Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

The night was still young at the Chicago World's Fair. With all the lights lit up, it was like the day had never left.

After securing the assurance of the President of the United States that there'd be no congressional hearing, the industrialist duo could now heave a deep sigh of relief. With this, they have more freedom than ever, able to do something that would otherwise be restrictive.

"I think we deserve a toast," Jonathan said, grinning goofily.

"Indeed we do," Poul said. "Now this is the United States that I am familiar with. Those camel jockeys would realize who they are messing with now."

Sara and Caroline stifled their chuckles, taken aback by the sudden shift in their partners' demeanor. They have never seen them in their scary and confrontational mode before.

Well, judging that they have been restricted a lot bureaucratically, they understood the emotions surging within them.

Together, the four returned to their pavilion, with more people than ever lining up to see the propeller aircraft displayed at the far back corner of the pavilion.

"Poul, Jonathan," Amelia called, waving her hand, trying to catch their attention.

The industrialist duo were quick to notice Amelia waving at them, and they immediately walked over to her.

As they made their way over to her, the people lining up recognized them.

"Wait…isn't it the inventor of aircraft?"

"Poul Nielsen, I only heard about him in newspapers."

"Look at his hair, an Albian, who knew an Albian possessed such vast knowledge?"

Poul didn't mind the comment and smiled graciously at the crowd's comments, acknowledging their curiosity. He never minded him getting prejudiced as an Albian who was a native of the continent, he'd rather let his action speak for itself and break down stereotypes.

Arriving at where Amelia was standing, Jonathan was the first to question.

"What's the matter?"

"Well, Jonathan, the people here wanted to know when they'll see the aircraft fly?"

"We will fly it tomorrow," Jonathan said, glancing at the crowds. "Poul specifically."

It was not that surprising for the industrialist duo to have people coming here to see the aircraft. After all, those people only saw it in the newspaper when the President of the United States attended the demonstration. They wanted to see for themselves if a man could conquer the skies.

"Any other matters that arose while we were away?" Poul inquired. There couldn't be just that, there must be something else for Amelia to call them over.

"Another thing Poul, Jonathan, is that there is someone from another country wishing to speak with you."

The industrialist duo tilted their head to the side, wondering who it could be. Just before they could inquire further, a voice with an asian accent sounded from behind.

"Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen."

The industrialist duo, along with their partners, turned around and saw a man of Asian descent in his fifties of small stature, wearing a black suit and top hat, and holding a cane in his right hand.

"Uhm—who might you be?" Poul asked.

The Asian man removed his top hat and bowed deeply before introducing himself. "I am Count Inoue Kaoru, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. I apologize for the abrupt introduction, but I have been following your remarkable achievements closely, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet you two here at the Chicago World's Fair."

Poul and Jonathan exchanged glances. Both were aware that there was an armed conflict between Joseon and Japan due to the actions made by their private military company. So there's no way that the Japanese diplomat would see them for their achievements, especially when the person is a foreign affairs minister.

"Uhh…Hajimemashte?" Jonathan extended his hand, offering a handshake. "Am I saying that right?"

Count Inoue Kaoru smiled appreciatively and accepted Jonathan's handshake. "Indeed, Mr. Axelsen, you pronounced it quite well. It's a pleasure to meet you and Mr. Nielsen."

Poul nodded politely, still intrigued by the unexpected encounter. "Likewise, Count Inoue. How may we assist you during your visit to our pavilion?"

The Japanese diplomat straightened his posture and spoke with a diplomatic tone.

"My government is interested in the aircraft you demonstrated for the President of the United States. We got curious about it and sailed across the ocean to see it. We are wondering if we can get that one for our Imperial Army?"

"I see no problem with it," Poul said. "But this is not the place for that discussion. You haven't made an appointment with us, making this conversation an informal one. For inquiries and appointments, you can speak with my secretary here—Ms. Weiss."

Poul flickered his fingers, repeatedly, and Amelia stepped forward.

"Mr. Nielsen," Inoue cleared his throat. "You must be aware of why my country is in conflict with Joseon right?"

"Oh, we are well aware of that fact, sir. It was business, the Joseon government hired our private militia and executed what they were paid to do. Which is what we are still doing but in another venture. Both countries purchase weapons from the Axelsen and Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company. It's just business, don't take it personally."

Upon hearing that, the Japanese guards behind Inoue, who are probably former samurai, stepped forward in an aggressive manner as they felt insulted by his words.

Poul and Jonathan were unfazed and simply stared at the men in the eye.

Count Inoue calmed the tension down by raising his hand.

"I would like to apologize for their behavior, they are quite defensive," he said. "We will do as you told, we are going to set up an appointment with your secretary here, is tomorrow fine?"

Poul and Jonathan exchanged another quick glance before nodding in agreement.

"Tomorrow will work," Poul replied. "We'll be available for a meeting after the flight demonstration tomorrow at noon."

Count Inoue Kaoru offered a formal bow once more before taking their leave.

The industrialist duo watched as their figure disappeared from a distance.

Caroline wrapped her arms around Jonathan and spoke gently. "What a lucrative offer awaits from the Japanese. You know, it's not just Japan who will get interested in the aircraft right?"

"We're well aware," Jonathan replied, his fingers gently entwining with hers, effortlessly gliding across her velvety skin. "The United States has already displayed their keen interest, and they're determined to secure the finest design for their own use."

"But do they have the money for it?" Poul smirked and continued. "We haven't developed an efficient and effective assembly line for mass-producing aircraft yet. Well, it's their money, let's just show them tomorrow what they are buying. And it's going to be a whole different from the demonstration with the President because thirty million people would witness it."