Inside the bustling Volkswagen headquarters, General Manager Minoba was engaged in a polite conversation with a major named Hoffman. The major had arrived bearing a handwritten instruction from Crown Prince Edel himself, requesting Volkswagen's cooperation. This letter was the only reason Hoffman was able to secure an audience with the busy Minoba.
"This visit is at the behest of the Crown Prince, as I require an armored vehicle. I am aware that Volkswagen possesses the finest craftsmanship and technology in Europe for such a task," Major Hoffman explained, fully aware that he was leveraging the Crown Prince's influence to facilitate his request.
In response, Minoba, though accustomed to such tactics, remained noncommittal. He knew the intricacies of armored vehicle production well enough. "Indeed, our factory is equipped with the leading technology. What base vehicle do you have in mind for the armored car?" Minoba inquired.
Hoffman knew that Volkswagen's Dongfeng trucks could potentially meet his specifications, but their maximum load capacity of 4 tons was insufficient. He wondered if Volkswagen had any heavier models available. "Mr. Minoba, are there any vehicles in your lineup that can handle a heavier load than the Dongfeng trucks?"
Instead of answering directly, Minoba called his secretary and asked for Director Tuslid to join them. After the secretary departed, Minoba turned to Hoffman with a smile. "A month ago, I would have said no. But now, we might have just what you need. Director Tuslid will show you shortly."
The vehicle Minoba referred to was a new model commissioned by Prince Edel, designed to carry a load of three to five tons. It had only been finalized last month and was still undergoing testing at the factory.
Soon, Technical Director Tuslid appeared, his shirt stained with oil and his demeanor that of a man deeply involved in his work. "What can I do for you, General Manager?" Tuslid asked upon arrival.
Minoba introduced him to Hoffman. "This is Major Hoffman. He's here regarding an armored vehicle."
Tuslid, extending his greasy hand, greeted Hoffman. "Hello, Major Hoffman."
"Hello, Director Tuslid," Hoffman replied, shaking the offered hand, a gesture of mutual respect despite the grime.
Minoba then instructed Tuslid, "Please take Major Hoffman to see the new truck at the testing site."
"Let's go check out the new truck first," Tuslid suggested to Hoffman, who eagerly agreed.
After thanking Minoba for his assistance, Hoffman followed Tuslid out of the office and through the factory. As they walked, Tuslid began to describe the new truck. "It's a masterpiece from Volkswagen, capable of hauling five tons and traveling 160 kilometers on a full tank."
"It sounds impressive," Hoffman remarked, genuinely intrigued.
"We've spent four years developing it, overcoming more than 200 challenges. I once spent three months straight in the R&D center for this project," Tuslid shared, pride evident in his voice.
As they moved through the factory, Hoffman was struck by the industrious atmosphere. Workers were focused and efficient, embodying the essence of modern industry. "It's truly remarkable," he commented, slightly overwhelmed by the scale of operations.
"It's normal to feel that way. I was the same when I first saw it," Tuslid empathized, leading Hoffman to the R&D center. However, he pointed out that the new truck was not there but at a test track behind the building.
Arriving at the test track, they observed the new truck in action. It was performing a test climb on a steep incline with a six-ton load, its engine roaring powerfully. Technicians around them cheered as the truck successfully made the climb, praising both the power team and the design team for their contributions.
Tuslid then turned to Hoffman. "How do you find the new truck?"
"It's exactly what I need: powerful, robust, and with a significant load capacity," Hoffman responded, asking about the truck's weight.
"It weighs 4.13 tons," a technician replied casually.
Hoffman quickly calculated the modifications needed for his armored vehicle, estimating a reduction in weight by removing unnecessary parts and then adding armor, weapons, and other equipment.
"Let's proceed with this model then. I'll need assistance for the modifications," Hoffman decided.
"No problem at all," Tuslid assured him, calling over three technicians—Wang, Bikya, and Herk—to assist Hoffman.
Upon noticing Wang's Asian features, Hoffman curiously inquired if he was Japanese. Wang, accustomed to such questions, clarified he was Chinese, not Japanese, and spoke fluent Romanian.
Apologizing for his assumption, Hoffman was then introduced to the other technicians. Tuslid briefed them on Hoffman's project, and they all expressed their readiness to assist.
Wang, in particular, was motivated to stay and contribute to the project, despite earlier plans to return to China and help develop its automotive industry. Tuslid, aware of Wang's potential, hoped this project would encourage him to stay longer.
Under Hoffman's direction, the team set to work, transforming the new Volkswagen truck into a robust armored vehicle for Romania, marking the beginning of a significant collaboration.
After hearing the guard's words, Edel raised his head and twisted his aching neck. "Invite him in," he commanded wearily.
As the guard departed, Edel's eyes returned to the documents sprawled before him. They contained the recent price index of raw materials essential for Romania's economy. With the escalating tensions across Europe, the prices of these materials had been fluctuating. Take rubber, for instance, a major import for Romania, sourced primarily from Southeast Asia, though originally native to Brazil's tropical rainforests. Its price had surged from a mere two shillings and eighteen pence three years ago to six shillings and three pence currently, influenced by both increased industrial demand and the ongoing geopolitical strife.
"Your Royal Highness, you summoned me?" Prime Minister Bretianu entered briskly, his voice tinged with urgency as he paused to catch his breath. His office was inundated with tasks, particularly concerning the staffing in newly annexed territories—a crucial factor in stabilizing the regions recently captured by Romania.
"How is our new territory faring?" Edel inquired, a routine question whenever he met with the Prime Minister.
"The personnel from the Bulgarian government are persuading the locals to relocate to their newly acquired lands," Bretianu reported, his tone laced with unease. "Your Highness, are we truly to just allow them to coax these people away?"
"Yes, it will at least diminish potential sources of unrest. Without these homeland-bound individuals, the remaining locals should be able to maintain some semblance of order," Edel responded, his decision steeped in a pragmatic approach to governance.
Despite the Crown Prince's reassurance, Bretianu remained somewhat perplexed. The Balkan nations were currently engaged in mutual expulsions of ethnic groups. For instance, the Bulgarian government had forced approximately 200,000 Turks to relocate, and over 100,000 Greeks had been sent back to Greece. Conversely, Greece had expelled around 90,000 Bulgarians back to Bulgaria. This pattern of forced migrations was a common response among the nations that had carved up the Ottoman Empire's European territories, each ejecting those they deemed foreign to their national identity.
This mass displacement had resulted in nearly a million individuals being forcibly resettled, with the Ottoman Empire receiving the lion's share of displaced persons. These individuals, only allowed to carry personal belongings, banknotes, and precious metals, were stripped of their homes and lands, which were promptly appropriated by the state.
Interestingly, the over 100,000 Romanians in Macedonia had not been expelled, likely due to Bulgaria's wariness of Romania's military strength. Nonetheless, Bretianu had proactively sent agents to encourage these Romanians to return, estimating that between 50,000 and 60,000 might be persuaded to relocate.
"I called you here to discuss our financial reserves. How much liquidity do we have?" Edel shifted the conversation towards the state's fiscal health.
Bretianu tensed, wary of the implications. The Crown Prince's inquiry could signify another costly initiative. "Due to the war's heavy expenditures, our available emergency funds amount to only 20 million lei. We anticipate an improvement after the October grain tax," he explained cautiously.
"And are there alternative financial avenues open to us?" Edel probed further, aware of Romania's improving fiscal landscape and the willingness of banks to extend credit.
"If we seek foreign loans now, several banks would lend us up to 100 million lei. With higher interest commitments, we could potentially secure up to 200 million lei, though such loans would necessitate tax revenues as collateral," Bretianu disclosed reluctantly.
Upon hearing this, Edel contemplated the royal family's own financial reserves of 110 million lei, considering a comprehensive strategy to stockpile essential industrial raw materials for the next two to three years. He excluded coal and iron ore from his calculations, as these could be imported from neighboring regions like Austria-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire, without significantly affecting the national treasury.
Reflecting on the past, Edel recalled how, eight years earlier, Romania had been dependent on Germany for a 300 million lei loan to kickstart industrialization and reorganize the army. Now, the possibility of borrowing 200 million lei independently marked a significant stride in Romania's economic autonomy.
"Let's secure the foreign loans at 200 million lei," Edel decided, causing Bretianu to reel in surprise. This was a monumental sum, reminiscent of the initial capital raised for Romania's industrial surge eight years prior. What grand plans did the Crown Prince have now?
Edel noticed Bretianu's puzzled expression and decided to clarify his intentions. "The situation in Europe is escalating. Most of our imports pass through the Ottoman Strait, and any disruption similar to the Balkan War could severely impact us. We must prepare for the possibility of a broader European conflict."
Bretianu absorbed this with a growing sense of the gravity of the situation. The crown prince's foresight into potential supply chain disruptions made sense, yet the scale of the proposed financial commitment was daunting. "Is the proposed amount not excessive? Typically, nations stockpile raw materials for only about half a year."
"When war erupts, its duration is unpredictable. It's prudent to be over-prepared," Edel countered, unable to disclose his belief that the impending conflict could last much longer than anyone anticipated.
Conceding to the crown prince's logic, Bretianu agreed to initiate the procurement of essential raw materials. Edel then presented a list, prepared in secrecy by the Minister of Industry, detailing the required imports like copper ore, manganese ore, nitrate, and rubber—key to sustaining Romanian industry for three to four years. Notably absent were coal and iron ore, which Bretianu realized would require even more funds to secure.
Seeing Bretianu's concern, Edel offered a solution. "The royal family will purchase 100 million lei of the government-issued foreign debt to aid in these acquisitions."
"Are we certain we can utilize such vast resources?" Bretianu questioned, still apprehensive.
"Just follow the plan. Whatever remains post-war will still be of use," Edel reassured him, his tone brooking no argument.
Bretianu, though internally resistant, nodded in acquiescence. "Very well, I will oversee the government's procurement efforts."
In the months that followed, Romania aggressively borrowed from international banks and methodically stockpiled the industrial raw materials it deemed essential. The scale of these purchases baffled other nations, subtly driving up global prices due to Romania's unexpected demand. Yet, the strategic foresight behind these actions remained known only to a select few within the Romanian leadership, setting the stage for a nation braced for uncertainty in tumultuous times.