Chapter 15

May 18th, 1894.

On the outskirts of Constanta City, a huge industrial complex is being built. Frederick is watching the tests of two vehicles. After some consideration, Frederick ordered Benz and Daimler to jointly develop an affordable and simple vehicle that could be mass-produced and easily repaired. Frederick also hired Henry Ford, an American engineer.

After months of research, they came up with two models. Prototype- B and Prototype T.

"Your Highness, we had made these two prototypes. At first, we only had Prototype B as it was developed by Benz-Daimler but after Mr. Ford joined the Research and Development (R&D) group he proposed an alternative after learning that our consortium was interested in developing a vehicle that middle-class people could afford which is the prototype T,"

Prototype B's simplicity is evident but Daimler and Benz focused too much on the quality of the components. The vehicle production costs are around 287 pounds(it's a huge number for middle-class workers).

Prototype T used Daimler's Engine and a few components from Benz vehicles. All the rest components are from different countries even with the great costs of exporting them, the prototype T production cost is 187 pounds! That's a huge difference between them.

"Can you lower the costs of producing the prototype T?" asked Frederick looking directly at Henry Ford.

"Yes sir, if you give me enough funds the costs can be lowered to 120-140 pounds for each vehicle." Replied Henry Ford nervously.

Frederick thought for a moment and announced:

"From today onwards, Benz-Daimler vehicles will continue to be focused on their original market strategists while I'll create a new company under the consortium called Sigmarigen-Ford Automobile focused on simple affordable vehicles. Congratulations Mr. Ford" Said Frederick while he offered him a handshake.

Henry Ford was dazed for a few seconds then quickly accepted the handshake.

"Thank you so much, Your Highness, I will do my best to lower the prices and maintain the quality of the prototype T,"

Daimler and Benz looked at each other with visibly disappointed expressions but they accepted the result, the prototype T is in line with what the crown prince asked for.

"How much time do you need to start mass production?"

After a brief period of silence then

"If the capital is sufficient, two to three years to construct factories, buy patents, machinery and solve some minor technical issues."

After discussing it for a while, Frederick went to the Golescu palace to attend the cabinet meeting.

Nicolae Ciolacu, the new prime minister of Romania, the cabinet, and King Carol I were discussing the recent development of the country.

After a few more minutes the discussion ended and King Carol I looked in my direction and announced:

"Today the crown prince has a proposal for the cabinet and the parliament If you may please hear what he has to say"

Frederick quickly unfolded a large map of the Balkans and gave a copy of a thick document to each one present.

"Good afternoon everyone, to make it quick I want to propose a political, economic, educational, and cultural reform. The documents in your hands were carefully made by me and advised by several professionals, you can check on them calmly while I introduce you to the current situation of the kingdom"

Everyone was surprised but nobody questioned the crown prince's proposal right away, not long ago there was a huge purge and everyone's position was given by the royal family.

"This is the current map of our kingdom and Romanian-speaking region around us. As you know, the royal family invested heavily in infrastructure, railways, industry, and social programs to achieve the dream of a Great Romanian Kingdom! But we have many limitations like territory, natural resources, and population. It doesn't matter how much money we pour into the Romanian economy, we will be stagnant and limited by our country's poor conditions.

Therefore, I propose a change! The political system I proposed is similar to that of the British Empire. The economic reform is innovative for the times but as you know, I'm renowned in the business field and already consulted several financial experts about the reform. The educational and cultural reform is about the educational curriculum, as I want to include women in our economy, politics, and military and also organize sports events for men and women. "

After several minutes of reading the documents, the cabinet members glanced a each other

"Your Highness, the new political reform you propose divides the work that one person in charge could do perfectly, I think it's a bit wasteful to create so many new positions," said the Deputy Prime minister.

Almost all the ministries's members nodded at his statement.

"Your royal highness although I recognize your wisdom for your achievements until now, I don't agree with granting women the right to vote nor the right to enter the military. We can discuss giving them more freedom as I understand your point" said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"That's right your highness, how can a woman participate in politics? Since you aren't married yet you must not know them very well"

"I agree with his excellency, your highness, woman are capricious and sentimental beings those qualities aren't meant for politics"

"We can discuss the economic reform. Since the royal family took the lead in the industrialization process of our kingdom, we have been making huge investments in Romania, If your highness wants to reform with need a lot of money," said the Chancellor of the Exchequer respectfully.

Frederick listened to them one by one as their point of view it does make sense to be against some of his reformist policies.

"Gentleman, as I said before, the kingdom of Romania lacks manpower, capable individuals, and territory. Including women in politics is just a way to get them to participate in our society, and in our future economic plans for them to help us build a great kingdom, and in the military is for them to help us fight our enemies. Although this new concept might sound strange to you, women can do a lot more if you properly educate them and give them opportunities!

I'm not forcing you to accept it right away and force businessmen and the government to employ women, just pass this bill and watch how it can help Romania! As for women's voting rights, we can put that on hold for a few years instead let's only accept university-graduated women's votes for upcoming elections"

"But aren't we doing great right now? Our country is in the process of industrialization, we defeated the old big landowner who exploited peasants and have introduced a lot of industries to the kingdom"

This statement led to more voices of disagreement about the reforms...

"I understand your concerns but this is all temporary, do you plan the kingdom to be forever a small Balkan country?

A country that depends on the mood of the big powers to continue existing?

Remember we are in a precarious position, a big war might happen at any time and erase our kingdom from the map!"

Everyone is silent at this statement, they knew that the Balkans were just in temporary peace, and Romania had belligerent countries as our neighbors even if the kingdom didn't try to expand outwards war would always threaten our borders or affect the economy of our kingdom.

"The economic reform is a big plan with a huge risk in issuing bonds and taking a lot of foreign debt but I guarantee you that with the correct investments in our country, our actual economic growth will at least quadruple!

As for the political reform, we will implement it regardless of your objections. As time passes more industries will emerge and new departments must be created in advance to cope with the intense planning of the government," said Frederick firmly.

Although he asked for their opinions about social reforms and economic reform, the political reform is not debatable. The royal family now has huge control over the government almost like an absolute monarchy. Popular support, international support, and huge capital invested all over Romania, the royal family's influence is unimaginable.

"Alright let's take a break for the day, we need to think about this carefully and not make rash decisions." Carol I announced after being quiet the entire meeting.

Everyone nodded and left the room.

"Son, I don't agree with you on many new policies that you just proposed but I trust you, You have demonstrated over the years your wisdom and intelligence but remember to have your feet on the ground and always listen to advice from capable individuals you trust even the wisest man can commit mistakes and mistakes while being a ruler with huge authority can be fatal." Carol I left after saying that.

Frederick always kept that in mind. He didn't want to make a big mistake due to his inflated ego or carelessness.

After a month of long discussions, the cabinet agreed with all but the political reform, they were strongly against it.

June 19th, 1894.

Frederick received an unexpected visit...

_________________________________

Chapters are released on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week! I might add an extra chapter any time!

Thanks for your support until now! Let me know of any grammar mistakes, please.

(1) Prototype T is the famous Model T of Ford.

(2) Speaking about "affordable" vehicles, it depends on each country. Romanian citizens might not own vehicles early on but in the future, those cars are meant for American and European markets.