Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 58: This is the Time Now

The sun hung low on the horizon as the steamship eased into the bustling harbor of Hudson, the gateway to the Great Republic of Amerathia. The city’s skyline, a patchwork of factory smokestacks and modern skyscrapers, shimmered under the late afternoon light. It was a stark contrast to the romantic allure of Paris.

Matthew stood on the deck, his hands resting on the railing as he took in the familiar sights. Amber and Charles joined him, both looking equally reflective.

"We’re back," Amber said, a tinge of excitement in her voice. "It feels different this time, doesn’t it?"

Matthew nodded, his expression calm but focused. "It does. The stakes are higher now. We’re not just returning—we’re bringing a vision back with us."

As the ship docked, the pier came into view, crowded with people. Journalists with notepads and cameras jostled for position, dockworkers moved with practiced efficiency, and a small group of well-dressed officials waited at the gangway.

"You’re quite the celebrity now," Charles remarked, a rare smile breaking through his usual stoic demeanor.

Matthew smirked faintly, adjusting his tie. "Let’s hope that works in our favor."

As soon as Matthew disembarked, the throng of journalists surged forward, their voices blending into a cacophony of questions.

"Mr. Hesh! What inspired your groundbreaking vehicles?"

"Is it true you’ve already received offers from foreign governments?"

"When will production begin in Amerathia?"

Amber stepped in, her calm demeanor commanding attention as she gestured for the crowd to quiet down.

"Please, one question at a time. Mr. Hesh will address your concerns."

Matthew took a deep breath and stepped forward. The flashes of cameras reflected off his glasses, but he maintained a steady gaze.

Amber’s eyes widened. "The President wants to meet you? That’s... monumental, Matthew."

Charles adjusted his hat, his expression contemplative. "This could be a game-changer. A partnership with the government could accelerate production and establish your vehicles as a national priority."

Matthew folded the letter carefully, slipping it back into the envelope. "It’s an incredible opportunity, no doubt. But it’s also a responsibility. If we’re aligning with the government, we need to ensure our vision remains intact."

Amber placed a hand on his arm, her smile reassuring. "You’ll handle it, Matthew. Just like you’ve handled everything else."

As they made their way to the carriage that would take them to their headquarters, Matthew’s thoughts raced. The journey to Paris had been transformative, but the journey back home was proving to be just as significant. The medal from the World’s Fair had been a validation of his work, but this invitation from the President was a call to action—a chance to shape the future on a much larger scale.

"What’s on your mind?" Amber asked gently.

Matthew met her eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. "Seizing this opportunity."

"Seizing an opportunity?" Amber tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"Amber...when the time comes for my automobile to be available for the public, they would drive them off the showroom right?"

"That’s simply it right? After they purchase the automobile they can take it home," Amber replied.

Matthew shook his head. "That’s not simple. An automobile requires a skill called driving skills. If the person who will buy it doesn’t have a skill to drive the automobile, the customer won’t feel satisfied with it, and therefore would cause our sales to tank if that were to happen."

"What are you thinking?" Charles chimed in with a question.

"It’s simple, we will establish a school to teach future customers how to drive the automobile, and I will need the help of the government to pass a law which would require drivers of the automobile to have a form of license that will allow them to legally drive in the street. If you think about it, it will give us more and more fortune as we will be the ones to establish the schools."

"I see where you are going with this," Charles said.

"This is the time now," Matthew said with a determined voice.