Chapter 453: I Wouldn't Mind Being Brabo for Once
In Antwerp's Grand Place, the Scheldt River glistened as ships came and went, their deep whistles piercing through the morning mist and reaching the small tables by the riverside.
At one of these tables sat King Albert I, Browning, and Boyata. They were waiting for Charles to discuss matters of military-industrial cooperation.
The area had already been cleared of bystanders—not by force, of course, but because King Albert I had booked all the nearby seating.
"This is much cheaper than a hotel," King Albert I remarked self-deprecatingly. "I'm a pauper now, only thinking about saving money."
"Your Majesty is being considerate of the nation," Boyata flattered. "This is a fine location, with beautiful scenery."
In truth, his mind wasn't on the scenery.
After hesitating for a moment, he cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, may I inquire about the profit-sharing terms with Charles?"
Before coming here, Boyata had discussed the matter with Browning. Since King Albert I had the power to withhold FN's firearm production licenses, they knew they wouldn’t have much say in the profit distribution.
"I looked into it," King Albert I casually raised his coffee cup toward the two men. "Charles splits the profits fifty-fifty with Saint-Étienne. If it's less than that, I doubt he’d agree. He might as well let Saint-Étienne set up production in Belgium themselves. Wouldn't you agree?"
He added, "This arrangement benefits you, gentlemen. If Saint-Étienne sets up a factory in Belgium, it won't just be about light machine guns. Rifles and pistols could also face competition."
Boyata and Browning exchanged uneasy glances. Though Albert I's words were true, the fifty-fifty split...
"Your Majesty," Browning mustered the courage to protest, "we’ll need to handle many tasks. For instance, the ammunition for the Saint-Étienne 2 machine gun differs from ours, requiring modifications. Then there’s the production line, the workers, and so on. Meanwhile, Charles does nothing but takes half the profits—"
"He owns the patent for the Saint-Étienne 2," King Albert I cut him off, his tone growing cold.
Setting his coffee cup down, he nodded toward a statue not far away. "Do you know its story?"
Without waiting for an answer, he continued:
"That is Brabo."
"Legend has it that a giant charged exorbitant tolls from passing captains. A young warrior named Brabo severed the giant's hand and threw it into the Scheldt River."
"Since then, the Scheldt has flowed freely."
...
As he leaned back in his chair, a glint of steel appeared in Albert I’s eyes.
"Gentlemen, my goal is simple: to deliver as many Saint-Étienne 2 machine guns to the front lines as quickly as possible."
"If anyone tries to stand in the way and charge 'tolls,' I won’t hesitate to be Brabo."
Boyata and Browning exchanged fearful glances. Boyata even drew his hands back from the table, stealing a glance at the sword on Albert I's hip, as though worried the king might suddenly draw it.
The sound of a car engine grew louder, drawing nearer. Albert I's gaze shifted, and his expression softened into a warm smile. "He's here."
As he rose to greet the new arrival, he turned back to ask, "Do you agree with my terms?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Albert I nodded in satisfaction. "Good. I trust this conversation will be fruitful."
Boyata's expression darkened with uncertainty. He couldn’t understand why the usually affable and approachable King Albert I had suddenly become so "autocratic."
Browning seemed to sense Boyata’s thoughts. As he rose, he murmured, "It's because of the war, sir. Extreme measures for victory."
Boyata nodded in agreement. It wasn’t too extreme, after all—Albert I had at least left FN a way out.
...
When Charles took his seat, the first words he heard left him surprised.
"We hope to work with you, Mr. Charles," Boyata said sincerely. "If you’re willing to authorize us to produce the Saint-Étienne 2 machine gun, we’re willing to split the profits fifty-fifty."
This arrangement differed from Charles's partnership with Steed, despite the identical profit-sharing ratio.
Steed received Charles’s original designs, and the gun itself bore the Saint-Étienne 2 name. Beyond substantial profits, Saint-Étienne Arms reaped additional benefits like enhanced reputation and innovation, which made the company even more trusted by the world.
For a military enterprise, these advantages were crucial, as they formed the foundation of a brand’s long-term success. In the future, anything Saint-Étienne produced would fetch a high price.
FN, however, was willing to split profits fifty-fifty simply for production rights. It seemed excessive.
Glancing at King Albert I, who sat nearby, Charles understood. This was likely Albert’s handiwork.
Charles smiled faintly. Clever.
On one hand, using Charles as a "catfish" could spur Belgium's military-industrial sector, preventing monopolistic enterprises from exploiting the war to inflate prices.
On the other hand, it bound Charles's interests closely to Belgium's.
If Charles ever lost his footing in Belgium, he would forfeit significant income.
"I have no problem with 'authorized production,'" Charles agreed. Then, looking at Browning beside Boyata, he added, "But you want to convert the Saint-Étienne 2 to Mauser's 7.92mm ammunition. That could pose some challenges."
Albert I tensed, quickly asking, "What kind of challenges?"
"Primarily the patents," Charles replied. "After your modifications, will the improved patent belong to you or to me?"
"That’s not an issue," Albert I answered confidently. "We can purchase the improved patent as well."
Charles hesitated, then suggested, "How about this: you can own the patents for the modifications. Otherwise, you might not be motivated to innovate, which wouldn’t benefit the Saint-Étienne 2's development."
"That’s wonderful," Boyata and Browning beamed.
This meant they could participate in the gun's future research and development. Without this, any modifications would require Charles's approval, and even then, they’d owe him patent fees.
"However," Charles added, "the same goes for FN’s firearms. We should also have rights to patents for improvements. Don’t you agree?"
"Of course!" Boyata and Browning nodded eagerly.
It seemed fair—true collaboration, a mutual exchange.
What they didn’t realize was that they had walked straight into Charles’s trap.
What Charles coveted was Browning's shotgun design!