"Oh, there's Baron von Joe!"
"Wow, Baron Hans von Joe!"
After returning to Potsdam.
Hans had to look at the mischievous faces of Joachim and Victoria Louise for several consecutive days.
It seemed that they finally had a new object of mockery and were extremely happy.
"... Please, at least don't call me von Joe."
How could anyone call him von Joe?
He could tolerate others calling him Hans, but this was really unacceptable.
"No! I don't want to!"
"Ah! Herzumlge!"
In the end, Hans clenched his teeth and shouted loudly, and Joachim and Louise finally stopped laughing and teasing.
That's why he hated children.
'Although I'm also a child.'
"By the way, Hans is now a rich man. How are you going to spend that money?"
"Go on a trip. A trip!"
Joachim replied excitedly.
You guys, that's my money, not yours.
"I have a place to spend it."
"What place?"
Louise tilted her head and asked.
"I can't go into details, but in short, it's an investment for the future."
Including new types of weapons, radio, airplanes, antibiotics, and so on...
Thanks to the surprising gift from Empress Victoria, Hans finally had the opportunity to obtain these things.
However, just as often happens in life, it's impossible to have everything one wants all at once.
He had to make a choice.
'Put the airplane aside for now.'
Although the airplane is an important resource that must be acquired and developed as soon as possible to welcome the upcoming World War, it can't be obtained immediately now.
Because 1903 is the year when the Wright brothers made the first human flight.
'Come to think of it, isn't Count Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin also developing airships at this time?'
His airship probably had its first flight last year.
The result wasn't very satisfactory.
And although the airship is a man's romance, it's not actually that practical.
It might be okay in the early stages of the war, but later it will be replaced by airplanes because of its large size and slow speed. Most importantly, the risk of explosion and fire caused by hydrogen is too great.
'Use helium, but it's too expensive.'
Anyway, Hans didn't plan to use his own money to invest in such a thing.
Although those Germans who are obsessed with its grandeur might not agree with his opinion.
'Let them do it themselves. Next, what I'm interested in is antibiotics...'
Penicillin.
The miraculous antibiotic produced by Penicillium.
The greatest drug created by mankind.
Considering its impact and value, he must obtain it.
However, the pharmaceutical industry is a money-consuming black hole.
If it's not done well, the result might be nothing, and even the inheritance left by Empress Victoria could be exhausted.
In short, it's high risk and high return.
'Put it aside for now as well.'
Then, in the end, what he can start investing in now might be the radio and new types of weapons prepared for the World War.
First of all, as Hans mentioned before, radio has great potential for military applications. More importantly, it is an extremely attractive propaganda medium.
It would be great if he could develop it himself.
'What a pity I'm not an engineer.'
Unfortunately, Hans wasn't born as a technical person.
So he needed some geniuses to replace him and help develop radio and related technologies.
And the first person he wanted to introduce was Reginald Fessenden, a pioneer in radio technology.
By 1901, he might still be working for the United States Weather Bureau.
'The second one is...'
Nikola Tesla.
A representative genius scientist at the beginning of the 20th century.
'However, he is also a typical mad scientist.'
He is indeed a troublesome person, but if handled properly, he can bring breakthrough technologies and inventions.
Hans remembered that in the online novels he read in his previous life, the protagonist always treated Tesla like a slave, and he also wanted to give it a try.
What's more, Tesla is a pioneer in wireless communication technology. Although due to various misfortunes, his patent was taken away by Marconi, his technology and knowledge are extremely attractive.
'However, the problem is that I'm not quite sure what Tesla was doing during this period.'
Hans knew that he had been doing the famous Tesla coil experiment in Colorado Springs until last year, but he wasn't sure what he had done after that.
However, he is a famous person, so it should be easy to find him.
And he was born in Croatia, Austria-Hungary, so there shouldn't be any communication problems.
Hans decided to write to Fessenden and Tesla later and invite them to Germany to work on radio with him.
'Finally, there are new types of weapons...'
In fact, Hans wanted to develop tanks first, but it couldn't be done now, so he decided to start with firearms.
For example, the submachine gun, which can be said to be one of the foundations of this era.
'In trench warfare, the submachine gun is invincible.'
Although in the original history, the submachine gun didn't appear until close to the end of World War I and didn't have many opportunities to show its power, its power is beyond doubt.
If he could occupy the field of submachine guns in advance, it would definitely be of great use later.
"Let me see, the letter... No, it's better for me to do this in person."
"Hmm? Hans, where are you going?"
"I'm going to Suhl tomorrow."
"Suhl? Thuringia?"
"Yes."
Suhl.
Even during the East German period, many shooting athletes had trained here. It has long been the center of Germany's firearms industry.
There was someone who could manufacture the submachine gun he wanted.
...
The next day.
Louis Schmeisser, the chief firearms developer of the Bergmann Arsenal on the line, showed a puzzled expression at the noisy scene in the factory early in the morning.
"Boss, it's so noisy in the morning. What happened?"
"Oh! Louis, you're here?"
Theodor Bergmann, the boss of the Bergmann Arsenal, greeted Louis's arrival excitedly.
"Come and take a look at this."
"Is it a telegram?"
Bergmann was indeed holding a small piece of telegraph paper in his hand.
"This was sent from Potsdam last night. A nobleman wants to visit our factory today!"
"What? A nobleman?"
"Yes. You should have heard of the 'Oriental boy who saved the Kaiser', right?"
Louis nodded doubtfully.
Although he didn't know much about it specifically, he also knew who this boy was.
His name was probably "Hans Joe", right?
"But it's ridiculous that this boy is actually a nobleman.
He's a yellow man."
"You're so slow with the news. The Kaiser recently granted the boy a title, and he's a baron!"
"Ha..."
In his life so far, he never expected to see an Oriental person become a baron in the German Empire.
Is this the 20th century? It seems the world is really changing.
"So what does this Baron want to do in our armory?"
"He said he wants to entrust us to develop the revolutionary new firearm he designed!"
"What? A revolutionary firearm?"
"Yes, he is willing to bear the development cost of the prototype himself. It is said that this Baron inherited a huge fortune from the Empress Dowager and now he is eager to spend some money."
The words "revolutionary firearm" immediately piqued the interest of Louis, who was a firearm developer.
However, he then remembered that Hans Joe, or Baron Hans von Joe, was only 9 years old, and he showed a look of dissatisfaction.
"Isn't it just a child who knows nothing squandering money randomly?"
"Who knows? Let's first listen to what he has to say."
After all, money is always persuasive.
Bergmann said this and returned to his office.
Louis, who had a stronger sense of pride as a craftsman, wore an unhappy expression on his face, wondering if this was a waste of time.
A moment later.
"Welcome, Baron! I'm Theodor Bergmann, the owner of the Bergmann Arsenal."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Bergmann."
It was the very Baron who had made the Bergmann Arsenal bustling with activity – Baron Hans von Joe.
"This is our factory's chief firearm developer, Louis Schmeisser."
"I'm Louis Schmeisser."
"It's an honor to meet a renowned master craftsman who enjoys a great reputation in Europe, Mr. Schmeisser."
Louis couldn't help but smile at the Baron's compliment.
The Baron's first impression was better than expected.
He seemed composed and polite, not at all like a naive young master or a despicable yellow man, breaking the previous prejudices.
"However, who are those people behind you?"
Bergmann pointed at several burly bodyguards in suits standing behind Hans.
"They are my bodyguards. Her Majesty the Empress was particularly worried when she heard that I was coming alone, so she sent them to accompany me."
"Oh, I see."
Upon hearing the Baron casually mention the Empress of the German Empire, both Louis and Bergmann couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
It seemed that the Kaiser really doted on him.
"Then, let's go in."
Led by Bergmann and Louis, Hans and his bodyguards entered the armory.
"These two young men look very much like Mr. Schmeisser."
Hans said as he observed the armory with great interest.
Louis scratched his head somewhat shyly.
"Ah, those are my sons. They are studying hard now, hoping to become firearm developers like me.
The eldest son is named Hans, and the younger son is named Hugo."
"Is that so..."
Hans looked at the Schmeisser brothers curiously.
His eyes were as sharp as a falcon spotting its prey, shining with a gleam.
...
Found them!
Hans called out to Louis Schmeisser's sons, especially the younger son.
Hugo Schmeisser.
He was the developer of the MP18, the world's first submachine gun put into actual combat.
Moreover, during the Nazi Germany period, he also developed the StG44, the world's first assault rifle, and was the founder of assault rifles.
"If the United States has Eugene Stoner and Russia has Mikhail Kalashnikov, then Germany has Hugo Schmeisser."
This was a genius that Hans had to capture.
"Mr. Schmeisser, could you please let your sons join us for a chat?"
"Hmm? But my sons are not yet mature in firearm development, and there are many aspects where they are not proficient..."
"It doesn't matter. I want to hear the thoughts of the young people."
After hearing Hans' words, although Louis was worried that his sons might cause trouble, he still nodded.
Mr. Schmeisser, you should be proud of your son. He will become a great firearm developer in history in the future.
"Alright, this is my office."
Hans, President Bergmann, and the Schmeisser father and son sat down and prepared to officially start the discussion.
The bodyguards were arranged to wait outside the office.
These big guys would only make people feel oppressed and have difficulty breathing if they were inside.
"First of all, let me introduce the firearm I envisioned."
As he spoke, Hans took out the pre-prepared plan from his briefcase and distributed it to Schmeisser and Bergmann.
The Schmeisser brothers also looked at the plan with interest.
"MaschinenPistole...?"
"It can be regarded as a portable machine gun that is small and light enough."
"It is mentioned here that pistol cartridges are used. Is it to reduce the recoil of the gun and improve stability?"
Hans nodded at Schmeisser's words.
"It's really innovative. The recoil of a fully automatic gun using rifle cartridges is too great, and it's quite a choice to use pistol cartridges instead."
"I suggest using the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge recently developed by the DWM company. After all, even for pistol cartridges, using 7.65x21mm ammunition cannot provide sufficient power."
Hugo Schmeisser added without hesitation.
In fact, the MP18 also used 9x19mm ammunition.
"However, with this structure, the range will be much shorter than that of a traditional bolt-action rifle, right?"
Schmeisser said with concern.
This was quite normal.
Most firearms in that era were designed based on long-range combat.
"It doesn't matter. After all, the submachine gun is designed for close combat, such as trench warfare or urban warfare, rather than long-range engagement.
To improve portability and mobility, the submachine gun needs to be shorter and lighter than a traditional rifle.
After all, the name'submachine gun' doesn't come for nothing.
"It's really a very interesting firearm, but we have some concerns. Our armory mainly produces automatic pistols and has never made a gun like this."
Bergmann said and looked towards Louis Schmeisser.
"Louis, can we make it?"
"..."
Louis Schmeisser closed his eyes and pondered for a moment.
"We can make it!"
But it was his younger son, Hugo Schmeisser, who spoke up.
"Hugo?"
"The concept is already clear, and all that's left is the skill of the firearm developer. If father and my brother and I work together, we can definitely make it. Even more, we really want to make it."
If they successfully developed this submachine gun, the names of the Schmeisser father and son would go down in history.
Hugo Schmeisser said with great confidence.
This was the pride and passion of the young.
"Hmm. Alright, then let's give it a try."
It seemed that he was infected by his son's passion. Louis' craftsmanship spirit burned again, and he nodded, making his decision.
The contract was thus reached.