Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

"Uhm…Mister Axelsen and Nielsen," a man called from down the carriage.

Poul and Jonathan got startled at the sudden call. They looked down and saw Mister Sam Insull. James Russel's personal secretary.

"Oh, Sam. Fancy meeting you here as well. What do you need?"

"Mister Russels wants you to join him on the platform for the lighting ceremony."

"You should go," Caroline told them, smiling warmly.

"You two are going to be fine on your own?" Poulasked.

"Yes, don't worry," Caroline assured him. "We'll be sure to watch you from here."

"Well, if you say so, Miss Caroline," Poul said, and then looked at Amelia. "Wait for me, okay?" he said, standing up. Amelia nodded and watched as Poul and Jonathan climbed down the carriage and followed Mister Insull towards the steps of the New York Stock Exchange.

In a temporary platform in front of the New York Stock Exchange, Poul and Jonathan stood among industrialists of the United States of Avalonia, John Morgan, Rockefeller, and Carnegie. Wanderbilt was not present as his company is preparing for a trial. According to the classifications of status, the three are considered new money people, people who have come from nothing but become stupendously rich.

"So you two are the emerging industrialists that would join us in the future huh?" Rockefeller asked as he approached them.

"I could say with full confidence that not only we are emerging, but will become one of the pillars of the United States of Avalonia's growth," Poul said.

"For an Albian saying such things, well I don't mind. What we mind as businessmen is money. We don't care where you were born, what color your hair has, or the color of your skin. As long as one proves useful, I will treat them equally."

"It's quite good hearing that, Mister Rockefeller. You were the first to not care about my appearance."

"Why would I? We too could become partners in the future, why would I look down on you?" Rockefeller said.

Poul chuckled. "True, we are going to be great partners when we start our automobile industry."

"Automobile?" Rockefeller tilted his head to the side. "What is that?"

"You'll see in the future," Poul said. "And the black gold you are refining, it'll be the blood of that automobile."

While Poul and Rockefeller are having a brief conversation with one another, Jonathan is also having one for himself with Russel.

"I'm glad that you could come here and join us, Mister Jonathan. How does it feel to become part of history?" Russel asked.

"I'm elated and excited. To think that I'll be written in the history books as the one who stood alongside you is a great honor," Jonathan humbly replied.

Russel shook Jonathan's hand firmly and gave a smile before speaking once again. "Now let's start writing history. The United States of Avalonia became the first to light up the world with electricity."

"Let's do it," Jonathan agreed.

The musical ensemble hired to play music in this ceremony started drumming their drums and blowing their trumpets. It signaled the start of the ceremony and served as the attention caller.

The people who were having a fun time talking to one another stopped as they looked at the platform.

Caroline and Amelia's attention was also on the platform. They saw Poul and Jonathan standing next to Rockefeller and Morgan.

Poul noticed their stares and lifted his hat.

Caroline and Amelia smiled, waving at him.

The speaker on the platform spoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen. May I introduce, Mister James Russel!"

Russel raised his hand and waved it as the people cheered with applause. Suddenly, the light in the lamp post started dimming, as if it was being blown off by the wind. The street became dark and the only source of light remained were the candles from the carriages of the rich people.

"Today, we have captured and tamed what has been a flash across the dark sky. It has been feared by many and thought to be a symbol of the wrath of gods. Now humanity has it under control. To use it for our convenience and development. Everyone, I want you to be silent as we watch and feel the essence of this ceremony. In the count of ten, the way we light up the world will change," Russel announced, and then started counting. "Ten, nine, eight."

The people joined him and counted in unison, "Seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

Russel pushed the switch and the New York Stock Exchange front facade started glowing orange. The people let out an awed gasp as the light illuminated their faces. It was bright, brighter than the gas lamps and candles could provide. They were stunned to speak as they gaze at the magical scenario unfolding before them. Regardless of their social status, all of them felt their hearts begin to flutter and excitement spread throughout their body.

As the glow continued, and the light continued to grow, the people began to murmur amongst themselves. The lights grew stronger and stronger until finally, it was impossible to make out anything in the darkness of the night. They started covering their mouths as they couldn't help but feel just awe. Some even break into tears, while others' mouths gaped at the uplifting moment.

What had been so innocuous and taken for granted in the modern world was an actual marvel of their era. Poul and Jonathan wonder in their past life if they will ever be in such awe at humanity's own ingenuity again. And they did. It may have been a simple device but it changed the world and how humanity looks at night. No longer should they fear darkness as humanity conquered it with light.

When the New York Stock Exchange and the surrounding buildings lit up, the crowd cheered and whistled, clapping their hands.

"This is amazing," Poul said as he couldn't help but smile at the building. His eyes were beaming with admiration and appreciation as he looked at the magnificent sight before him. "The people in this era are truly built differently," he added.

"Indeed," Jonathan said as he was still looking at the sight. "And we shall make them feel that way with our future inventions."

"You are right."