satisfied with this diesel engine as it stands, but its reliability is crucial, just like with the oil extraction machine. You must continue to strive for improvements. Once this diesel engine is perfected, your next priority should be to ensure ongoing development," Edel advised Diesel.
Diesel shared future plans, "After completing this phase, we plan to divide the powerhouse into three groups to focus on small and large diesel engines, as well as marine diesel engine types."
"I will fully support these initiatives," Edel assured him. "For the advancement of science and technology, I hope they can flourish here in Romania."
"It's truly an honor to have your support, Your Highness," Diesel expressed his gratitude.
After further discussions on progress in other areas, Edel left the power laboratory and returned to the palace.
"Go and bring Mr. Adri here," Edel commanded a guard upon his return.
When the guard located Director Adri, he inadvertently encountered King Carol I. Initially hesitant, the guard was noticed by the keen-eyed king and beckoned to proceed.
Following King Carol's directive, the guard entered properly and, after a few salutes, announced, "I have seen your Majesty."
King Carol, realizing the guard was not there for him, prompted, "You're looking for Director Adri, tell me if the crown prince needs anything."
"Your Majesty, I do not know," the guard replied, feeling intimidated like a lamb before a lion.
"Adri, take a look; it might be a funding issue again," King Carol suggested to the manager standing meticulously beside him.
The royal family's funds were heavily invested in industry, and although this strategy had seen success, the king found the all-in approach somewhat perplexing. In his view, it was unwise to put all one's eggs in one basket, and he considered the crown prince's method a cautionary example.
Following the king's remarks, General Manager Adri accompanied the guard to Edel's office.
"Your Highness, may I ask if you have any instructions?" Adri inquired upon arrival.
"How much money do we have now?" was the crown prince's immediate concern. With the diesel engine nearing completion, planning for a dedicated factory was imminent.
After pondering, Adri replied, "Your Highness, we can only repay the loan; we can no longer draw any money. The only funds remaining are the emergency reserve of 4 million lei (approximately £200,000)."
Hearing this, Edel realized he would have to temporarily shelve his plans and wait for the outcome of the ongoing rubber crisis.