Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

It wasn't long after Poul noticed someone was standing at the door.

"Sara?" Poul uttered, his hand still shaking the applicant. "What are you doing…wait…you may go now, John."

John, the applicant, nodded and quickly left the room, leaving Poul alone with Sara. Poul's expression turned from surprise to concern as he observed Sara's presence in his office.

"Sara, what brings you here? I thought you were in the clinic."

Sara took a deep breath, composing herself before responding. "Poul, I couldn't help but notice the unusual activity outside the building. There are so many men lining up, and what's this about the Aegis Tactical Services? It sounded militaristic…Is there something that you'd like to tell me?"

"Sara…"

Just as Poul was about to explain what was happening to her, a feminine voice interjected.

"Poul, the next applicant would be George…wait…Sara?"

The voice belonged to Amelia, with a startled expression on her face as she entered the room. Amelia's eyes darted between Poul and Sara, sensing the tension in the air.

Sara turned her attention to Amelia, her gaze filled with curiosity. "Amelia, what is going on here? Why are there so many applicants for this Aegis Tactical Services? And why is Poul involved in it?"

Amelia hesitated for a moment, glancing at Poul for guidance. Poul took a deep breath and decided it was time to reveal the truth to Sara.

"Amelia, please have a seat. There are things that I need to explain," Poul said, gesturing toward the chairs in front of his desk.

Sara complied, her expression a mix of anticipation and concern. Poul sat down behind his desk, collecting his thoughts before he began.

"Aegis Tactical Services is the private military company that Jonathan and I have established," Poul started. "Given the recent geopolitical tensions and the looming threat of King Alexander, we felt the need to have a capable force that could protect our interests."

"Wait…King Alexander?" Sara interrupted as she didn't expect to hear that name again. "Why? What had he done now?"

"Well, Sara, you have to understand that Alexander is keen on destroying us. He still believes the fact that I deceived and stole you from him."

"So you started a private military company to protect us, is that what you are saying?" Sara said.

Poul nodded. "Yes, Sara. Aegis Tactical Services is more than just protecting our interests. It's about safeguarding our lives, the lives of our friends, and those who are close to us. King Alexander's obsession with revenge poses a significant threat that we cannot ignore. We can't solely rely on the government's protection, especially when our lives are at stake. Even though we manufacture guns for them, politics can be unpredictable. Aegis Tactical Services gives us the ability to take control of our own security and provide a level of protection that we wouldn't have otherwise."

"So this is what you and Jonathan were talking about when you excused me and Ms. Weiss left your office last year?"

Poul's eyes softened as he met Sara's gaze. "Yes, Sara, that was the day when Jonathan and I first discussed the idea of establishing Aegis Tactical Services. We knew we needed to take proactive measures to ensure our safety and protect those we care about. King Alexander has unlimited resources at his disposal. He might even throw two countries at war to get revenge on me."

Sara's eyes widened with a mixture of shock and concern. The gravity of the situation became clearer to her as Poul's words sank in.

"I don't have a problem…to it…Poul," Sara broke the silence. "I understand the reason why you are doing this and for that I support you. As someone who had experienced Alexander's twisted side…" Sara's voice trailed off, her thoughts drifting back to the time when she had been under King Alexander's grasp, where he can be scary at times. "I knew what he was capable of."

"I won't let you experience it again, Sara... not on my watch," Poul declared. "I'll see you in the evening, and have dinner."

"Okay…I'll see you then," Sara rose from her seat and walked over to Poul, planting a gentle kiss on the forehead.

After that, Sara left the room, leaving Amelia and Poul alone.

"Amelia, please call the next applicant," Poul ordered.

"Right away," Amelia bowed slightly and quickly stepped out of the room to make the call. Poul sat in his chair, deep in thought, contemplating the immense responsibility that lay before him. The weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders, especially after King Alexander made an appearance again.

King Alexander… had forgotten about him momentarily after a year of idleness, and yet he reappeared, only this time he was acting dangerously.

Five hours later, Poul and Jonathan finished interviewing two hundred applicants. There are still four hundred men to interview in the coming days. Exhausted but determined, Poul knew that finding the right individuals to join Aegis Tactical Services was crucial. Each person would play a vital role in the organization's mission to counter King Alexander's threats.

"Do you want a beer?" Jonathan asked, breaking the silence that had settled in the room. He reached into the small refrigerator hidden behind the desk and pulled out two cold bottles.

Poul glanced at the beer and shook his head. "Thanks, but I'll pass for now. I have dinner plans with Sara later, and I want to make sure I'm fully present for that."

Jonathan nodded understandingly and placed one of the bottles back in the fridge. "So how many applicants that you interviewed pass the test?"

"About half of them show promising potential," Poul replied, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. "We still have a long way to go."

"For me, it was ninety," Jonathan "For me, it was ninety," Jonathan chimed in, a hint of pride in his voice. "We've come across some truly exceptional individuals today. People with extensive military backgrounds in the civil war."

"That is a good start, I'm also considering hiring abroad. Veterans and skilled soldiers from the Franco-Prussian war, Austro-Prussian War, Russo-Turkish, and the Crimean War," Poul suggested.

"Well, I think we should hire three hundred as a start for now, Poul, and put them to the test. Like have it hired by another country," Jonathan proposed.

"Not a bad idea," Poul considered, nodding thoughtfully.

Jonathan sighed. "My wedding is coming soon, I hope King Alexander doesn't do things during that. I have to go now, Poul. If you need something, just call me."

"Thank you, Jonathan."