Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

As the night descended on the Company town of Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company, the sound of machinery continued to hum and whir, as the workers labored tirelessly in the factory buildings.

The orange glow of light bulbs illuminated the streets and buildings, casting a warm and inviting hue over the town. The factory buildings were the largest structures in the town, their tall smokestacks reaching up into the night sky. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the sound of machinery, punctuated by the occasional whistle or shout from the workers.

As the night wore on, the windows of the apartments and houses glowed brighter, indicating that the some of the workers were finally returning home after a long day's work.

Despite the late hour, the town still buzzed with activity. Groups of workers gathered on street corners, smoking and chatting, while others hurried home to their families. The night was alive with the sound of life, a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the people who called the Company town of Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company their home.

Poul stood on the porch of the office, overlooking the streets of the town. The morning workers who had finished their shifts were now gathered on the streets, laughing and chatting with one another. It was a touching scene, and Poul couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the community he had helped to build.

He wanted to take one last look around the town before leaving for New York, where he would stay for a month. The thought of leaving made him feel a pang of sadness, but he knew he had important work to do.

Poul had just finished discussing the details of the seven-million-dollar contract with Jonathan. It was a huge undertaking, and Poul knew that building a gun similar to the M1 Garand from their original world would be a slow process, but he was confident that they could eventually get it done.

As he stared up at the night sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds in the darkness, Poul felt a sense of peace wash over him. The ethereal beauty of the night sky was both relaxing and uplifting, and he couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, a soft voice called out to him from behind. Poul turned to see Amelia, the secretary of the company.

"Sir Nielsen, I have prepared your luggage and briefcase," Amelia said, her voice like music to his ears.

Poul thanked her, smiling warmly. He couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the hard work and dedication of his employees, especially Amelia. She was a valuable member of his team and had contributed a lot to the development of the company since she got hired.

Poul turned to take one last look at the Company town of Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company. The familiar streets and buildings were etched into his memory, and he knew he would miss the place dearly. But the thought of returning in just one month's time brought a small sense of comfort, easing the weight of his sadness.

"So, you are leaving now?" Amelia's voice broke Poul's reverie, and he turned to face her again. She looked up at him with eyes full of concern and regret.

"Yes, I am just waiting for my carriage to arrive," Poul replied, his voice laced with emotion. He could see the sadness in her eyes and couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for leaving her and the rest of the staff behind.

"I see...although it's not been a month since I began working for your company, I am feeling sad at the thought of you going away," Amelia said softly, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"So you are going to miss me?" Poul asked teasingly.

"Eh?" Amelia let out a soft gasp. "Uhm…I don't know, maybe I guess," she said bashfully, her face reddening.

Poul couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at Amelia's bashful response. He had always been drawn to her but was completely aware that it was just an infatuation. He doesn't know if his feelings right now are true but he doesn't have the courage yet to find it out, as he couldn't risk making Amelia feel uncomfortable or putting their professional relationship in jeopardy. For now, he would have to be content with the small moments of connection they shared.

"I'll miss you too, Amelia," Poul said, his voice imbued with a warmth that reflected his reassuring nature. "I have faith that you will be an invaluable asset to Jonathan in running the business while I am away. I trust in your abilities completely."

"I will do my best, Sir Nielsen," Amelia replied, her tone respectful.

But as Poul spoke those words, he came to a sudden realization. With his departure, Jonathan and Amelia would have to share a room together. Ever since her arrival, the three of them had been sharing a room, as the construction of a new bedroom was yet to be completed. But now, with only the two of them in the same room, Poul's mind started to conjure up images that crushed his heart with jealousy.

Though he had no right to feel jealous, as he and Amelia were not in a relationship, the thought of his crush being intimate with another man was unbearable to him.

Speaking of the devil, Jonathan arrived at the porch.

Poul couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease. He had just made a decision that would undoubtedly affect the dynamic of their living arrangement. Gathering his resolve, Poul cleared his throat and addressed Jonathan in a serious tone.

"Jonathan, from today until I return, I want you to sleep in the office instead of the bedroom," Poul said, his gaze fixed on Jonathan.

Jonathan, his curiosity piqued, raised a brow and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, because Amelia is sleeping in the bedroom. It's just common sense," Poul explained, trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible.

As the meaning of Poul's words dawned on him, Jonathan let out a low murmur of understanding. "I see what's going on here," he said. "You're jealous because if you leave, I'll be alone with Amelia, right? And since her bedroom is not yet finished, we have no choice but to sleep together in the same room."

Poul's eyes widened in surprise, as he hadn't intended to reveal the true reason for his decision. But it was too late now.

"I'm just worried about her safety," Poul said, trying to steer the conversation back to a more professional tone.

"Worried? Bro, I won't do anything to her," Jonathan scoffed, shaking his head.

Poul frowned, his doubts still unresolved. "I can't be so certain of that. What if it were Caroline, and I got to sleep in the same room as her? Wouldn't you feel jealous?"

Jonathan's expression softened, as he finally realized the gravity of Poul's concerns. "I understand," he said, nodding in agreement. "I'll sleep in the office from now on."

As Amelia heard Poul and Jonathan's conversation, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was touched by Poul's concern for her safety but was also hurt by the implication that her presence in the bedroom could be a cause for concern. She stepped forward, determined to ease their worries and lighten the mood.

"Excuse me," Amelia said, her voice soft but determined. "I appreciate your concern, Sir Nielsen, but I don't want to be the cause of any discomfort. Perhaps it would be best if I slept in the office, and Sir Axelsen can have the bedroom. After all, he is the co-founder of the company, and I am just a mere secretary."

"You, Amelia, are not simply a secretary to me," Poul said, his voice firm and decisive. "We have come to a joint decision: you shall sleep in the bedroom while Jonathan takes the office. There is no need for you to sacrifice your own comfort any longer."

Jonathan's thoughtful expression conveyed his agreement. "I insist, Amelia. Poul is right. It's settled. I will sleep in the office so that you can have the privacy you deserve."

Poul nodded in appreciation of Jonathan's support. "Thank you, my friend."

"If that's what you both want, then I accept your decision," Amelia said with a grateful smile.

The clatter of hooves announced Poul's departure, and he stood to gather his luggage. Jonathan placed a hand on Poul's shoulder. "Good luck, my friend."

"Good luck to you too," Poul said before shifting his gaze to Amelia. "Farewell, Amelia. I will be back in a month."

"Please extend my warmest regards to Miss Caroline, should you find an occasion to visit her," Amelia said, her voice gentle and sincere.

Poul acknowledged her request with a nod, and then turned on his heel and boarded the carriage.

With a wistful sigh, Poul drew the curtain blocking the window and cast a final, longing gaze at the office. He extended his hand, his fingers tracing the air with a silent farewell as he waved goodbye to Amelia and Jonathan.

As the carriage began to move, Poul's hand slowly dropped to his lap, and he settled back into his seat, lost in thought. The sound of the wheels on the gravel path merged with the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves, echoing in the carriage and adding to the somber atmosphere.