Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

A week later, the team from the Axelsen & Nielsen Company arrived at the bustling port city of Brest. The salty sea air filled their lungs as they stepped off the ship and onto the port. The sound of seagulls and the crashing waves echoed in the distance. The city was alive with activity as cargo was loaded and unloaded from steamships, while sailors bustled around on the docks, hauling ropes and crates.

As they walked through the port, the team was greeted with the sight of steamships puffing out thick, white smoke from their tall smokestacks, filling the sky with a gray haze. The loud, rhythmic thumping of the steam engines could be heard from miles away as the ships glided in and out of the harbor, their powerful propellers churning up the water.

The port was a maze of ships, warehouses, and cranes, each competing for space and attention. The smell of fish and salt mixed with the thick smoke created a pungent odor that lingered in the air. Wooden planks creaked beneath their feet as they made their way along the busy docks, dodging carts and sailors carrying heavy loads.

The team passed by towering stacks of wooden crates, barrels, and bales of cotton, each labeled with its country of origin. They saw sailors unloading exotic fruits and spices, while others loaded crates of weapons and ammunition. The team couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as they took in the sheer size and complexity of the operation. It was like a small city within a city.

Despite the chaotic scene, there was a sense of order and organization. The steamships were docked in neat rows, each with its own crew and cargo. The team could see men in uniforms directing the loading and unloading of goods, while others patrolled the area, keeping a watchful eye on any suspicious activity.

The sun was setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the port. The team knew that they had a lot of work ahead of them, but for now, they took a moment to appreciate the bustling scene before them, the clanging of metal, the whistling of the wind, and the distinct smell of the sea that permeated the air.

"So this is Brest huh?" Poul scanned around. "Well, this is an interesting view. Amelia, please repeat your report to me to the rest of the group."

"Affirmative, Mr. Nielsen," Amelia strode purposefully towards the group and pivoted to address them. "Our engineering team was dispatched to Paris a week ago to liaise with the fair's organizers. The innovative inventions and state-of-the-art technologies have been installed and are now poised for the public debut at the grand opening of the World's Fair."

"Thank you, Amelia," Poul said, beckoning her to return.

Amelia smiled before joining them again. "Well, the fair is going to start on the morning of May 6th, 889. We will stay in Paris for the next two weeks, and then after that, we return home and tend to our businesses. So that means you can go wherever you want around France before the World's fair starts. We are not going to stay in one hotel because I want us to enjoy our visit here with the important people in our life."

"Amen!" Jonathan raised a non-existent shot glass in the air.

"So, if you have dates or any business in Paris, you are free to do so," Poul said. "This is something that Jonathan and I have agreed upon."

"So who is coming with you?" Morgan asked. "As for me, my family is due to arrive in Paris in five days. But how about you? Is it Amelia?"

"Oh no," Poul shook his head. "Amelia has someone that will accompany her I believe."

"That's right, Poul," Amelia said. "He is waiting for me in Paris."

"Wait, if she is not the one coming with you, then who?" Morgan inquired again, getting confused.

"Isn't it obvious?" Poul placed an arm around Sara's shoulder. "It's Sara."

Sara blushed at the sudden attention. "Hey…Mr. Nielsen, isn't this a bit too sudden for Mr. Morgan?"

"Yeah, I am confused. Ms. Olsen is the new nurse that applied for your clinic right? So she is the one? I really thought that it was Amelia…"

Sara's expression fell when the name Amelia was brought up again. When she first arrived in the United States as Sara, Jonathan told her that there was someone keeping Poul company, and she believed it was Amelia. The executive secretary, the one that works closely with Poul. There's no denying the fact that the two could have developed a close relationship, so she couldn't help but feel jealous. But Sara tried to push those thoughts aside and focus on the present. She looked at Poul, who was still holding onto her shoulder and saw the sincerity in his eyes. He really did care about her, and that thought made her heart flutter.

Meanwhile, Amelia's expression was also the same as hers and she was puzzled. Why would she also have that expression? There's nothing going on between them right? So how come she is seemingly affected by Poul's action?

"Okay, I think that's enough question Mr. Morgan," Jonathan stepped in, stopping the conversation from going any further. "Let's just enjoy our time here in France and make the most out of it. We have a train to catch anyway so we should get moving."

The group nodded in agreement and started to gather their belongings. As they made their way to the train station, Sara walked beside Poul, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about their trip to Paris.

During the train ride, Poul and Sara sat together, discussing their plans for the next few days. Poul had already arranged for a private tour of the Eiffel Tower, a visit to the Louvre, and a dinner reservation at Le Grand Véfour, one of the most luxurious restaurants in Paris. Sara was amazed by the itinerary and couldn't believe she would be experiencing all of this.

"It's been a year since you left England, Sara. How do you feel? A sense of longing?" Poul asked as he held her hand.

"I don't know Poul, even though the police ended the investigation, there are rumors that Alexander is still doing an investigation," Sara said. "Don't you think this will bite us soon?"

"You don't have to worry about being caught, Sara," Poul said. "They have no lead so they can't proceed any further. I'm sorry if I brought such a bitter memory up."

"So, how are we going to tell the others? That we are in a relationship?" Sara asked.

"Well, we just have to prove that we are a couple by following the itinerary. We only need them to see us in that way, after all, and I believe this trip is a surefire way to make it happen."