Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Poul repeated the offer Caroline had earlier presented to him. "So, let me get this straight. You are willing to aid us in addressing the inadequacies of the prior smokeless gunpowder so long as we grant you the opportunity to invest in our company?"

Caroline corrected him, "Allow me to amend that, Poul. This deal is a mutually beneficial arrangement. I will provide you with the formula for the finest smokeless gunpowder that any chemical company in the world can manufacture, and I will invest in your company, whose value will skyrocket in the future."

"I see why you want to invest in our company," Poul nodded, understanding her intentions.

"I believe you and Mr. Axelsen are far more intelligent than I am, and you have a lot more to offer in this world. I desire to partake in your success. However, I am not just an investor who invests her money and expects it to grow. I will aid your company in establishing connections with my acquaintances in high society," Caroline added.

As Caroline spoke, a waiter arrived at their table with a menu and a bottle of wine. He placed the menu on the table and poured their glasses of wine. "Excuse me, madam and sir, may I take your order?" he asked.

Poul picked up the menu and scanned the dishes listed. "I would like to try your signature Delmonico's steak," he said.

"Um...Sir, the dish costs about seven dollars, it is expensive," the waiter cautioned.

"Yes, I am aware of that," Poul replied.

"But wouldn't it be improper for you to order such a pricey dish since the lady you are accompanying is going to pay for your meal?" the waiter inquired.

"What on earth? Do you think I am incapable of paying for my meal?" Poul asked incredulously.

"Based on your position as her chaperone, I do not believe you can," the waiter responded. "Why don't you order something less costly?"

Poul rubbed his forehead in disbelief and glanced at Caroline, who was trying to suppress a chuckle. "Your role as a waiter is to take our order and nothing more," Poul retorted.

"Please take his order," Caroline intervened. "Believe me, he can pay for his own meal. And for me, I'll have your lobster newburg."

"Understood. One Delmonico's steak and lobster newburg coming right up," the waiter said with a slight bow before turning around to head back to the kitchen.

Caroline leaned back in her chair, smiling at Poul. "I do hope you enjoy your steak, even if it is a bit expensive," she said teasingly.

Poul chuckled, shaking his head. "I can assure you, Miss Dupont, that I am more than capable of paying for my own meal. The waiter's assumptions were quite unwarranted. Just because I have this stupid silver hair I can't get what I want?"

"As I have mentioned earlier, despite one's wealth and power, social status remains a significant factor in this world," Caroline said, her tone tinged with a hint of regret. "It's a sad reality that those in the upper echelons of society often look down on those who come from humble beginnings. Nonetheless, your financial capabilities are not in question, Mister Nielsen. We both know that you are more than capable of paying for your own meal, regardless of what others may assume."

"If I may be honest, Lady Dupont, I'm beginning to notice your choice of words. You spoke eloquently and elegantly. Is that how people from high society speak?"

Caroline let out a small laugh. "Why, Mister Nielsen, are you implying that I didn't speak eloquently before?"

"No, no, not at all. I just couldn't help but notice the difference in the way you speak compared to the common folks."

Caroline smiled. "To answer your question, Sir Nielsen, yes, speaking eloquently and elegantly is expected from the members of high society. It is a reflection of our upbringing and education. The way we speak is just as important as the way we present ourselves in public. It is a way for us to demonstrate our superiority and refinement, and it is an essential part of our social status."

"I see," Poul said, nodding his head slowly. "It's fascinating how one's speech can define their social status in this world."

"Yes, it is," Caroline agreed. "But it's not just about the way we speak. It's also about the way we carry ourselves, our manners, and our etiquette. All of these things are crucial in maintaining our position in society."

"But you are sharing a table with an Albian, won't that affect your position in high society?" Poul asked curiously.

Caroline smiled serenely, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "There's no need to fret, Mister Nielsen. As long as you are seen in their eyes as my chaperone and not as a social equal, then there should be no issue at all."

Poul leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Caroline. "It's a different world, Lady Dupont. A world I am still trying to understand. I'm impressed that you adapted to it easily."

"Don't worry, Poul. You'll get the hang of it soon enough."

And then, they returned to the awkward silence again, which stifled both of them. They wanted to continue talking with one another but they were running out of topics. Fortunately, Poul came up with one.

"I must admit, Lady Dupont, your proposition is quite attractive. If I were to present it to Mister Axelsen and Morgan, I'm certain they would accept. Speaking of which, in the event they do, how much do you intend to invest in our enterprise?"

Caroline posed a question in return, "How much did Mister Morgan contribute to starting your company?"

"Six hundred thousand dollars for a ten percent stake," Poul replied matter-of-factly.

Caroline inquired further, "And what is the current valuation of your company?"

"Approximately forty five million dollars," Poul replied.

Caroline let out an astonished gasp at the staggering figures. "That's a six hundred and fifty percent growth in his investment?"

"Indeed, your calculations are accurate," Poul confirmed.

"And so, to answer your inquiry," Caroline paused for emphasis. "My investment will amount to fifteen million dollars."

Poul was taken aback by the staggering amount Caroline offered. He was impressed but also somewhat skeptical. "Fifteen million dollars? That's an enormous sum, Lady Dupont. Are you sure you want to invest that much in our company?"

Caroline smiled, radiating confidence. "Absolutely, Mr. Nielsen. I have great faith in your capabilities and your future prospects. And besides, I have more than enough wealth to spare."

"Is that a flex?" Poul chuckled.

"Indeed, I am flexing my financial capability. You may use my investment to expand your business in other countries. After all, the United States of Avalonia is not the only nation that should benefit from the revolutionary invention of your company," Caroline responded.

Poul nodded thoughtfully. "Your investment would certainly enable us to explore new opportunities abroad. I shall carefully consider your offer and discuss it with Mr. Axelsen and Morgan when I return to Pittsburgh."

Caroline smiled warmly. "It would be my pleasure to contribute to the success of your future endeavors. But for now, let us savor this moment of sharing a delightful lunch together."

Speaking of lunch, The plates arrived.

The waiter approached their table with the grace of a seasoned professional. With a swift and practiced movement, he set down the dishes in front of them, and the aroma of the succulent steak and rich lobster filled the air. Poul picked up his utensils and began to cut into the tender meat, savoring every bite. Caroline followed suit, her fork gently piercing the creamy sauce of her lobster newburg.

As they savored the food, the silence between them was contented, a comfortable reprieve from the earlier tension. Poul couldn't help but admire the graceful way Caroline carried herself while eating, a testament to her upbringing and refinement. He took in every subtle movement, from the gentle curve of her wrist as she brought the fork to her mouth to the slight raise of her eyebrow as she savored the taste.

From that moment, he deduced that noblewoman or women of this era are high class. Of course, this does not apply to everyone given that he had encountered one in the Astoria Hotel. There are those who have a vile attitude toward the working class, and that's what he hated the most.

After they finished their food, Caroline signaled for the waiter to bring them the check. As they waited, he spoke up. "Lady Caroline, I must say that I had a delightful time with you today. Thank you for your offer and for accompanying me to lunch."

"The pleasure is mine, Mister Nielsen," Caroline replied with a warm smile. "I hope that our future ventures will be as successful as this lunch."

"I have no doubt about that," Poul said, returning her smile. "I will be in touch with you soon regarding your investment in our company. Until then, take care and have a safe trip back to Broadway."

"I am actually bound for Newport," Caroline replied, her voice carrying an air of sophistication.

"Newport?" Poul repeated, his interest piqued.

"Yes, I have commissioned the construction of a palace there. It is a favored destination for the elite class of society, a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life." Caroline's eyes sparkled as she spoke, revealing her fondness for the place." start from here with Poul showing his ignorance of Newport.

"I must admit, I have not heard much about Newport," Poul admitted, his brows furrowing slightly in confusion.

"Newport is a charming seaside city located on the coast of Rhode Island," Caroline explained, her gaze fixed intently on Poul. "It is the go-to destination for the elite class of society, a place where they can relax and enjoy the pleasures of life. The town is famous for its beautiful mansions and pristine beaches, and has been a preferred location for summer homes since the Gilded Age."

Poul's eyes widened in surprise as Caroline spoke. He had heard of the Gilded Age from his original world, a time of immense prosperity and growth in the United States, but had never imagined that people could live in such luxury. "It sounds like a wonderful place," he said, his tone filled with admiration.

"It most certainly is," Caroline agreed, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I am looking forward to the completion of my palace, and to spending many happy days there in the company of friends and family."

Poul inwardly sighed after hearing. He is sure that only those who were born in the high-class can enjoy that luxury. Him, as an Albian, could never get along with them as it was a written rule in this era. But it doesn't matter. He wouldn't bother with them. If society won't accept him, then he'll find a society that will accept him.