Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World



As Poul stepped into the suite at the Grand Hotel, he couldn't help but gasp in awe. The room was nothing short of breathtaking. The opulence and grandeur of the suite were beyond his expectations. 

The walls were adorned with rich tapestries, and the floors were covered with plush carpets. The room was bathed in warm, soft light, which gave the space a cozy and inviting feel.

Poul couldn't take his eyes off the furniture, which was all handcrafted and upholstered in the finest fabrics. The sofa and chairs were covered in soft velvet, and the ornate coffee table was made of gleaming mahogany.

The room was filled with beautiful art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and intricately designed lamps. Poul couldn't help but admire the attention to detail that had gone into every aspect of the room's design.

As he walked around the suite, he noticed the luxurious bedroom. The bed was covered in silk sheets and piled high with fluffy pillows. The room was spacious, and the windows overlooked the bustling city of Paris.

"One of the perks of being a millionaire in this era," Poul commented. "And there is only one bed, meaning we are going to sleep together aren't we?" he said teasingly to Sara who was trailing behind him. "How long since we last slept together?" 

Sara rolled her eyes at Poul's comment, used to his playful banter. "I don't know, fifty years or so?" 

"Damn, that's a lot of time don't you think? That means we will have a lot of catching up to do," Poul grinned mischievously. 

"Well, unfortunately, you have to meet the officials from the United States Navy, I believe they are waiting for you downstairs." 

"Come on, we can do a quickie," Poul Sara let out a sigh, shaking her head at Poul's persistence. "We can't just skip out on our obligations, Poul. Besides, I thought you were excited to meet with them?"

Poul shrugged, a grin still plastered on his face. "I am, but that doesn't mean I can't have a little fun first."

Sara chuckled, shaking her head once again. "You're incorrigible, Poul. But you have to go, you don't want to keep them waiting, especially when they are from the government."

Poul reluctantly tore his gaze away and sighed. "Fine, I guess we can do it later," he said with a smirk. "But promise me, after this meeting, we'll have some time to ourselves."

Sara smiled, knowing that Poul wouldn't be able to resist any longer. "I promise, we'll have some time to ourselves," she said as she shooed him out of the room and towards the elevator. 

"Give me a kiss on the cheek first," Poul turned back, giving Sara a cheeky grin. She shook her head but leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Alright, now go," she said, pushing him towards the elevator.

When the door of the elevator closed, Sara sighed. Sometimes, Poul can be a bit of a handful, she thought to herself.

At the grand foyer of the Grand Hotel, Poul saw Jonathan waving at him, getting his attention. He was standing by the table, along with Mr. Morgan and one person he doesn't recognize. It must be from the United States Navy.

"Poul, you were two minutes later, what happened to you…" Jonathan paused as he spotted a tint of lipstick on Poul's cheek. He raised an eyebrow, looking amused.

Poul chuckled and wiped the lipstick off his cheek. "Why? She was asking for one,," he replied, ignoring Jonathan's teasing.

Jonathan grinned. "Ah, I see. Well, let me introduce you to Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan.  from the United States Navy. He's been waiting to meet you." 

"Captain Mahan?" Poul repeated the name. "I know you, you were the one who wrote the Mahan doctrine "Yes, that's correct," Captain Mahan replied with a smile, extending his hand to shake Poul's. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Poul. Your reputation precedes you."

Poul shook the hands of the man who wrote the Mahan doctrine, which according to it, "Sea power was the key to a country's economic and military dominance," Poul said, recalling the doctrine. "Your writings have had a significant impact on the development of naval strategy around the world."

Captain Mahan nodded. "Yes, that's correct. And now, we are interested in discussing some potential business opportunities with you."

Poul raised an eyebrow. "Business opportunities?"

"Yes," Captain Mahan replied. "The United States Navy is currently in need of some advanced technology for our ships and we've heard that your company has been churning out technologies that are beyond the minds of the people." 

"I'm flattered by the praise, captain, but if I heard you right, you are asking us to work on your ships? We don't have experience in shipbuilding." 

"No, that's not what I meant, Mr. Nielsen, you see, our naval engineers in Washington believed that your steam turbine can be used as a new type of propulsion, replacing the reciprocating engines that we currently use in our ships. We believe that your technology can make our ships faster, more efficient, and more maneuverable. We would like to explore the possibility of collaborating with your company on this project."

Jonathan smiled, he had predicted that this would be the case. 

"Well, if that was the case, we can help you," Jonathan stepped in. "Also, we may not have expertise in shipbuilding but we can design you a better ship than what was currently in the market." 

"Is that true?" Mahan flickered his gaze at Poul. 

"Yeah, we can try." 

"In that case, I'd love to see the model of your ship. The United States Congress is planning to pass another Naval Act, which would fund the construction of new warships to protect our interests around the world. If we found your model ship to our liking, then the United States Navy will honor you with a contract for its construction and supply."

Poul and Jonathan exchanged a look, surprised at the sudden turn of events. 

"That's going to be a problem as we don't have a shipbuilding enterprise yet…"

"That's okay," Morgan stepped in. "You can acquire one. Don't worry, I'll take care of it, just do what you are good at." 

"So are we in agreement, Mr. Nielsen? Mr. Axelsen? The steam turbine and a new model warship?" 

Poul and Jonathan exchanged a quick glance again and nodded. "We have an understanding, Mr. Mahan."

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