Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Later that day, Poul Nielsen finished talking with Timothy Anderson about the technical difficulties in the rectifiers. It was a brief discussion on a problem that seemed complicated but simple in Poul's eyes.

After that discussion, he made a telephone call with someone important to their business.

As the telephone trilled, Poul rapped his fingers on the desk impatiently,  waiting for the person on the other end to pick up.

As the phone finally clicked, Poul straightened up and cleared his throat. "Mr. Morgan, this is Nielsen. I have some news that you might want to hear about."

"A news you say," Morgan repeated. "Go on."

"Do you remember our deal, about us getting the licenses and permits within a month?" Poul asked.

"Yeah, I remember that clearly. What about it?" Morgan replied.

"Well, we have successfully received word from someone that we will get the permits and licenses soon. So I think the bet is off, Mr. Morgan and there is no need for you to pull out your investments in our oil enterprise."

"Hmm…soon you say?" Morgan hummed. "I think you are misunderstanding something here, Mr. Nielsen, I want concrete proof, like you are already in possession of the permits, not a guarantee."

"Mr. Morgan, believe in me, we will get the permits, because we have done something that would force them to do so. Because if they don't, well, you know what will happen."

"Ahh…you mean to say that you finally figured out why your permits and licenses weren't given to you even though you passed the requirements?"

"Not only did I figure out, Mr. Morgan, but also found out their dirty little secrets. For the sake of secrecy, I won't disclose to you the information of their identity…"

"No need for that omission, Mr. Nielsen. I already knew who was behind it. Was it Mr. Rockefeller?"

Poul felt a shiver run down his spine at the mention of the name. So, Morgan already knew who was behind it but didn't share it with him? Is this part of his test or is he bluffing? Well, whatever the case, he has to uphold his promise to Rockefeller.

"What makes you say that, Mr. Morgan?" Poul asked, trying to hide the uneasiness in his voice.

"Well, let's just say that I have my own ways," Morgan replied cryptically.

Poul took a deep breath and decided to change the topic. "Anyway, I wanted to let you know that the oil mining operation would soon start the moment we get the permit. We already have the contractors and men to do so. Which is basically composed of defunct oil mining companies who were forced out of business due to Mr. Rockefeller."

"I see, so that's where most of the budgets were going," Morgan remarked. "Since you are feeling confident that you'll get those permits, I will not pull out my investment. However, in the condition that you help me understand the future market for oil."

"Market for oil?"

"That's right, I know some of its uses. It's for lighting, heating, and roads, and I couldn't think of anything else. What other uses can you explore?" Morgan explained.

Poul furrowed his brows and thought for a moment. "Just like electricity, oil is the future. It can be used for the creation of synthetic plastics, lubricants, and even pharmaceuticals. Currently, our transportation is based on steam engines, but with oil, we can make something even better and more efficient, but that is for another day, Mr. Morgan. I want to save it for the last, think of it as a grand reveal."

"So, you are making oil a commodity," Morgan asked.

"Oil is already a commodity, Mr. Morgan but its potential is not yet fully realized. Our company aims to tap into its full potential, making it not only a commodity but a necessity in various industries." Poul replied confidently and continued. "And that would mean more money to us."

"Okay, okay, I understand. I just want to know that my investments are going somewhere because if you don't have any uniqueness, I would have used the money I invested in Mr. Rockefeller instead."

"I believe we have talked about this, Mr. Morgan. Have you forgotten?"

"I'm getting old for remembering discussions such as this, Mr. Nielsen but when it comes to money, I'm sure you can understand why I have to be cautious." Morgan chuckled. "But don't worry, I will trust your judgment on this matter. Just make sure to keep me updated on your progress."

"Of course, Mr. Morgan. You can count on us to make the most out of your investments," Poul assured him.

"Good, good. Now, I have to attend to other matters. Keep up the good work, Mr. Nielsen," Morgan said before hanging up.

Poul let out a sigh of relief as he placed the phone back on its cradle. He let his thoughts drift for a while as he contemplated.

Now with the licenses and permits issue being solved, there's no one stopping them from starting an oil mining company. This means, there is nothing to be done at this point other than overseeing their current enterprises which are in full swing. And those enterprises are taking most of their time. He wants to take a break, like a full week off. But doing so while Jonathan is breaking his back in New York to build a metro station felt like a betrayal. He needs to find a way to balance work and rest, for the sake of his own sanity and well-being, and for the good of the company.

He'll talk to him first before doing something. Speaking of which, what does he want to do? Poul pondered on the idea and one popped up in his mind.

Visiting Sara!

That's right, he hasn't been in contact with Sara for like…he doesn't even remember the last time he spoke with her through letters. He cut off communication with her when believed that they were under the scrutiny of the Crown Prince of the British Empire. However, not being in contact with her makes him a bit anxious and worried. He wanted to get in touch with her and know about her hardships.

That is settled then! He will go to England.