Later, the same day, at the main entrance of the main office building. Poul and Jonathan climbed down the stairs towards the carriage waiting for them. Amelia followed behind with a graceful walk.
Jonathan quickly hopped into the carriage as soon as it arrived, but Poul paused and turned to Amelia.
"If any important clients arrive today without an appointment, handle it. If they ask for us, just tell them we're out and stress the importance of scheduling appointments in advance."
"Understood, Mr. Nielsen," Amelia replied with a nod.
Poul hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You know, Amelia, I've been calling you by your first name. You can do the same with me. No need to be so formal all the time."
Amelia's eyes flickered briefly with uncertainty. "I appreciate your offer, Mr. Nielsen, but I should address you politely since you're my superior."
Poul frowned, feeling a familiar tension building between them. "Alright, suit yourself. We'll be back this evening, and there's no need to prepare dinner for us."
Amelia gave a curt nod, and Poul boarded the carriage with a sigh. As they rode off, Jonathan could sense the awkwardness between his two companions and decided to break the silence.
"Hey, Poul, have you managed to resolve that issue with Amelia yet?"
Poul shook his head wearily. "No, it doesn't seem like she's interested in resolving it either. I think it's best we just keep things professional for now."
Jonathan nodded in agreement, but his thoughts soon turned to a more pressing matter. "Speaking of relationships, have you heard back from Sara? I heard the war in Europe is still raging, and shows no signs of stopping as the Russian morale is at an all-time high."
Poul's expression grew somber as he replied. "No, I haven't heard from her since I left London. I had to cut off communication for our safety, and I'm growing more anxious by the day. I hope she's taking care of herself and staying safe."
"She'll be safe," Jonathan placed a hand over his friend's shoulder. "She is deployed as a doctor, right? Tending the wounded soldiers from a safe location. There's nothing to worry about at all."
"But the Crown Prince," Poul stressed. "That Crown Prince, I'm getting a bad vibe from him. Like he'll do something bad to Sara."
"So what are you planning to do?" Jonathan asked.
"I might try to take her here in Avalonia where she can stay with us. That way, I can look over her."
"How on earth are you going to plan on doing that?" Jonathan raised a brow. "I don't think you forgot that she is a duke's daughter, and quite popular to the masses."
"I actually have an idea about it," Poul said. "I have a feeling that she won't like it. But if she really wants to be with me, she'll agree to it."
"What might that plan be?"
"You'll know soon eno—"
Poul was interrupted by the sudden lurch of the carriage as it passed on a bumpy road. He gripped the seat to steady himself and looked out the window, noticing that they were passing through a poorer section of the road.
"Before we try introducing automobiles, we might have to improve the road first," Poul commented.
Jonathan nodded in agreement, but his mind was still on Poul's plan. He couldn't help but wonder what it could be and why it would be something Sara wouldn't like. However, he knew better than to pry, so he decided to let it go for now.
Two hours later, as the carriage pulled up to their destination, Poul and Jonathan stepped out and headed towards the entrance of the Avonside Engine Company factory where they were to have their meeting. Poul straightened his tie and adjusted his jacket, making sure he looked presentable. Jonathan did the same and they stepped inside.
Inside the factory, the noise of machinery filled the air. Workers in blue overalls moved around, adjusting and inspecting the machines. Poul and Jonathan navigated through the maze of workers, toward the meeting room. As they entered, they saw the company's former executive waiting for them.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Nielsen. Mr. Axelsen. How was the trip?" Chapman asked, shaking their hands.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Chapman," Poul replied. "Well, if I have to be honest, it's quite a bumpy ride, but we made it here safely."
They sat down at the meeting table, and Jonathan began to explain their reason for being there.
"So, Mr. Chapman. We acquired your company that specializes in building steam locomotives. But your company couldn't keep up with the fierce competition. We stepped in, and purchased your company, keeping you as its executive and your workers. Now, we have come here because my partner wants you to do something for him."
Chapman's eyes flickered to Poul after hearing Jonathan's words, curious about what they wanted.
"What might that be, Mr. Nielsen?" he asked.
"We are going to want your team to build a new type of locomotive, the one that runs on electricity," Poul said, bringing up his briefcase over the table, and opening it. He pulled out a blueprint and showed it to him.
Chapman put on his reading glasses and carefully scanned the blueprints. "You said locomotives that ran on electricity right?" he confirmed.
"Yeah, that is right," Poul confirmed.
"To be honest, Mr. Nielsen, this concept is new to me," Chapman said, frowning slightly. "Like how is it going to run?"
Poul patiently explained the concept of the electric locomotive to Chapman, using simple language to help him understand.
"The locomotive will have an electric motor, which will be powered by batteries. These batteries will be recharged through an overhead wire, similar to how streetcars are powered. Have you heard of electric trams in Germany? It's a similar concept."
"Yeah, I have heard about the electric tram in Germany, but how will this one differ?" Chapman asked.
"Well, it's bigger, more powerful, can carry a lot of passengers, and to top it all, it's faster," Poul replied confidently.
Chapman, however, was still uncertain. "But our equipment and machines here are built specifically for steam locomotives, can we really build it with that available equipment?" he asked.
"No need to worry about the equipment, they'll do just fine," Poul said reassuringly. "Also, I'm going to oversee the production of the electric locomotive so there will be no mishaps. We are on a tight schedule here, so I suggest that you debrief your men about the new project."
"Very well, Mr. Nielsen," Chapman said, nodding in agreement. "I'll inform them."
"You will start once we have gathered the materials for the first batch, which is going to be the prototype. Once built, we are going to conduct a test run on it where it'll be attended by the New York Board of Transportation, the Mayor of New York, and private investors who will be investing in the Metro Station that is going to be built in New York."
"So, this is a huge project huh?" Chapman realized the magnitude of the project and couldn't help feeling excited about it.
"Yes, it is," Poul confirmed. "And it's going to be revolutionary. Think about it, Mr. Chapman, a train that doesn't rely on coal or oil to run, but instead runs on electricity. It's going to be a game-changer in the transportation industry."
Chapman's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he thought about the potential impact this new type of locomotive could have on the world. He couldn't help but feel proud that his team was going to be a part of it.
"I'll get my team ready for the project," Chapman said, determination in his voice. "We'll do everything in our power to make this project a success."
Poul smiled at Chapman's enthusiasm and offered his hand for a shake. "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Chapman. We'll be in touch soon."
Chapman shook the hands of the industrialist duo firmly, feeling a sense of partnership and camaraderie with his new superiors.
