My Italy

Siegel and Carney's flight experiment launched the two people around the world. After being first reported by Diario di Milano, other Italian newspapers soon followed suit.

Later, newspapers in other countries also introduced this news. After all, it was the first time that humans relied on mechanical power to fly. This cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, under the reports of major newspapers around the world, the two people quickly became famous.

After becoming famous, their actions have attracted more and more attention. For example, during an air show in Venice, more than 40,000 people watched their flight.

And after seeing Pioneer 2 take off, cheers filled the sky.

In just one month, Siegel and Carney performed four flight demonstrations. The continuous performances made the two more famous. Of course, the flight was not always smooth. The fourth flight was very unsatisfactory, and the engine suddenly stopped in the air. Pioneer 2 fell directly. Fortunately, the height was only 4 or 5 meters, so Siegel only injured his leg.

And Siegel also achieved another achievement, the first air crash and the first person injured in an air crash.

Of course, Siegel and Pioneer 2 also reminded others who were eager to try it out that there were huge risks in flying.

However, Siegel's plane crash did not affect their reputation. Many newspapers even called their accident the inevitable price to pay for challenging the sky.

Does it feel a little familiar, a familiar smell in it? Yes, Italy is deliberately turning the two into heroes, national heroes who conquer the sky.

Yes, in this era of rampant nationalism, two Italian athletes completed their conquest of the sky for the first time. This sounds so pleasant and beautiful to the ears. They also proved the brave and enterprising spirit of Italian men, so why should others not be proud of it.

Yes, in this era, fanatical nationalism is commonplace in all countries, and is even something that is encouraged. Therefore, how to improve the national self-confidence of the people depends on the government and public opinion.

The performance of Siegel and Carney is quite positive for the government, so it was erected.

Of course, performance in front of the people is not enough. As the monarch of Italy, Carlo cannot turn a blind eye to these two Italian heroes. Not long after Carlo met the two flying pioneers in the Quirinale Palace.

"Welcome the two flying heroes."

Seeing Sigel and Carney being led in by the waiter, Carlo stepped forward and welcomed them with a smile on his face.

"Hello Your Majesty."

Facing the reception of Lord Carlo, the two of them looked frightened. For them, the reception of King Carlo was definitely one of the most proud things.

"Both of you, please take a seat."

Carlo could tell that the two of them were a little nervous, so he tried to calm their nerves. "Can you tell me about your flight? I'm very interested."

Faced with the topic proposed by the monarch, the two of them would certainly not refuse. "Okay, Your Majesty."

Later, during the brief narration, Carlo learned some things that were not in the report.

"Are you saying that you invited reporters and even made the test flight public because you ran out of money?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Carney and I only have 34 liras in our bodies. If the flight fails, we won't even have the money to pull the aircraft back. What we thought at the time was that if it succeeds, nothing can be said, but if it fails, , I also plan to give 30 lire of it to the reporter, so that when writing reports, they will describe us as more tragic characters."

"Is this to consider raising funds after failure?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, the biggest problem for us and many like-minded people who dream of flying is funding. Because it is very expensive to fly. Many people have been asking for funding for many years, but it is not enough to cover the cost of a flight experiment. Like us This kind of people can be said to be rich, of course, this is also related to the fact that we know more people."

Of course Carlo understood what he meant. Flight experiments require a lot of funds to clear the way, and most people who dream of flight experiments will be blocked by funds. Being able to conduct flight experiments is already ahead of a large number of people. As for being successful after several flight experiments, this is basically a manifestation of financial resources and other aspects, and of course luck.

"No, you are very lucky."

Facing the words of Lord Carlo, the two smiled slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty, we are indeed very lucky."

At this time, I saw an attendant walking over carrying a box.

Carlo smiled and said to the two of them. "Sigel, Carney, in view of your outstanding performance in aviation, now, on behalf of the Kingdom of Italy, I award two Knights of the Order of the Crown, Second Class."

Carlo's words made the two of them stand upright quickly. Of course they know about this medal, which can only be obtained by making outstanding contributions to the Kingdom of Italy. Since its establishment, only more than 30 people have received it, and they are basically all highly respected people. How can these two people win such a precious medal?

But after seeing that Carlo had already picked up the medal, how could they refuse? This is a great honor.

After Carlo put it on for the two of them, he asked casually.

"By the way, what are you going to do next?"

Faced with Carlo's question, the two immediately answered. "Your Majesty, we want to continue the flight experiment."

"Of course there's no problem with that. I just wanted to ask what your requirements are for flying next."

Carlo's words made the two of them not sure how to answer. During this period, various honors came one after another, and both of them felt a little confused and hadn't considered this issue yet.

Faced with the dilemma between the two, Carlo continued. "If not, how about I make a request for you?"

Faced with Carlo's proposal, who would not think of rejecting it? The two of them nodded repeatedly. "No problem, Your Majesty, please raise it."

"The new aircraft needs to fly higher, farther, and stay in the air longer."

Well, Carlo’s words won’t be out of date in a hundred years, let alone now.

After hearing Carlo's words, Siegel and Carney's eyes lit up. "Your Majesty, this goal is very much in line with our requirements. New aircraft in the future will inevitably fly higher and farther and stay in the air longer."

Faced with the two people's guarantees, Carlo certainly would not be stingy. "I admire their courage very much, so I will let the royal fund invest in their flight experiments, with an annual fund of 300,000 liras. I believe it can be a small help."

Well, Carlo's investment pleased the pair, although now that they were famous, they no longer lacked funds. But there are different types of funds. With the king's investment, they can avoid a lot of trouble.

Perhaps after returning, Pioneer 3 needs to be considered.