Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

January 7th, 885.

Jonathan and Caroline just returned to the office from the office building that was under construction. They jovially sat at the chairs in front of Jonathan's desk and chatted with one another.

"I can't believe that you are building an office building in modern architecture. Normally, people would prefer heavily ornate facades and luxurious and opulent interiors."

"First, they are expensive, second, we are in quite a rush," Jonathan explained, chuckling at her remarks. "It takes a long time to build a building of the neoclassical or renaissance-style palace and we needed a proper office fast because we couldn't just stay here, in this current office for too long once our operations in our different ventures expanded."

"I understand that, I'm just saying this so you are aware of the mainstream of the decade," Caroline chuckled. "I'm sure that the office building that we saw earlier wouldn't serve as your house right? You need a proper house. For that, you can get one in Newport."

Jonathan let out an exclamation of recognition as he realized what she was talking about.

"Newport, I remembered that you were commissioned to build a house there was it not? How is it going?"

"I'm ready to move in at any time I like, but I don't want to yet. It feels lonely to live in a palace if you are alone," Caroline played a smile on her lips as if hinting something to Jonathan.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow at her remark, a small smile forming on his lips. "Are you saying that you want me to move in with you?" he teased, leaning back in his chair.

Caroline's cheeks turned slightly pink as she looked away. "I-I didn't say that! It's just... it would be nice to have someone else around, you know."

Jonathan chuckled. "Well, you wouldn't be lonely because you would have your servants with you."

"I didn't mean them," Caroline said, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"You guys, it's early in the afternoon, can you get a room please?" Poul, who had been listening to their conversation from his desk, finally spoke. He lowered the newspaper he was reading and glanced at them. "The bedroom upstairs is free just don't get too loud," he added with a smirk.

Jonathan and Caroline both blushed.

"Oi, Poul? What are you doing?"

"A friendly suggestion I suppose," Poul grinned.

"Coffee!"

Suddenly, Amelia entered the office carrying a tray with cups of coffee. She handed a cup of coffee to each of them before standing in front of Poul's desk.

"Good morning, Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen, Lady Dupont," she greeted respectfully, bowing. "I will now give my weekly report. We have received inquiries from the Nippon Railway, Japan Railway, and Tokyo Railway Construction Company regarding the acquisition of air brakes and switch and signal devices. The Shanghai-Nanjing Railway in the Qing Dynasty and the Joseon Kingdom Gyeongin Railway have also expressed interest."

Poul commented, "Ah, finally, we have customers in Asia. Very well, please set up appointments with their representatives. We'll discuss the matter with each of them. Is there any other report?"

Amelia hesitated before replying, "Um, sir, the New York Board of Transportation is requesting your presence in New York."

Jonathan exclaimed, "Finally! We've been waiting for their invitation for months!"

Caroline interjected, "Is it about the proposal you made to construct a metro station in New York?"

Jonathan confirmed her assumption, "Yes, that's correct. I hope they picked our proposal."

Caroline reassured him, "I think they did. If they called you, that means they are considering your proposal. If not, then you wouldn't hear from them."

"So we are going back to New York again huh?" Poul let out a weary sigh. Though the steam locomotives paved the way for faster transportation, for people who came from the modern world and enjoyed the luxury of air travel, having to go to destinations that can only take an hour by plane is still quite a hassle.

"We have no choice," Jonathan said. "If we want to secure this contract and not waste our money on the acquisition of the Avonside Engine Company, we have to go."

"I'm not saying we shouldn't go, I'm just saying it for the sake of saying it," Poul spoke in riddles. "Any other report that you might have, Ms. Weiss?"

"The next report is about the success of the demonstration of the alternating current distribution system in Scranton. The news of it spread like wildfire. Your statement that it is going to be cheaper, and more reliable than direct current attracted some attention."

"Oh, there are some who are already inquiring huh?" Jonathan huffed. "Good, how about some negatives? Like someone saying that alternating current is dangerous?"

"There's nothing that states that in the newspaper I read, is it also the case in the newspaper you are reading, Mr. Nielsen?" Amelia's gaze flickered to Poul.

"No, I haven't seen a single article in the newspaper saying that. After all, it was just a demonstration, it is not like we are making a huge impact right now. For now, James Russell's direct current system is still popular and the go-to by the factory and business owners. I wonder what reaction Russell's would have in this case?"

As Poul hummed in thought, the telephone on his table rang. Poul picked it up and wedged himself between the receiver and his ear.

"Yes, this is Poul Axelsen speaking," he answered.

"What?!" Poul exclaimed. "What is he doing here?" he demanded.

Concerned looks from the three were trained on Poul as he spoke to the caller.

"He wants to see me urgently? Doesn't he know about making appointments?"

Poul's expression turned to one of disbelief as he spoke on the phone. The others in the room watched him, curious about what was happening. Finally, Poul relented.

"Fine, let him enter, but only after he behaves himself."

After saying that, Poul hung up the phone and turned to the others in the room. "It was James Russell. He is demanding to see me."

"What? For what purpose?" Jonathan asked.

"I don't know, but he'll tell us soon," Poul said.