Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

After signing the contract, both parties shook hands. The British Empire and the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company had just sealed a deal.

"Expect the first batch of shipments within four months, as you can see, we have a lot of orders from a lot of clients to meet," Jonathan said.

"Just make it quick," Prince Alexander said. "As both of you are aware, the British Empire is in the middle of the war against the Russian Empire, which is currently armed with your weapons, and making it hard for our troops to advance."

"We understand the urgency of the situation but you must know, Prince Alexander, that the clients who came first are the ones we must prioritize. However, we assure you that we will do our utmost to expedite the process and deliver the AN-M1 rifles to your forces as soon as possible," Poul responded diplomatically, conscious of the delicate balance they needed to maintain between their clients.

Prince Alexander nodded in understanding, knowing that the arms manufacturing business was a competitive one, and the British Empire was not their sole client. "Very well," he conceded. "I trust that you will honor your word and work diligently to supply our forces with the AN-M1 rifles. The sooner we can arm our troops with these superior weapons, the better our chances of securing victory against the Russian Empire."

Poul glanced at Penelope after saying those words to Prince Alexander, his announcement to them of making Penelope the Queen of the British Empire still hung in his mind. He wanted to talk deeper about it with Penelope but there is a possibility that the Prince might not give them permission.

Jonathan, who had been noticing Poul's behavior and concern, quickly understood the situation from the signs he was giving. As Prince Alexander was about to leave, Jonathan walked forward.

"Uhm, Your Highness."

Prince Alexander glanced over his shoulder and asked.

"What is it?"

"Actually this is the first time we are doing it but I was just asking if you would give me a moment of your time to explore how the AN-M1 rifles are being manufactured and built."

Prince Alexander hummed. "You are offering a tour around your facility?"

"That is quite correct, Your Highness," Jonathan confirmed.

"That seems like a good idea," Alexander said, turning his glance to Penelope. "Penelope, do you want to come along?"

Penelope shook her head. "I'm sorry, Your Highness but I know nothing about guns. I will just stay here and wait for you…"

"Are you sure?" Prince Alexander asked, his concern evident in his voice. "Are you going to be fine alone?"

"He will not be alone, Your Highness as my partner here would look for her while we are away," Jonathan assured the prince, gesturing towards Poul.

Prince Alexander studied Poul for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well. Take good care of her, Mr. Nielsen. Now, let us proceed with the tour."

As the prince and Jonathan embarked on the tour, Poul seized the opportunity to speak with Penelope privately.

"Penelope," Poul began hesitantly. "I just want to ask you about something personal if it's okay for you."

Penelope nodded, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Of course, Poul. What's on your mind?"

Poul took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "After you left the stateroom four days ago, the Crown Prince of the British Empire made an announcement about him making you his Queen, I am asking if that is true."

Penelope's eyes widened. "He told you that?"

Poul nodded, confirming it. "Why are you shocked? Are you perhaps not expecting it?"

"No, I already expected it," Penelope answered. "You see, when I was just eight years old, my father and the king of the British had already come to an agreement to make me the future Queen. Of course, I protested to my father, saying that I don't want to be forced to marry someone that I don't like, but in this era, my opinion as a woman held little weight in such matters, and that being a Queen is a great honor a noblewoman can receive."

"Wait…so you are saying, you are simply going to accept your fate? You will marry Prince Alexander."

"No," Penelope shook her head. "As I said before, my opinion as a woman held little weight in such matters so I tried to prove to my father that being the Queen is not only the greatest honor a noblewoman can have. And in that, I became a doctor, treating those who are in need using the medical knowledge that I had acquired from the past. My medical prowess shook the medical society of the British Empire and the neighboring country and as years went by, my accomplishment as a doctor continued to grow. I hoped that through my work, I could demonstrate that I was more than just a potential queen and that I had other options."

Poul listened intently, impressed by Penelope's determination and courage. "So, what happened? Did your father change his mind?"

Penelope sighed. "Not exactly. He still believes that becoming the queen is the best path for me, and he continues to push for it. But, he has given me the freedom to continue my medical work until the time comes for me to marry Prince Alexander."

"What about your own feelings?" Poul asked gently. "Do you think you can ever love Prince Alexander? Or is there someone else you care for?"

A faint blush colored Penelope's cheeks as she hesitated before answering. "I... I don't know. I never had feelings for him from the start. Despite me giving clues and hints that suggested that he still keeps coming, courting, and serenading. Why are you asking me this anyway?"

"Uhm…I was wondering if the feeling is mutual," Poul said, rubbing his hair. "You know, even though we are in this world now with a new life, we still have to respect our own decision. And despite our relationship in the past, there is a possibility that it might change under the circumstances."

A soft gasp escaped Penelope's mouth. "Are you perhaps asking me this to confirm if I have feelings for Prince Alexander?"

"That's right."

"Then I already gave you my answer. It's a no. But how about you? You know, Poul, If I got to be honest, my feelings for you in our past world didn't change at all. In fact, they might have grown stronger after seeing you here."

"Throughout these nine years in this world, I have to admit, there were moments when I felt like I had to let go of my feelings for you. Our worlds were so separate, you in the original world and me here. I even came to terms with the possibility that someone else might be there for you, caring for you in my stead. But now, knowing that you're here, everything has changed. I can't help but feel guilty for ever having allowed my heart to waver, even for a moment, towards another when you've always been the one who held it."

As Poul confessed his feelings to Penelope, a wave of relief washed over him. He really didn't expect this from happening, where Sara exists in the same world as theirs. Who would have expected it? In order to cross the world one must die. He didn't expect her to die in that world.

"So, you already have a girl that you like in this world?" Penelope asked, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to mask her disappointment.

Poul hesitated before answering, understanding the weight of his words. "No, it's not like that. There were times when I thought I might need to move on, but my feelings for you never truly faded. In fact, every time I tried to imagine a future with someone else, my heart would always find its way back to you. In fact, I am glad that you are here. Do you want to give this a go?"

"I want to, Poul. More than anything," Penelope admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"But as you can see from my appearance, I'm an Albian, a discriminated race whom my country sees inferior and you are the daughter of a powerful duke of the British Empire. Our differences here are like heaven and earth. Society might not even accept us."

"We can't let society dictate our lives and our happiness," Penelope declared, her eyes filled with determination. "I've already fought against conventions and expectations by becoming a doctor, and I'll continue to do so for our love. I refuse to let our past lives go to waste, and I won't allow my happiness to be controlled by society's whims. I don't care if I get stripped of my title. As long as I have you, Poul, I'll be content."

Poul's heart swelled with admiration for Penelope's strength and conviction. He reached out to take her hand, his gaze locked onto hers. "Then let's do this together, Penelope. We'll find a way to make this work, no matter the obstacles we face."