Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World



As the two industrious business partners worked feverishly on their upcoming client proposal, Amelia was tasked with showing their newest hire, Sara, around the bustling office. With a friendly smile, Amelia led Sara through each department, taking care to explain their respective functions and how they contributed to the overall success of the company.

As they journeyed from the lofty heights of the eighth floor down to the bustling first floor, Amelia regaled Sara with anecdotes about the office culture and its many quirks. Sara listened intently, taking mental notes as she absorbed the wealth of knowledge that Amelia had to offer.

Despite the hectic pace of the office, Amelia's enthusiasm was infectious, and Sara found herself energized by the sights and sounds of the busy workspace. By the time their tour came to an end, Sara was eager to start her new role and make a meaningful contribution to the company.

Amelia led Sara to the hospital where she would be working as a nurse. Although the workers preferred to call it a clinic, it was no less impressive than a hospital, with state-of-the-art medical equipment, highly trained doctors and nurses, and a fully equipped operating room. But the standards of it are in the late-nineteenth century, so from the perspective of a doctor who lived in the 21st century, she considered it a bit primitive but functional. 

"Do you have any questions before I introduce you to the head doctor?" Amelia asked, looking at Sara who was scanning around the hallway. 

"I have none, Ms. Weiss. You have been great at explaining everything so far," Sara replied, still in awe of the impressive facilities around her.

Amelia smiled warmly at Sara's response, pleased to have made a positive impression on the new hire. "Well, let's not keep Dr. Williams waiting then," she said, leading Sara down the hallway toward the head doctor's office.

As they entered the office, Sara noticed that Dr. Williams was a stern-looking man, with a serious expression and a no-nonsense demeanor. But despite his stern appearance, Sara could tell that he was a dedicated and experienced physician.

"So, you are the new nurse that I have been waiting for huh?" Dr. Williams said, extending his hand for a handshake.

Sara took Dr. Williams' hand and shook it firmly, returning his gaze with a confident smile. 

"Indeed, sir. I am most thrilled to be in this establishment and eager to exert myself diligently," the noblewoman replied with a graceful inclination of her head.

Dr. Williams nodded, his stern expression softening just a bit. "Good to hear. We have a lot of patients to attend to…wait," he paused and leaned forward to have a closer look at Sara's appearance. "You seem rather young, Ms. Olsen, and pardon me for saying this but you are quite beautiful. How old are you?" 

Sara tucked her hair behind her ears, blushing at the compliment she received from Williams. 

"I'm only twenty-two years old, doctor." 

"Still young," Williams remarked. "According to your file, you are a nurse from London who immigrated here, correct? What made you decide to leave your home country and come work here?" 

Sara's expression fell down and spoke. "Uhm, Doctor Williams, I'd rather not speak about my past if that's alright."

Dr. Williams nodded, sensing that Sara didn't want to delve into her personal life. "Very well sorry about that. I figured I would ask because there is this great female doctor there whom I have idolized. She is the daughter of a Duke and a Prime Minister. Sadly, she was murdered. What a great loss to the medical community."

Sara's heart sank as she listened to Dr. Williams' words. So not only the people of the British Empire were sad at her disappearance but doctors from around the world too. Her influence on the medical community by doing miracles has earned her a reputation among well-respected doctors. It is also sad that she can't tell that the doctor he looked up to is standing right in front of him. 

Amelia cleared her throat, getting their attention. "Uhm, Ms. Weiss, I believe I have shown you around the office. I'll be taking my leave now and returning to the main office to help Mr. Nielsen and Mr. Axelsen with their business meeting later."

Sara snapped out of her stupor and quickly bid farewell to Amelia before turning back to Dr. Williams. 

"So, Dr. Williams, where should I start?" 

"Follow me, we'll visit the emergency room first." 

Sara followed Dr. Williams as he led the way to the emergency room.

When they reached the emergency room, Dr. Williams introduced Sara to the other nurses and doctors who were working there. They were all busy attending to patients, and Sara was impressed by their professionalism and efficiency.

Dr. Williams gave Sara a brief overview of her duties, explaining that she would be assisting the nurses and doctors with various tasks, including taking vital signs, administering medication, and assisting with procedures. 

"Most of our patients here are workers in factories. Injuries are caused mostly by the work hazards they face on a daily basis. So, you need to be quick and attentive in treating them," Dr. Williams said and pointed at one of the patients lying on a bed. "That man accidentally burned his arm while using an acetylene torch." 

"Is that so?" Sara looked at the man's face who was groaning and wincing from pain. She then looked at his arm and saw that it was badly burned and blistered. 

"Sara, I forgot to ask you about this, why did you become a nurse?" Williams asked.

Sara was taken aback at the sudden question from Dr. Williams but she answered him.

"That is because I believe nursing is a noble profession where I can provide valuable assistance to those who are in need," Sara replied. However, she acknowledged that she had initially intended to apply for a doctor's position. Unfortunately, the era she was living in was not as liberal as she had hoped, especially for a woman. Pursuing a career in medicine or any other male-dominated field was frowned upon, making it difficult for women to achieve their professional goals. Even when she was in London, it took her a lot of arguments with her father and mother about her becoming a doctor. 

"Is that the truth, Sara?" Williams glanced at her. "Because it sounds to me that you are not speaking from your heart." 

Sara felt a pang of guilt in her chest. Dr. Williams had seen through her words. She took a deep breath and spoke with a twist of lies in it. "You're right, Dr. Williams. While I do believe in the nobility of nursing, my true passion lies in becoming a doctor. But I've faced a lot of opposition, especially as a woman in this era."

Dr. Williams nodded sympathetically. "I understand, Sara. It's not easy for women in our field, but don't let that discourage you."

As they were having a conversation, someone shouted from the door.

"Emergency!" 

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