Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, Poul Nielsen crossed the threshold into the drawing room of the Prime Minister of the British Empire. The grand chamber was a testament to the might and majesty of the nation. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed by heavy velvet curtains allowed streams of sunlight to pour in, casting a golden glow on the sumptuous furnishings. Intricate tapestries and priceless paintings adorned the walls, while a grand fireplace dominated one end of the room. The scent of polished wood and fresh flowers hung in the air, and the ticking of an ornate grandfather clock served as a subtle reminder of the passage of time.

At the far end of the room, behind an imposing mahogany desk, sat the Prime Minister. His stern eyes bored into Poul as he entered, and his chin was propped up by one hand in a posture that exuded authority and dominance. His golden blonde hair was neatly combed back, and his impeccably tailored suit left no doubt as to his station in life.

Poul instinctively straightened his posture as he approached the desk, acutely aware of the scrutiny he was under. The Prime Minister's gaze seemed to pierce through him as if attempting to divine his innermost thoughts and intentions. Despite the weight of the man's stare, Poul maintained his composure, determined to project confidence and self-assurance.

As he reached the desk, the Prime Minister rose from his seat and extended a hand to Poul.

"Mr. Nielsen, welcome," he said, his voice resonant and commanding.

Poul grasped the offered hand firmly, taking care to maintain eye contact.

"Thank you for receiving me, sir," he replied, his voice steady.

The Prime Minister gestured to a chair positioned before the desk. "Please, have a seat," he said, his tone cordial yet authoritative. Poul obliged, carefully arranging himself in the plush seat,

As the Prime Minister resumed his seat, his stern eyes never left Poul's face. "Now, Mr. Nielsen," he began, his voice measured. "Before we start our discussion, may I offer you some tea?"

"Sure, that would be great." Poul nodded in appreciation, accepting the offer of tea.

The Prime Minister carefully poured the steaming liquid into a delicate porcelain cup. The rich aroma of the brew filled the air, mingling with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers.

As the Prime Minister handed him the cup and saucer, he spoke again. "So you are indeed an Albian." The statement seemed to carry an air of intrigue as if there was a hidden significance behind the term.

Poul took a slow, measured sip of the tea, allowing the warmth to spread through him before he answered. "Yes, sir, I am an Albian, as you can see from the color of my hair. Why bring that up?"

"Nothing, I was just curious as to who might be the person that has caused discord in the royal family."

"Pardon?" Poul tilted his head to the side, puzzledly.

"Nothing, forget that I said that. Let's get down to business. So you have come here for a proposal huh? Where the railway companies in the British Empire adopt your automatic air brake system."

"Yes, your country is still using vacuum brakes and manual braking systems, which is not only safe but inefficient. Our air brake system has been adopted by many railway companies in the United States of Avalonia and the German Empire. And ever since they retrofitted their steam locomotives with our braking system, there haven't been any reports of accidents ever since," Poul replied reluctantly as his curiosity was still on the mention of the royal family.

"Hmm…how does your automatic air brake system differ from the vacuum brake?" The Prime Minister leaned forward, his stern eyes never leaving him.

Poul took another sip of tea, gathering his thoughts before responding.

"The primary difference between the air brake and the vacuum brake systems lies in their operating principles and efficiency. The air brake system uses compressed air as a means of applying the brakes, whereas the vacuum brake system relies on the creation of a vacuum in a cylinder to apply the brakes.

In the air brake system, the brake pipe runs throughout the length of the train, connecting each car's braking system. When the engineer applies the brakes, compressed air is released into the brake pipe, causing the brake shoes to press against the wheels. This application of pressure results in a rapid, even, and controlled braking action, ensuring the train comes to a stop safely and efficiently.

On the other hand, the vacuum brake system uses a vacuum in a brake cylinder to apply the brakes. When the engineer applies the brakes, the vacuum is released, causing the brake shoes to press against the wheels. However, this system is less efficient than the air brake system, as the vacuum must be created and maintained throughout the train, resulting in slower response times and less consistent braking action.

Moreover, the air brake system is superior to the vacuum brake system in terms of safety and reliability. The air brake system has built-in fail-safes that automatically apply the brakes in case of a loss of air pressure, making it far less susceptible to accidents. Additionally, the air brake system allows for more precise control over the braking action, enabling smoother and safer stops."

The Prime Minister listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he considered the information Poul had just presented. It was clear that the potential benefits of adopting the air brake system for the British Empire's railway network were significant, but the matter of the royal family's discord still lingered in the air, piquing both Poul's and the Prime Minister's attention.

"So, what you are after is me presenting a bill to the parliament, mandating the British railway companies to adopt your air brake system? Is that right?"

"That is quite correct, Mr. Prime Minister," Poul confirmed.

The Prime Minister leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he contemplated Poul's proposal. After a few moments of silence, he spoke, his voice firm and decisive.

"Very well, Mr. Nielsen, I will consider your proposal and its potential benefits for the British Empire. I will consult with my advisors and discuss the matter with the relevant authorities. You will be informed of our decision in due course."

Poul nodded, satisfied that he had at least gotten the Prime Minister to entertain the idea of adopting the air brake system. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your consideration."

The Prime Minister's eyes narrowed slightly as if sensing there was something more on Poul's mind.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Mr. Nielsen?"

Poul hesitated, debating whether he should ask about the royal discord that the Prime Minister had mentioned earlier. Taking a deep breath, he decided to voice his curiosity.

"Actually, sir, there is one more thing. Earlier, you mentioned something about discord in the royal family. I couldn't help but wonder what you were referring to."

The Prime Minister's expression turned guarded, and he studied Poul for a moment before responding. "It is not a matter of public knowledge, Mr. Nielsen, but since you have come this far, I suppose I can tell you. My daughter, Penelope Ascart is to be wed to the Crown Prince of the British Empire, Prince Alexander. I suppose that you met the two of them when they visited your headquarters in the United States."

"Yes, that is correct, sir. I have met them."

"The King then decided to make it official, by announcing it to the public, but my daughter foolishly rejected the idea, saying that she didn't want to be with the Crown Prince because she didn't love him. And then the Crown Prince brought up your name, stating that you are the reason why she is acting like that. And now that you are here, I might ask you for some explanation. Starting from, how did the two of you meet?"