Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

An hour after Amelia's interview with Beatrice, Poul, and Jonathan returned to their office, feeling a sense of relief as their day spent helping the engineers had come to an end. As they walked towards their desks, they noticed a woman standing by Poul's desk, her smile greeting them.

"Good evening, Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen. How was your work today?" Amelia asked warmly.

Poul replied, "It was the usual, Amelia. Did you have any updates on the new receptionist you interviewed earlier today?"

Amelia nodded, "Yes, she meets all of the qualifications required for the position. I have a good feeling that she'll excel as a receptionist here."

Jonathan added, "That's fantastic news. When will she start?"

"Tomorrow," Amelia replied. "Her workday will begin at 8 AM and end at 5 PM, as per our company's policy."

Poul inquired, "Do we have any appointments scheduled for tomorrow, Amelia?"

"Not to my knowledge, Poul," Amelia answered.

"That means we're free tomorrow," Poul said, looking at Jonathan.

But Amelia interjected, "I'm afraid not, Poul. You still have a significant amount of paperwork that requires your attention, including stamping and signatures."

Poul groaned, "Oh, I completely forgot about that."

Jonathan chuckled, "Looks like it's going to be a long night for you, Poul."

Poul sighed, "I suppose so."

Amelia noticed Poul's weary expression and offered, "Would you like me to help you with some of the paperwork, Poul?"

Poul looked up at Amelia with a grateful smile. "I appreciate the offer, Amelia but I got this. I don't want you working on something that is beyond your scope of work, not to mention, beyond your time."

"I can do overtime," Amelia suggested, hoping to alleviate Poul's workload.

Poul shook his head firmly. "No, Amelia, that's not necessary. You've already done so much today, and it wouldn't be fair to ask you to stay longer than you already have."

Amelia nodded understandingly, "I see. Well, if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask."

Poul smiled appreciatively, "Thank you, Amelia. I'll keep that in mind."

With that settled, Poul and Jonathan settled into their desks, preparing to tackle the mountain of paperwork ahead of them.

***

Eight o'clock in the morning, Beatrice sat at the reception desk, poised and ready to start her first day of work. She imagined herself welcoming clients and answering inquiries with grace and confidence, eager to make a positive impression on her new employers.

As she was lost in thought, a gruff voice interrupted her reverie. "Excuse me, miss. Are Mr. Nielsen and Mr. Axelsen in the office yet?"

Startled, Beatrice looked up to see a blonde-haired man in his thirties wearing a black suit and a top hat standing in front of her desk.

"Yes, they are both in their office at the moment. May I ask if you have an appointment scheduled with them?" Beatrice inquired politely.

"I have none. I was just referred to them yesterday by Lady Dupont. She said that you'll let me see them if I mention her name," the man explained.

Beatrice looked puzzled. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm new here and I don't know who Lady Dupont is. Would you mind if I contact Mr. Nielsen and Axelsen's executive secretary for confirmation?"

"I will wait here," the man said with a nod.

Beatrice quickly picked up the phone and dialed the executive secretary's number to confirm the man's visit. After a brief conversation, she hung up the phone and turned back to the man.

"Mr. Nielsen and Mr. Axelsen are expecting you. Please, follow me," Beatrice said, leading the way toward the elevator.

As they got into the elevator, the man let out a soft gasp. Beatrice found it amusing as the words spoken by Amelia yesterday were proven to be true.

With a dinging sound, the two stepped out of the elevator and she escorted the man to the office. It will be her first time seeing the founders of the company so she is as just as eager to see Mr. Axelsen and Nielsen in their office.

Moments after, they arrived at the office. Beatrice knocked twice before speaking.

"Good morning, my name is Beatrice Summers, the new receptionist. I have the gentleman who wants to see you."

"Let him in," a voice sounded from behind.

With that signal, Beatrice opened the door and let the man into the founder's office. Inside, she saw a silver-haired and blonde-haired man. Of course, before applying for a position in their company, she made sure to conduct research about their backgrounds. Mr. Nielsen is said to be an Albian, the first successful Albian businessman in the United States of Avalonia. He is said to be a genius in the field of mechanical engineering as most of their products were an idea and inventions of his. The blonde-haired must be Mr. Axelsen, the man who is said to be the architect of the building she is treading upon.

She had imagined them to be in their middle ages but it appears that they are young, a prodigy perhaps?

"You must be Mr. Summers," Poul spoke. "Thank you for seeing him here, you may now return to your post."

"Thank you, Mr. Nielsen," Beatrice said as she excused her way out of the office.

In the office, Poul and Jonathan looked at the man standing before them.

"You said that you were referred to here by Lady Dupont, may I ask for your name?" Jonathan asked.

"You two have grown huh?" The man said.

Poul and Jonathan exchanged a quick glance before returning their gaze to him.

"I'm sorry but do we know you?" Poul asked.

"My name is Felix Sumpter, I guess you will remember me from twelve years ago back in Columbus. You were the kids back there who were asking for a spare change."

Poul and Jonathan's eyes widened in shock. The man who appeared before them was indeed the man who saved them from that night. Felix Sumpter, there is no way that they are going to forget that name.

"Wait, you are Mr. Sumpter? The one who runs a cafe house?"

"Yes, that would be me," he confirmed. I didn't expect that you would have a business empire here in Avalonia."

"Shit…" Poul was still surprised at this encounter.

"Would you like to have a seat, sir?" Jonathan asked politely.

"Of course," Felix said, removing the top hat off his head before taking a seat. "So, allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Felix Sumpter, and I'm a council member of the State of Ohio. I approached your company today because Lady Dupont said that you have a system of electric distribution that is far cheaper than Russell's."

"Well, we do offer that kind of service, Mr. Sumpter, and Lady Dupont are indeed right. That we are cheaper?"

"I see. I approached Russell first for the electricity but he wanted me to buy a generator for one mile. And for every generator, we also had to buy a hundred thousand feet of copper wires. Well, not that our city can't afford it but we found it to be impractical to be implemented to light up Columbus, and possibly every city in Ohio."

"I see," Poul nodded understandingly.

"I visited the city that you lit up with your electricity, the Scranton. It was a wonderful experience and I wanted that experience to be felt by the people of Columbus, and possibly every person in Ohio."

"It would be an honor, Mr. Sumpter," Jonathan said. "Say no more. Do you want an ac system in your state? Very well, we will provide it to you."

"Thank you, it'll just make more sense to the taxpayers of Ohio to go with Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing and Distribution Company."