Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Amelia walked briskly down the corridor, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The officer she was escorting, Lieutenant Colonel Richards, strode confidently beside her, his military insignia gleaming on his crisp gray uniform. Their mission was a delicate one - to establish a private military presence in the Joseon Kingdom, a historic land known for its rich culture and traditions.

As they approached the heavy wooden door, Amelia straightened her posture and rapped her knuckles against the solid surface. The door swung open, revealing a spacious office.

Poul looked up from his desk, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the new arrival.

Poul's gaze lingered on the tall, commanding figure standing in the doorway. The man appeared to be in his early forties, with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes that exuded a sense of authority. His uniform clung to his athletic frame, emphasizing his confidence and strength.

Poul's trained eye recognized the meticulous care with which the Lieutenant Colonel had adorned himself, a clear reflection of his dedication to his role.

"Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Richards," Poul greeted him warmly, gesturing towards a pair of plush chairs positioned in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

Richards nodded appreciatively and gracefully settled into one of the chairs, his posture remaining upright and attentive. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen," he replied, his voice deep and resonant.

Amelia positioned herself near the desk, positioning herself next to Poul.

"So, Lieutenant Colonel Richards," Poul repeated his name while reading the file in his hand. "It says here that you participated in the United States Civil War back in 863 at the young age of twelve. So young huh? How were you able to enlist?"

"Well, I'd say that the Union was in dire need of every able-bodied individual to fight the Confederacy," Richards began, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his face. "I grew up in a small town ravaged by the war, and at twelve years old, I witnessed the destruction and loss that it brought upon us."

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on a distant memory. "My family, like many others, had suffered greatly. My father, a soldier, had fallen in battle, leaving my mother and younger siblings vulnerable. I couldn't bear the thought of sitting idly by while our home and loved ones were at risk."

Richards clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white momentarily. "So, I made a decision—an audacious one, you could say. I disguised myself as a young soldier, altering my appearance to look older. I forged documents and presented myself as an eighteen-year-old recruit. The desperation of the times allowed me to slip through the cracks of age verification, and before I knew it, I found myself enlisted in the Union Army."

Poul leaned forward, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and admiration.

"That's quite an extraordinary feat. To be able to deceive them, you must have appeared remarkably mature for your age," Poul commented, his curiosity piqued.

Richards chuckled softly, a hint of nostalgia lingering in his eyes. "I suppose I possessed a physical maturity that belied my actual age. But it wasn't just my appearance that allowed me to slip through the cracks. I observed the older soldiers closely, imitating their mannerisms, learning to carry myself with a sense of authority and confidence."

"What major battles did you participate in? Although I can read it from here, I want to hear it from you," Poul said. "I participated in several major battles during my time in the Union Army. One of the most significant was the Battle of Gettysburg. I can still remember the deafening roar of cannon fire and the acrid scent of gunpowder in the air as if it just happened yesterday…"

Poul hummed loudly. "I'd say that you are good on paper, Mr. Richards. But the Kingdom of Joseon is a different land compared to the United States. The culture, the norms, everything is different. I believe you have studied the papers my executive secretary handed you to prepare for the operation."

"I already did, sir," Richard confirmed with a nod of his head. "We are to repel the Japanese forces illegally occupying just forty miles north of Hanseong."

"It's a clear violation of Joseon's sovereignty, or so they believe," Poul said. "But we don't dive into the details here, Mr. Richards. We are a private military company, we don't ask questions, we do what we are paid to do. It will be a lot more different than fighting for your country."

"Wouldn't this drag our country into conflict with Japan?" Richards asked, a concerned expression etching his face.

"No, and even if it did, I don't think the Japanese would risk escalating tensions with Western Powers. They don't have the guts," he paused and sighed. "You are probably the fourth person who has asked this question. Just leave the politics to us, and do your job."

Richards rose to his feet and saluted. "I will, Mr. Nielsen,"

Poul rose to his feet as well and walked around the table, moving closer to him. He straightened Richard's military uniform, which bore similarities to the historic uniforms of the Wehrmacht in World War II. Poul believed in creating an intimidating presence for his troops, combined with a touch of fashion.

"Now, the Joseon Kingdom has paid us a significant sum, and I don't want any mistakes or complications," Poul emphasized. "Do you understand?"

Richards straightened his posture, meeting Poul's gaze with unwavering determination. "Yes, Mr. Nielsen. I understand the gravity of our mission and the responsibility that rests on my shoulders. I assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure a successful operation and protect the interests of the Joseon Kingdom and this company."

Poul nodded, satisfied with his response. "Good, I don't have to remind you that this is also our first contract, so I want you to make a good impression on the Joseon Kingdom and demonstrate the effectiveness and professionalism of our private military company."

"Duly noted, Mr. Nielsen."

Poul patted his shoulders. "Great, you are now dismissed."

Richards gave a final nod of acknowledgment and turned to leave the office.

Amelia, who just listened to their conversation, finally spoke.

"Mr. Nielsen, there is also another thing that I wish to discuss with you. It's about the agreement we have signed with the House of Saud…and you are not going to like it."

"I hope it's not what I'm thinking," Poul said, a faint smile tugging his lips.