While Prim was dedicated to reform and Spain remained stable internally, Carlo was surprised to find himself with nothing to do.
Such reforms could be left to Prim, as it was, after all, a task that would offend many people.
It was no exaggeration to say that, overall, the reforms offended all forces in Spain, except for the reformists who supported them.
If not for Prim's extremely high prestige within the Spanish army, it's likely that Prim's reforms would not have been completed before Spain's prime minister was replaced.
The current reforms were also a huge gamble for Prim himself. If he won, Spain would have a hope of rejoining the Great Powers, and Prim would remain the beloved prime minister of Spain.
But if he failed, the forces Prim had offended would not let him off. Even if Carlo could provide Prim himself with protection, Prim's reputation was destined to be ruined, becoming a textbook example for denouncing those reformists.
With Prim acting as the vanguard of the reforms, Carlo naturally did not wish to get too involved with Prim's reforms.
With free time on his hands, Carlo decided to oversee the construction of the Electricity Laboratory and the Engine Company.
As the core of the Second Industrial Revolution, Carlo placed great importance on electricity and engines. Both major core institutions were located in Madrid, not too far by car from the Royal Palace.
On a vacant lot on the outskirts of Madrid, a large area of land had already been fenced off.
This was the designated site for the Electricity Laboratory and the Engine Research Laboratory, and also the core location for Spain to join and promote the Second Industrial Revolution.
To instill confidence in Gramme and the others for their future research, Carlo specifically invited Gramme, Benz, and two others, along with many technical professionals, to visit the construction of the laboratories.
The construction difficulty of the laboratories was not high as, at this time, research in electricity and engines did not require overly precise equipment; everything was just starting from scratch.
The entire construction site could be viewed as a large experimental area, with the west side built for Gramme and the Electricity Laboratory, the east side for Benz, and the other two, for the Engine Research and Development area.
The entire large experimental area generally consisted of small buildings of three stories or less, which was also to facilitate faster construction, as there was no demand for high-rise buildings in an experimental area.
In the central part of the entire experimental area, a five-story apartment building would rise from the ground. The first and second floors of the apartment building would be restaurants and leisure areas, while the third to fifth floors would be rest areas for all personnel in the experimental area.
After all, during the most crucial stages of an experiment, most personnel involved would not have time to commute between home and the laboratory.
Doing so would waste too much time; it would be better to build an apartment building in the experimental area for personnel involved in experiments to take short rests.
Looking at the planning of the entire experimental area, Gramme and the others were quite satisfied. Such a planning layout was much more formal than the companies and places they had previously worked at, and conducting their experiments would be even more convenient.
"Your Majesty, when can the Electricity Laboratory be completed? I am already eager to conduct my experiments in such an environment; it's simply perfect." Gramme could no longer contain his excitement, asking Carlo with an impatient look.
Carlo looked at the head of laboratory construction next to him, who immediately understood and explained to everyone: "Currently, the construction of the experimental area is progressing very smoothly, and all construction is expected to be completed within 3 to 4 months."
"Too slow, still too slow." Gramme shook his head slightly disappointed, then asked: "Can the laboratories be completed first?
Other less important supporting buildings can be built later. If the laboratories are ready, research on electricity can begin."
"It should be possible, Mr. Gramme." The official thought for a moment before replying: "If only the laboratories are built, they should be completed within a month and a half.
Considering the installation of some experimental equipment, the laboratories should be ready for use in two months."
Gramme nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.
Two months was also the shortest theoretical time. After all, laboratories also have certain requirements, especially the Electricity Laboratory, which also needs to ensure safety.
Hasty construction would not be beneficial for experiments, and waiting for two months was very necessary.
Seeing Gramme's eagerness to start electricity experiments, Carlo smiled and said: "I have already prepared a temporary experimental site for you in the outskirts of Madrid. Although it's not very formal, it will be fine for two months of use.
Perhaps the next time we come, the construction of the laboratories will be almost complete."
Although Carlo had approved the construction of the laboratories long before Carter departed, the construction speed of this era was certainly not comparable to later generations.
Even though they were small buildings of three stories or less, because they were for experimental use, they still required a long time to wait.
In later generations, the construction of such three-story buildings would be incredibly fast; perhaps Gramme and the others would not even have arrived in Madrid before the laboratories were completed.
Everyone continued their tour.
Behind this large experimental area, there was also a not-so-small lake. The scenery around the lake was beautiful, and the water was quite clear, making it a rather good place for leisure and vacation.
The beautiful scenery around the lake attracted everyone, and even Daimler, who was already married, couldn't help but exclaim: "It's truly a great place for a vacation; it feels like a waste to use it for building laboratories."
"No, Mr. Daimler." Carlo smiled and said, "That is precisely the reason for choosing to build the laboratories here. You scientists who conduct experiments need such beautiful scenery; experimentation and rest are indispensable, and good rest leads to better experiments."
Hearing Carlo's words, Daimler paused, then nodded with a smile.
If he had felt at least six parts resentment about being kidnapped when he first arrived in Spain, that resentment had now largely dissipated.
At least he had accepted working in Spain, for who else could encounter a king who respected scientists so much elsewhere?
It was no exaggeration to say that ordinary people in Europe at this time had no human rights. Commoners were objects of exploitation; in other words, they were livestock cheaper than actual livestock.
Adult males were exploited the most severely; they worked like beasts, but the wages they received could barely support their families, or even not support their families at all.
Adult females were exploited like males; they contributed no less labor than men, but their income was pitifully low.
Child laborers were even worse. Capitalists used child laborers like adults, yet child laborers had the lowest incomes.
In an era when commoners were not even considered human, encountering such a monarch who respected him, Daimler felt that Spain was not so bad after all.
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