“Damn pirate!”
During the long voyage across the Atlantic, Karl repeatedly gritted his teeth at that thief far away in America, his hatred difficult to appease.
That’s right.
In the end, it was because of that unscrupulous pirate bastard that Karl, still a young boy, had stepped onto an ocean liner bound for America.
The first hurdle was the beginning.
He had to convince his father and mother.
He was still crushing elementary schoolers at the Theresian Academy; when he suddenly said he wanted to go to the distant American countryside, what parents would easily let him go?
However, his father, Archduke Otto, was unexpectedly easy to talk to.
Karl told him he was going to grab that American who stole “our family’s things” by the neck and teach him a lesson.
His father laughed heartily and agreed, even feeling that this showed the spirit of a “Habsburg man.”
His mother, Maria Josepha, was not so easily swayed, her worry and reluctance intertwined.
But in the end, after Karl’s repeated assurances and his proposal of several conditions, she reluctantly allowed it.
A truly excellent son does not easily back down before his mother.
Karl acted a bit more firm, and for a moment, his mother could do nothing with him, only repeatedly instructing him on safety.
It seemed that after returning, he would have to show more filial piety and properly comfort her.
Mother, I will make the Empire live on well, so that in the future, you can enjoy your honor for a long, long time with great prestige.
“Your Highness, New York Harbor will be reached shortly.”
Traveling to America with Karl was his business partner, Otto Tressler, along with several Austrian veterans accompanying them as Guards.
These people were the conditions his mother had set.
Tressler was a business partner, so it was natural for him to travel along; as for Guards, the more the better.
His mother even wanted to send more people, but Karl talked her out of it, citing it would be too conspicuous.
After all, Karl knew deeply that his life was very precious now, tied to many future plans.
After arriving in New York, they did not stay but immediately headed to the Austro-Hungarian Legation in Washington D.C.
“Your…
Your Highness…?!”
Seeing Karl’s sudden appearance, the Minister to the United States, Ladislaus Hengelmüller von Hengervár, could not hide his shock at all, his expression as if he had seen a ghost in broad daylight.
Anyone would be the same.
In America, far across the ocean, to suddenly encounter a member of the imperial family who should be in Vienna at the legation—who wouldn’t be startled?
Although Karl was young, he was, after all, a high-ranking member of the imperial family in the line of succession; his status was no small matter.
“I am glad to see you, Mr.
Minister.”
Karl maintained the etiquette appropriate to his status.
“It…
it is a great honor to see Your Highness.
But, how could you…
no, I mean, we received no formal communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Court in Vienna beforehand…”
This professional diplomat, known for his excellent ability and flexibility and who had been granted a noble title, was now somewhat incoherent due to the sudden arrival of a member of the imperial family, becoming quite the distinguished fool.
“There was no prior communication.
I have come in secret to handle some private business matters,” Karl explained calmly.
“I…
I see?
Ha…”
The Minister tried his best to calm his heart.
The movements of the imperial family were naturally not something to be made public casually.
Shouting it to the world would only add risk and trouble for no reason.
Only a small-scale operation could get things done quickly and directly.
“Mr.
Minister, I have a matter I need your assistance with.”
“Me?
Please give your instructions, Your Highness.”
“Thomas Edison.
I hope you can invite Mr.
Thomas Edison to dinner at the legation in the name of the legation.”
“Is that the Thomas Edison who founded General Electric?”
Karl nodded.
To be honest, Karl’s heart wanted to rush immediately to the Menlo Park Laboratory in New Jersey and grab that bearded man by the collar.
But everything must have an order.
Even if Edison was raking in money in America by pirating his movies, Karl initially felt somewhat helpless.
What did that mean?
It meant literally that under the existing legal and diplomatic frameworks, it was truly difficult for him to directly sanction the other party.
In this era, although the international patent system already existed and the concept of copyright was gradually taking shape, for a new thing like movies, legal protection was almost a blank space, especially involving transnational infringement. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
In other words, if someone stole your movie copy to screen it and make money, from the perspective of existing international law and US domestic law, it was very likely no clear clauses could be found to pursue them.
Even transnational intellectual property lawsuits in the twenty-first century are a mess and time-consuming; how much more so in the late nineteenth century, when law lagged far behind technological development?
It was precisely because he was almost helpless through conventional legal channels that Karl decided to cross the ocean to America himself; if it could be easily resolved with legal documents or agents, why would he take the risk of coming here personally?
However, even in the late nineteenth century, it was not as if there were no ways.
America was not some third-rate country; the Federal Supreme Court had long been established, and the judicial system was basically formed.
It’s just that even if you were full of grievances and had solid evidence, if you were just a small foreign producer with no background, facing a local power like Edison, you would most likely lose, or the lawsuit might not even get off the ground.
The law itself did not clearly provide protection for your rights, so what could you do?
Moreover, the other party would use their influence.
And on his home turf in America, Thomas Edison would hardly sit still and wait for death.
He was one of the most brilliant inventors and industrialists in this country; the light bulb, the phonograph, and improved movie projection devices had all made him world-famous, giving him immense public prestige and social energy.
Karl calmly assessed that even the relatively perfect judicial system of the twenty-first century was not necessarily absolutely just in the face of powerful capital and media influence, let alone this era where money and politics were deeply intertwined.
If he put himself in their shoes, as an American judge, he would probably be more inclined to protect the interests of a domestic industrial giant like Edison.
Although Edison’s financial and political influence at this time might not have the massive power to sway national policy like Rockefeller, Morgan, or Carnegie, his reputation and industrial weight were still not to be underestimated.
That was why Karl decided to come in person.
…
Inviting Thomas Edison to dinner in the name of the Austro-Hungarian Legation in the US was not difficult.
As long as Minister Hengelvüller personally sent a properly worded invitation, unless there were extremely urgent matters, even giants like Morgan or Carnegie would gladly accept.
All great undertakings often begin with such seemingly insignificant details.
Want to make money?
Want to solve problems?
If you just sit in Vienna and wait, trouble won’t disappear on its own, and money certainly won’t walk up to you.
Even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire was not a top-tier power like the German Empire or the British Empire, it was still a vast empire standing in Central Europe with extensive territory and a large population—a force on the international stage that could not be ignored.
Whether America was a rising democratic republic or Austria-Hungary was an ancient, conservative monarchy often didn’t matter in the eyes of pragmatic entrepreneurs.
As long as there was an opportunity to access power, open markets, or solve trouble, these people would dare to venture to the ends of hell, let alone a dinner at a diplomatic legation.
Of course, Karl did not reveal to Edison’s side that he would be present in person.
According to strict social etiquette, not informing them beforehand that another important guest would be attending was indeed somewhat rude, but Karl didn’t want to be so considerate toward a thief.
“At dinner, a special guest who will grace the table will be present.
I hope Mr.
Edison won’t mind?”
When the Minister made the invitation, he skillfully left a sense of suspense.
“Haha, since it’s a guest personally guaranteed by Minister Hengelvüller, it must be an extraordinary person.
I look forward to it.”
Edison agreed readily; he probably guessed it was some banker or nobleman from Europe who might bring new investment or technological cooperation opportunities.
That evening, in a dining room of the legation decorated with crystal chandeliers and European oil paintings, Minister Hengelvüller and Thomas Edison were seated.
Edison seemed to be in a good mood, talking with the Minister about technological developments in America and Europe.
At Minister Hengelvüller’s signal, Karl appeared at the dining room door at the appointed time.
“This…
who is this…?”
Edison probably never expected that a child would appear; he looked slightly bewildered and cast an inquiring glance at Minister Hengelvüller beside him.
Karl did not immediately open his mouth to introduce himself.
A dissatisfied member of the imperial family’s lips are always heavy before a critical showdown.
Seeing Karl remain silent, Minister Hengelvüller immediately stood up, walked to Karl’s side, and said:
“Mr.
Edison, allow me to introduce you.
This is the grand-nephew of our great Emperor Franz Joseph I, His Imperial Highness Archduke Karl Franz Joseph.”
Hearing Karl’s full name and title, Edison’s eyes widened suddenly, a flash of unbelievable shock crossed his face, and he immediately stood up from his seat.
“This is truly an unexpected honor.
To meet a descendant of the great Habsburg imperial bloodline is indeed the honor of my life.
I am the inventor Thomas Alva Edison.”
He quickly adjusted his expression, showing warmth and respect.
“Nice to meet you, Mr.
Edison.
I am Karl von Habsburg.
Coming to America and being able to meet a world-famous inventor like you also makes me very happy.”
Karl smiled and shook hands with Edison.
Edison also smiled, seemingly genuinely excited to get to know a European royal.
Hah, I hope you can still smile later, bastard.
I’m not smiling because I want to. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Thus, Karl exchanged pleasantries with Edison with a smile on his face.
The atmosphere of the meal that followed was, at least on the surface, very harmonious.
He worked hard to control his expression, playing the role of a precocious noble youth full of curiosity about technology and America.
Edison, because a young European royal had suddenly visited and seemed interested in him, appeared exceptionally excited.
Although Minister Hengelvüller had arranged this meeting as ordered, he did not know the true purpose of Karl’s trip, so he also maintained a diplomatic smile and guided the conversation.
“Has Your Highness seen the novel thing called movies in Europe?”
Edison took the initiative to bring up the topic he was currently most interested in.
After all, in front of a possible future patron, talking about the new industry he was fully entering was perfectly normal.
“Movies…” Karl put down his knife and fork, striking a thoughtful pose.
“I believe it’s a very promising industry, a completely new form of art and entertainment.”
“Oh, it’s wonderful that Your Highness has such insight!
Have you seen films like ‘a trip to the moon’ and ‘vienna encounter’?
They have been quite well-received in Europe recently.”
“Of course I’ve seen them.
Austria has always attached great importance to the cultural industry.
In fact, I was quite impressed by those works.”
When Karl said he had naturally seen them, Edison’s interest in talking became even stronger, and he completely opened up.
He spoke incessantly about how movie technology would progress, how bright the industry’s prospects were, and also revealed that his company had officially started producing movies and planned to establish a huge distribution network.
Although he was a “thief” who had stolen copies of Karl’s movies, it had to be admitted that his business vision and execution were indeed sharp.
His mind was already full of thoughts about controlling the entire American film industry.
Just as in original history, under Edison’s high-pressure patent litigation and business strategies, many independent American filmmakers would be forced to move west in the future, eventually giving birth to the world-famous “Hollywood” in that originally unremarkable small town of Los Angeles, California.
It had to be said that the person in front of him was indeed an extraordinary figure.
“Mr.
Edison has already personally participated in producing movies?”
“Yes, Your Highness.
At my age, to still be able to feel my heart race and be full of fighting spirit for a new industry is truly rare.”
“Then, how should results like movies, which embody the creator’s hard work, be protected when the laws of various countries are not yet perfect?
If stories and images filmed with great effort are taken away by others at will, while the original author receives no return, it would seem a bit unfair and empty, wouldn’t it?”
“Oh?
That Your Highness could think of this level is truly exceptionally intelligent.”
Edison was slightly surprised; he indeed hadn’t expected this noble youth, who looked to be only about ten years old, to ask such a question that hit the nail on the head.
He seemed genuinely surprised, his eyes widening involuntarily as he re-evaluated Karl.
“My father often says that the ignorant often fail to keep their rights and property,” Karl quoted a non-existent “father’s teaching.” “And people like us who have responsibilities should know to do our utmost to protect them.”
“That’s exactly right, Your Highness!
Since I’ve decided to devote myself to the film field, it won’t be long before I push for clearer laws to protect film patents and rights.
And…”
Edison seemed to deeply agree with this, immediately thinking of the business barriers he was planning.
“I plan to apply for patents for movie filming and projection equipment.
By raising technological barriers rightfully, I can steadily occupy the market and eliminate those potential competitors.”
As expected of Edison.
Although he was a thief with unsavory methods, he had a genius-like business flair; this strategy of legal monopoly was indeed worth learning from.
Karl sneered in his heart.
However, the acting had gone far enough; the groundwork was sufficient.
A certain member of the imperial family had reached the end of his patience.
The youth-like curiosity on Karl’s face gradually faded, replaced by a calmness unsuited to his age.
“Mr.
Edison makes a lot of sense.
So, before the law appears, what should be done?”
“In a barbaric era without laws, if you want to keep your things, you naturally only have your own strength to rely on.”
Edison answered as a matter of course; this was precisely his consistent creed.
Karl nodded to show his understanding.
Then, he picked up his napkin and gently wiped the corners of his mouth.
Then, he raised his eyes and said the sentence he had prepared for a long time:
“I see.
Then in order to keep my movies that you stole, you must be prepared to give it your all, right?”
“…What?”
…
At the same time, the food Minister Hengelvüller was chewing sprayed right out of his mouth.