Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

After his meeting with the Crown Prince of the British Empire, Poul returned to his suite and flung himself onto the bed. As he stared blankly at the ceiling, his mind raced with thoughts of the prince's true motives for calling the meeting. Though the official reason given was to reconcile past misunderstandings, Poul couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it than that.

The Crown Prince's intense gaze had hinted at deeper scrutiny, one that Poul could ill afford to ignore. To avoid arousing any further suspicion, he decided to cut off all contact with Penelope, his heart heavy with longing.

In the weeks that followed, Poul went about his business as usual, but with a newfound sense of caution. He was certain that the Crown Prince was keeping an eye on him, and he couldn't risk giving him any reason to suspect him further.

One month later, Poul found himself at the London Railway Station, surrounded by top executives, politicians, and the Crown Prince himself, all waiting for a train equipped with an automatic air brake system to pass by. As they waited, Poul struck up a conversation with the Crown Prince, hoping to ease the tension between them.

"The steam locomotive will be here soon, Your Highness," Poul said politely.

"I am well aware of the schedule, Mr. Nielsen," the Crown Prince replied coldly. "If you think that entertaining me with small talk will ease my boredom, you are mistaken. I prefer to observe things in silence."

"Does that mean you don't want to talk to me?" Poul asked, his expression unfazed.

The Crown Prince gave him a curt nod, and Poul fell silent. He noticed the Crown Prince's behavior towards him was colder than usual, though not that he cared about it or anything.

As he waited for the train to arrive, Poul couldn't help but wonder how long he would have to endure the Crown Prince's scrutiny and whether he would ever be able to deceive him that he and Penelope are not related.

Poul's attention was drawn back to the tracks as the chugging sound of the train grew louder. He felt a slight rumble under his feet, and he knew that the train was finally arriving. He looked around at the officials on the platform, all of whom were eagerly awaiting the demonstration.

The steam locomotive appeared in the distance, a majestic beast of iron and steel, barreling towards them at an impressive speed. The observers began to murmur in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the approaching train. Poul stood confidently, a proud smile on his face as he watched the train, knowing that his invention would perform flawlessly.

As the locomotive neared the platform, Poul's confidence never wavered. The train seemed to be approaching at an alarming speed, causing a few officials to take a step back in uncertainty. Poul, however, stood firm and steadfast, certain that his automatic air brake system would work as intended.

In the final seconds before the train reached the platform, Poul raised his hand slightly, signaling the engineer to activate the automatic air brake system. The engineer nodded, pulling the lever. Instantly, the train began to decelerate at a remarkable rate, leaving the onlookers in awe.

Within a few seconds, the train came to a smooth and complete stop at the platform, just as Poul had promised. The sound of the train's brakes hissing as they released the air filled the air.

The officials and the Crown Prince himself were visibly impressed. The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow and turned to Poul, his demeanor softening ever so slightly.

"That was quite the demonstration, Mr. Nielsen. Just as you have advertised, your air brake system can stop a hundred-ton steam locomotive in a matter of seconds."

"Well, I have never lied about the capabilities of my invention, Your Highness," Poul said. "So, I believe that this demonstration would help the officials decide whether or not to adopt my air brake system?"

The Crown Prince hummed in thought. Seconds later, he spoke. "Stopping a train has always been an issue to the safety aspect of the locomotive. I'm sure that the parliament would consider adopting your air brake system since it has performed what it was promised."

Poul glanced over his shoulder and saw British officials whispering among themselves, who were possibly discussing the possibility of adopting the air brake system over the existing vacuum brakes. He even saw Benjamin there, chatting among the ranks.

"I'm curious, Mr. Nielsen," Prince Alexander suddenly spoke, snapping his attention back to him. "You have no educational background, and for a kind that is frowned upon in your country, you possess a great intellect in engineering. From air brakes to firearms."

So now he is suspicious about his background as well huh? Well, that's understandable, he and his partner might have done things a little bit too fast but what's done is done.

"You can say that I'm a gifted person, Your Highness. Even if I don't have an educational background, as long as one is dedicated and passionate about their craft, they can achieve great things," Poul replied, choosing his words carefully.

Alexander scoffed softly. "Well, if that's what you say."

Alexander stood up and fixed his suit. "I think that concludes it. I came here because I want to see your automatic air brake system in action and it impressed me. For sure, the members of parliament would consider adopting it. You can take my word for it because if they didn't, that would be an unwise move."

"Thank you for those compassionate words, Your Highness," Poul bowed his head respectfully. "Oh, if I may ask, are things between you and Penelope going well?"

The moment Poul said that Alexander's cool expression suddenly turned icy.

"Don't act too casual in front of me. You have no business in my personal life, Mr. Nielsen," Prince Alexander replied sharply, his eyes narrowing in anger."

Poul's face remained neutral at the prince's outburst.

"My apologies, Your Highness. I didn't mean to overstep my bounds," he said calmly.

The Crown Prince's anger dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, and he gave Poul a measured look. "I suggest you focus on your work, Mr. Nielsen," and then he took off.

The British Prime Minister, Benjamin, walked over to him.

"Some of the members of the parliament wanted to ask how many air brakes can you produce and deliver in the coming months?"

"If the price is right, we can deliver up to thousands, as we have already expanded our facility in Pittsburg," Poul replied.

"Very well, someone will get in touch with you soon, discussing that."

With that, Poul smiled. "I will wait for him."