Reincarnated as an Imperial Prince

Three weeks later, Alexander is in Moskva, doing paperwork in Grand Kremlin Palace, and sifting through tens of blueprints containing schematics of the cars he plans to introduce in this world.

Time is kind of funny in Alexander’s world because it is way more advanced than his original world. Take penicillin, for example, the year it was introduced in this world was 1922. But in Thomas’s world, Earth, its findings were only published 1929. Not only that, but the vehicles were also the same as most of them roaming in the streets are comparable to the 1930s of Thomas’s world.

This is an interesting discovery, so does this mean that this world is ten years ahead of his original world? If that is so, then things might get easier for him as most of the important manufacturing processes introduced in the 1930s are introduced in this era. Or was it?

Technological progress evolves under certain circumstances, for example in war, the development of war machines was hastened as the military demanded more reliant, and destructive weapons. But in this world, military technology similar to the late 1920s and early 1930s was already invented. This doesn’t make sense logically.

Another theory is that World War 1, or The Great War, did not happen here. Which resulted in more economic and infrastructure growth among the central European powers. Without war, the people have a more positive attitude toward technological, societal, and scientific advances. The horrors of the war that occurred between the summer of 1914 and early winter of 1918 on Earth that destroyed lives, countries, progress, and optimistic outlook of the future have yet to happen here.

As much as Alexander wants to rationalize everything, he couldn’t just grasp the answer. Even though he accepted that this world is different from his own, things like this can’t be overlooked.

‘It’s crazy that just not having a key moment in history can do so much…. wait. Does this mean many of the novels like “The Fall of Gondolin” in “The Silmarillion” and the Middle Earth’s “Lord of the Rings” by this world’s J. R. R. Tolkien might never exist? What about other writers, famous people, and others who were affected by WWI? What about the people who were supposed to die in WW1?’_-.

The thoughts plague Alexander’s mind like a locust swarm, he fanned them away mentally to clear his mind and prevent himself from panicking.

Anyways, back to the blueprint. What he noticed in most vehicles in this era is that they have a utilitarian design. By utilitarian, it means the cars looked the way they look because they were nothing more than a composition of parts of materials. Forms follow function. For example, what makes a car? A set of wheels, how do you connect them? By chassis, and how do you power the chassis? By giving it an engine, and so on and so forth until it starts to look like a car. A rather boxy looking one at that.

Now how do they compete with the brands if the cars are designed in a utilitarian style? It’s simple, consumers or buyers are attracted to the designs. The cars that have the most regal design wins and while those who look outdated lose. Of course, this is all while neglecting the safety standards, which don’t exist yet in this world. And when a car can’t compete in looks, they compete in prices. This price competition might seem to be in the consumer’s favor, but this is an erroneous assumption even today. The fight for being cheaper can be very deadly to both the buyers and the car manufacturers.

In order to go below rock bottom prices, the factories will cut workers’ pay, use cheaper but shoddy materials, and reduce the overall quality of products.

The latter will affect the consumers as engines explode, steering wheel breaks, drive shaft shatters, and other things that will result in accidents and death.

What Alexander wants to introduce in this world is a car that meets the newly implemented vehicle safety standards while being affordable and still having its regal looks. With new things such as small transistor radio, coil cigarette lighter, air conditioning, turn signals, electric window wipers, and a cupholder. And there’s no better candidate for that than the cars introduced in the 1990s. An era where cars are known for their peachy and aerodynamic design.

Now before you react like “The world’s technological era is in the 1930s, how can you possibly produce a car that is 60 years ahead of its time?”

The answer is simple, the parts of the car haven’t changed much for decades. If there is one, that would be the control shifting from mechanical to electrical, where electronic control modules are almost integrated into the cars beyond the late 1970s. Is the electric control module possible to create in this dark technological world? Yes. It’s basically a circuit board. Alexander has already tasked one of his manufacturing facilities to make one. Or rather, instead of taking them, he’s more like guiding them because he’s the only one with knowledge.

To estimate, Alexander would be able to produce a car similar to that of the 1990s.

No need to rush everything yet as Alexander is still earning profits from their groundbreaking product, the Television. A brand new, never seen before device that attracted the attention of the world, and people all over are now looking forward to having one. Causing a massive influx of orders from abroad.

This just goes to say that home appliances are a lucrative product that he can take advantage of. Innovating the existing ones such as refrigerators, heat pumps, stoves, kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, et cetera better than their competitors.

Setting the car blueprint aside, Alexander grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and slipped it on. He had an appointment in an hour in one of the IDS facilities in Moskva created to build the most important invention he planned for so long, Computers.

Another technological marvel he sees will pair well with television in the future to create another icon of the 90s. Desktop Computers.

Exiting his office, Alexander was greeted by Rolan, who was waiting outside his office door since Alex entered the office.

“Where to, Your Majesty?” Rolan asked.

“Get us to this location,” Alexander handed him the small note containing the address of the Imperial Dynamic System Electronics Division Facility.

“As you say so, Your Majesty,” Rolan bowed politely as he said that and made their way to the exit where tens of Imperial Guards are scattered in every direction.

As soon as they saw Alexander, they stood at attention and performed a salute.

Alexander returned a light bow for the gesture as he strode all the way to the vehicle.

He got into the passenger’s seat of the state car as Rolan drove off from the building. There were about 20 minutes left until their meeting time with Philip Ainsworth, the Director of the IDS Electronics Division. Alexander took out a cigarette and lit it up to pass the time.

“How long will it take us?” Alexander asked as he took another drag and exhaled smoke towards the window.

“Ten minutes, your Majesty. I’ll tell you when we’re close to there,” Rolan replied.

It was about a 10-minute drive before Rolan stopped the vehicle next to the parking lot of the facility.

As soon as Rolan stepped out of the door, he walked over to the passenger’s side and opened it up to allow Alexander to get out.

“Thank you, Rolan,” Alexander smiled gratefully.

He went to the building and walked down the stairs where several people were standing around and chatting casually. He passed a couple of employees walking with large boxes filled with tools and other materials. Some were shocked as they recognized who just walked in.

Alex looked to his right and spotted Philip Ainsworth who has been waiting for Alexander for some minutes.

“Ah, Your Majesty! I’m expecting your arrival,” Philip grinned and put both hands into his trouser pocket. “How was your journey?”

“As usual, it took too long and was rather boring…I hope we can build an aircraft that will shorten the travel time.”

Philip nodded and turned to face Alexander.

“Is that so, then, Your Majesty, I’ve already prepared the necessary arrangements for the tour of how the… “microchips” are being processed. I must say, this thing…. is revolutionary, more revolutionary than television…”

“It’s a good thing that you’re quick to catch on, Philip,” Alexander remarked. “Anyways, where shall we start?”