Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Meanwhile, in the state of Pittsburgh. Morgan dropped the call and faced Poul who was sitting across from him.

"As you have heard, I have forced Mr. Russell to change his tactic. From there, I don't think he will do any smear campaigns on you anymore, Mr. Nielsen."

"I appreciate that, Mr. Morgan," Poul smiled as he propped up his chin with his hand. "But I must say, do you really have to threaten him like that?"

"Mr. Russell has been overconfident all over the years, believing that he is still the wizard of Menlo Park, the one who brings miracles. But everything must come to an end don't you think? I believe that you and your partner deserved that title."

"Oh enough with the flattery, Mr. Morgan," Poul waved his hand dismissively.

"So? Why did you call me here?" Morgan asked, he has been summoned by Poul due to an announcement that he can't tell over the phone.

"Mr. Morgan, I think you are going to love our next project," Poul smirked as he pulled out a blueprint. He unrolled it and set it over the table.

Morgan leaned forward and perused the schematic drawing.

"What is this?" Morgan scanned every detail of the blueprint but still didn't know what he was looking at.

"There was a groundbreaking technology in the German Empire, a type of self-propelled car powered by gasoline. Have you heard of Carl Benz?"

Morgan nodded slowly, "Yes, I believe I have. He's the inventor of that motorcar you are referring to."

"Indeed he is," Poul replied. "And we plan to bring that technology to Avalonia and take it to the next level."

Morgan raised an eyebrow, "And how do you plan to do that?"

"We have been working on a prototype of our own," Poul said with a grin. "It's faster, more efficient, and most importantly, it's affordable. We are going to revolutionize the way people travel in this country."

Morgan looked intrigued, "I like where this is going. What do you need from me?"

"Well, the way our company is right now, we can pretty much fund this enterprise on our own," Poul said. "But, since you have been leading us to success, allowing us to connect with your associates, my partner and I have decided to give you five percent equity for one million dollars."

Morgan sat back in his chair, considering Poul's offer. It was a tempting proposition, but he knew there were risks involved in investing in new technology. Still, he had a good feeling about this one.

"I'll have to think about it," Morgan said finally. "But I'm definitely interested. You see, I have been investing in a lot of companies, knowing their products and their mechanisms. This motorcar that you drew in your blueprint is significantly different from the ones Carl Benz invented. Care to differentiate it."

"As much as I want to dive into the technical details of our automobile design, I'm afraid that you wouldn't be able to grasp it. But rest assured, that the car we designed is superior to Carl Benz, like a heaven and earth difference," Poul said confidently.

"Well, if that's how you think that is, then why don't you build the first prototype then?"

"There's no need for that, Mr. Morgan, as I have already made the first prototype of our automobile, do you want to see it?" Poul said, grinning.

"Hoh?" Morgan mused. "Can I see it?"

"Of course, Mr. Morgan," Poul said as he stood up. "Amelia, I want you to inform the team that Mr. Morgan and I are going to pay a visit."

"Yes, Mr. Nielsen," Amelia bowed her head and made her way out of the office to make a call.

"Though seriously, Mr. Nielsen, you already have one?" Morgan asked, still in a state of disbelief.

"My partner and I have been planning about this, us making a machine that runs without a horse. We thought that it is revolutionary, as you don't have to bear the foul smell of the street because of horse dung littered on it."

"I see, I can understand you with that. After all, who wouldn't be?"

Poul chuckled as he led Morgan.

Along their way, they saw Amelia who just finished a call.

"Mr. Nielsen, they have been informed and are waiting for you," Amelia said.

"Good, do you want to come to, Ms. Weiss? I'm sure you would love to see it."

Amelia's eyes widened in excitement, "Really? Can I? Thank you, Mr. Nielsen!" She followed Poul and Morgan as they made their way to the workshop where the prototype was being kept.

As they entered, Poul gestured to a covered object in the center of the room. "Behold, gentleman and lady, the future of transportation."

He pulled off the cover, revealing an automobile that had a long, aerodynamic body, with smooth, curved lines that gave it a sense of speed and agility. The silver paint glimmered in the light, making the car look like a work of art. The design was futuristic, with a pointed hood and rounded edges that made it stand out from any other vehicle on the road. The wheels were large and sturdy, with shiny rims that caught the light. The front of the car was adorned with a prominent grill, which gave the vehicle a sense of power and authority. The interior was just as impressive, with comfortable leather seats and a state-of-the-art dashboard with all sorts of gauges and dials.

Morgan walked around it, examining every inch of the vehicle. "This is impressive, more different than a Carl Benz motorcar. How many people can it carry?"

"Around four people," Poul replied a hint of pride in his voice.

"Now, how is it going to run?" Morgan asked again.

"It's hand-cranked," Poul said as he walked forward to the front of the vehicle. "Let me demonstrate."

Poul reached into the car's front compartment and pulled out a long metal crank. He placed it in a hole at the front of the car and began to turn it. The engine roared to life, and the sound echoed through the workshop.

Morgan's eyes widened. The sound of the vehicle was completely foreign to him, and he felt a sense of unease as he listened to the rumbling noise.

"What is that sound?" he asked, raising his voice to be heard over the noise.

"That, Mr. Morgan, is the sound of the internal combustion engine, a recent invention from Europe but more powerful and efficient."

Poul opened the door and beckoned the two to hop on.

Morgan and Amelia looked at each other hesitantly, unsure of what to do. This was completely new territory for them, and they weren't sure if they were ready for it. But Poul seemed so confident, so sure of himself and his creation, that they couldn't help but be intrigued.

"Come on, don't be shy," Poul said, grinning from ear to ear. "I promise you, it's perfectly safe."

With a deep breath, Morgan took a step forward and climbed into the front passenger seat. The leather was soft and supple beneath him, and he couldn't help but be impressed by the attention to detail in the car's design. Amelia followed suit, climbing into the back seat and settling in with a sense of trepidation.

Poul hopped into the driver's seat. He held the wheel and shifted the gear stick from neutral to first gear. With a foot on the pedal, the car began moving forward.

Morgan and Amelia were pulled back by the force of the car's acceleration as it picked up speed. The wind rushed past them, whipping their hair back and making their cheeks flush with excitement. Morgan couldn't believe how smooth the ride was, and how effortlessly Poul maneuvered the car around the workshop. The brakes were responsive, and the steering was precise, allowing Poul to weave in and out of obstacles with ease.

Amelia let out a whoop of delight as they rounded a corner, the car tilting slightly as it leaned into the turn. Morgan couldn't help but laugh, the thrill of the ride coursing through his veins. This was a whole new world of transportation, one that he never even knew existed.

As they came to a stop, Morgan and Amelia were breathless with excitement. They stumbled out of the car, still buzzing with adrenaline. Poul beamed at them, clearly pleased with their reaction.

"Well, what do you think?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I don't know what to say really," Morgan said. "This is the one you plan to market right?"

"Yup, along with the other design," Poul replied.

"You can have my one million dollars," Morgan said without hesitation.