Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

As the war situation was developing in the Far East, Poul, and Jonathan scrambled to face the media. Journalists from New York Times, the New York Globe, the Washington Post, and correspondents from other countries were in Pittsburgh, determined to get a statement out of the individuals who indirectly caused a war between the Joseon Kingdom and the Japanese Empire.

The reception was made on the first floor of the main office, with an erected platform and a podium standing proudly at its center. The room was abuzz with anticipation as reporters jostled for the best positions to capture every word, every expression. Daguerreotypes were set up, focusing on Poul and Jonathan, who stood side by side, clad in their formal attire.

"Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen," the journalist from the New York Times began the query. "First and foremost, can you confirm the involvement of your private military company in the military clash in Hanseong?"

Poul leaned his mouth forward to the microphone and answered. "Yes, the private military company known as Tactical Aegis Services was involved in a military clash with the Japanese Army garrisoned in Hanseong."

"What was the objective of the operation in Hanseong? Why was your company hired?"

Poul looked at Jonathan, prompting him to answer the question asked by the journalist. Jonathan raised a brow as if saying that Poul could answer it but relented.

"The objective was simple," Jonathan began. "That is to quote the Hanseong officials, to kick out the Japanese Army that is violating their sovereignty and occupying their capital city. Our company was hired because we possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to carry out such operations effectively."

The journalist began jotting down the notes as Poul and Jonathan continued to address the inquiries from the eager reporters.

Another journalist, this time from a foreign publication, raised their hand and spoke up.

"Were there any casualties on your side during the clash? Did your company receive explicit authorization or support from the United States government for this operation?"

Poul acknowledged the journalist's question and took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "According to the information we have at the moment, our private troops didn't suffer any casualties in the operation. And as for the second question…"

Poul paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the room before returning to the journalist who had posed the question. As expected from the journalists, they'd want to implicate the government to cook some issues, leading to more subscriptions.

"As a private military company, Tactical Aegis Services operates independently and maintains strict confidentiality regarding our clients and the specifics of our engagements. So no, the United States has no involvement in authorizing or supporting our operation in Hanseong," Poul clarified firmly.

"Can you clarify the relationship between your company and the United States Army? How closely do you work together?" Another journalist asked.

"While Tactical Aegis Services maintains no direct relationship with the United States Army, it is true that many of our highly skilled personnel come from military backgrounds, including retired Marines and Army veterans," Jonathan answered and continued. "Our company takes pride in hiring individuals with extensive training and experience in military operations. These individuals bring valuable expertise and discipline to our organization, allowing us to execute our missions with utmost professionalism and effectiveness. Again, to reiterate the last question, the Tactical Aegis Services operates as a separate entity from the United States military. We do not receive direct support or authorization from the government for our operations. Our engagements are undertaken on behalf of our clients and are subject to their specific requirements and objectives."

After answering the question, Jonathan and Poul glanced to their right, where Amelia was watching and giving them signs. She made a sign to cut off the press as she believed they were revealing too much.

"Uhm…everyone, I think that's all for today," Poul said, raising his hand in a gesture to signal the end of the press conference. The room erupted with a cacophony of voices, journalists clamoring to get another question in, their hands waving in the air like flags of persistence. But Poul and Jonathan remained firm, ignoring the persistent pleas for more information,

Poul stepped down from the platform, followed closely by Jonathan. Amelia joined them. But as they were about to go to the elevator, one of the journalists shouted a question that got their attention.

"How do you feel about the lives that will be lost because of your private military company? Innocent men, women, and children. How would you be able to sleep knowing that at any moment, hundreds are going to die?"

Poul stopped in his tracks. Amelia tugged his sleeves, advising that he shouldn't entertain any further questions, but Poul felt the need to answer them.

"Well, why is the blame directed at us? We are a private military company, we take clients and that client is the government of the Joseon Kingdom. Shouldn't you be raising that question to their government itself? Because they are the ones that brought them into the conflict with the Japanese Empire," Poul answered resolutely.

"But you could have prevented that from happening…you could have rejected their offer," the journalist pressed, determined to extract a response.

"You are right, we could have rejected that offer. But, we chose not to because we are businessmen, we need clients in order for private military companies to thrive and continue our operations…You know what, I am done with you journalists whose only job is to find holes and spin stories. You paint us as villains without understanding the complexity of the situation," Poul exclaimed frustratingly.

"Then how about you Mr. Nielsen huh? Calling yourself a businessman is very euphemistic in this context, isn't it? Your company engages in acts of violence, profiting from the suffering of others," the journalist retorted a hint of accusation in their voice.

Amelia, recognizing the need to extricate themselves from the situation, stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Poul's arm.

"Poul, that's enough. You are risking the reputation of the corporation. I don't think Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Axelsen weren't going to be pleased," Amelia advised.

Poul took a deep breath, his anger slowly subsiding. He realized that he had allowed his emotions to get the better of him, and Amelia was right—they couldn't afford to damage the reputation of Tactical Aegis Services or the corporation any further. He glanced at Jonathan, who nodded in agreement, silently urging him to let it go.

Poul cleared his throat. "Well, as I have said before, we are not entertaining any questions, maybe in the next press conference you can come and ask whatever questions you have. But for now, we have to end this conversation."

With those words, Poul and Jonathan turned and walked towards the elevator with Amelia trailing behind. They entered the elevator and the moment the elevator door closed, they sighed.

"Oh…almost," Poul said, phewing. "If you didn't stop me there, oh boy, things would get personal."

Jonathan clapped his hands on Poul's shoulder. "I guess I have more control over my emotions than you, Poul," he chuckled. "Anyways, now that the media are aside, we can now return to our business, as we should always be."

"Amelia, where is Captain Richards? Are they already heading towards their next mission?"

Amelia nodded her head, her hair gently swaying with the motion. "Yes, Captain Richards and his team are en-route to Saudi Arabia."

Poul hummed in thought. Ever since the defiance of the Saud on the exclusive agreement and siding with the British Empire, the location where oil was discovered by their company is being attacked by militia. Threatening the local workers employed by them to build the infrastructure to mine oil, and expats being kidnapped and held for ransom. There is no mistaking it, it is a sabotage supported by the state and the British Empire. Though they have no definite evidence, it was apparent based on Poul's encounter with King Alexander.

"What should we do to the kidnapped engineers in the region, Poul?" Amelia glanced up at him expectantly. "Should we pay them the ransom?"

Poul looked at Jonathan. "What do you think, partner? Our private troops are headed there as we speak."

"We'll have our private troops extract those kidnapped engineers with the money. How much are they asking for again?"

"10,000 dollars for each person," Amelia answered. "There are twelve engineers who were kidnapped, most of them have the expertises needed to construct the necessary infrastructures. But there is also a reason to believe that those engineers might not work and opt to return home. I can only imagine how traumatizing the experience must be for them."

Poul clicked his tongue. "King Alexander is indeed making it hard for us huh? I know what to do now. After rescuing the engineers in Saudi Arabia, I want those private troops of ours to invade Great Britain. By invading, I mean invading his private residence. We might find a private correspondence connecting him with Saud's illicit deals. If we found one, I'm sure the media from every corner of the world would do anything to get a piece of it…to the point they will forget that there is even a war in the Far East."