Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Poul and Amelia returned to the park with a wooden basket in their hand. It must be where the food they bought is stored. A carpet hangs over Poul's shoulders. Jonathan and Caroline were looking for a picnic spot on the large field of grass, which was occupied by many people.

It took them about two minutes before they found a spot and occupied it. Jonathan raised and waved a hand at Poul, signaling him to come over.

"Oh, there they are," Poul said, prompting Amelia to look to her right and saw Caroline standing next to Jonathan.

They walked over to their location and Poul promptly laid the carpet down. Amelia set the basket down and took a seat on the floor. Poul sat beside her and watched as Jonathan and Caroline took their seats on the ground. It was giving a vibe of a double date, which is not a bad thing to imagine.

Amelia opened the basket, revealing an assortment of sandwiches. There are sandwiches with ham, cheese, jam, and peanut butter. A simple food like sandwich is enough to serve as an appetizer for their empty stomach.

"While we were out there walking, what did the two of you talk about?" Poul began, as Amelia handed him a sandwich, which he received gratefully.

"That's a secret," Jonathan said.

"Jonathan, if it's business-related, I don't think it's a good idea to keep me out of it," Poul reminded.

"It's not a business-related matter. It's more a personal one," Jonathan replied, not wanting to explain further as to uphold his promise to Caroline.

"I was just curious about Jonathan so I asked him personal questions," Caroline stepped in as she sensed a little bit of tension between Poul and Jonathan, "He seemed reluctant to answer my questions, but that didn't deter me much."

"So… what did he tell you?"

"Well, he told me something interesting…I'm sure Jonathan will explain it to you later when the time is right," Caroline said, taking a bite of her sandwich. "Hmm…" she moaned in satisfaction. "As always, your handmade sandwich is the best, Amelia."

Amelia smiled. "Thanks,"

"Wait, you are the one who made this?!" Poul exclaimed in surprise as he looked at her, surprised. "And why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't think there is anything worth nothing on the sandwich," Amelia explained. "Besides, I didn't do much on making it. It's just bread with a spread."

"Regardless, you making it makes a huge difference," Poul commented.

"How so?"

"Darling, are you really not getting it," Caroline interjected. "Poul is saying that the sandwich is delicious because you are the one who made it."

"Ehh?" Amelia's face slightly reddened at those remarks. "But I believe anyone else's sandwiches would taste about the same…"

"Nope, this is the most delicious bread I have eaten my entire life," Poul insisted. "Not even the most expensive bread could possibly compare to this."

Caroline sighed. "Sir Poul, you are overdoing it. Instead of making her like you with your praises, you are cringing her out. That's not a proper way to compliment a lady."

"Uhm…Miss Caroline..! Stop~!" Amelia bashfully spoke up, blushing from embarrassment.

"I will take note of that," Poul said in a serious tone.

"So, what will you do after this?" Caroline asked Poul.

"Well, we are probably going to return to the hotel and pass the time by playing games in the casino inside the hotel."

"By playing games, you mean gambling, right?" Caroline inquired, knowing that's exactly what he meant.

"Yes,"

"Well, I bid you good luck on your games, and don't overdo it. I'm sure you know better than I that gambling is addictive right?"

"I'll make sure to play it in moderation, if I lose three times, I will simply leave, no question asked," Poul said.

"Oh by the way, since you are attending the lighting ceremony of the New York Stock Exchange, why don't you join us in our carriage and have our dinner there."

"Dinner on the carriage?" Poul repeated. "Is there such a thing?"

"Surely, you lack knowledge about how things are done in this period," Caroline said, sighing inwardly. "Anyways, join us. It's not like you have to join Russel and Morgan on the platform, right? You were just invited."

"Won't that inconvenience them, Miss Caroline?" Amelia chimed in, concerned that her boss is taking too much of their time, and is probably bothering them.

"I don't think it would be a bother, right Poul? In fact, they'll be glad."

Poul scoffed softly. "You sure know how to read us, Miss Caroline. Very well, we shall join you on your dinner for tomorrow in the carriage, and watch as electricity runs through the New York Stock Exchange, and light all the bulbs up."

"Great!" Caroline clapped her hands together cheerfully. "Oh, before I forgot. You two should visit my shop on Broadway. I'll show you what we are offering to the men and ladies of New York. You decide the time."

Jonathan and Poul looked at one another, deciding whether to visit her place or not. Jonathan nodded, giving Poul his approval.

"Fine, the day before we leave New York. We will visit your shop," Poul said.

"When is the day before you leave New York?"

"On December twenty-two."

"Great, we will prepare a warm reception just for the both of you," Caroline said.

The dark clouds rumbled above and a drizzle started dropping down to New York.

"Oh, looks like we have to go," Caroline said. "It'll rain soon. You two should get going as well."

"We will do that," Jonathan said, and the four rose to their feet and packed up their things.

"Do you have an umbrella with you, Sir Poul?" Amelia asked.

"Unfortunately, we didn't carry one. But it's okay, as we are just going to take a cab. The valet in the hotel will fetch us one when we arrive."

"In that case, you two should hurry."

"No, we will escort you to your carriage, make sure you two get home safe."

Amelia sighed in defeat, she knew that if she kept rejecting his genuine offer of help, he wouldn't stop. "Okay."

And the two industrialist duo escorted the ladies to their carriage. The ladies boarded the carriage, and before closing the door, Amelia looked at Poul and gave her the most beautiful smile she could offer.

"Thank you," she said in an angelic voice.

Poul's heart fluttered for a brief moment, his lips being tugged at the corners as he couldn't contain his excitement, he averted his face.

"Of course," he uttered softly before closing the door.

The carriage started moving and the two industrialist duo watched as it disappeared into the distance.

"Geez, she's really too bad for my heart," Poul chuckled to himself, turning his gaze toward Jonathan, "What say you, Jonathan. Shall we head back to the hotel now?"

"Before that, I have something to tell you, Poul," Jonathan said, his expression stern.

"That sounds serious. What is it? Is it about the thing earlier, the one you said was a secret?" Poul guessed.

"You're right. I have learned something, Poul and I'm sure you will be shocked."

"What is it?" Poul asked.

"Miss Caroline is not a denizen of this world. She came from another world just like ours."

Poul sighed. "I see, so my suspicion about us not being alone in this world is indeed true. There are others out there."

"Wait? That's you react to that information?"

"How should I react?" Poul shrugged his hands. "The fact that we are here means that there is a possibility that there are others…Is Amelia also a reincarnator?"

Jonathan shook his head. "No."

Poul heaved a sigh of relief. "So, what is she?"

"She's a chemical engineer from Germany. I don't know if she came from the same world as ours."

"Chemical engineer," Poul hummed as he thought. "So just like ours, she is using her modern knowledge to invent things and profit from it."

"She already knows about us as well. I told her. She even offered us a job to work for her which I flatly refused."

"I see…Well, does Amelia know about this?"

"According to Caroline, no," Jonathan said. "And she wants to keep it that way."

"Okay, did she tell you more aside from that?"

"She told us to be careful who we work with, especially Morgan."

"That's understandable," Poul smiled. "Okay, is there nothing more?"

"That's it," Jonathan said.

"Okay."