Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 51: World’s Fair Here we Come!

The steamship powered through the calm waters of the open sea, its engines churning steadily as weeks passed. Life aboard the ship took on a rhythm. Each day brought clear skies and steady progress toward the Francois Republic, where the world’s attention would soon fall on Matthew’s creations.

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Matthew spent much of his time inspecting the cargo. The vehicles—the sedan, pickup, truck with its container system, SUV, and motorcycle—were secured tightly in the ship’s lower hold. Yet, he couldn’t help but double-check everything. Every bolt, chain, and restraint had to be perfect.

Amber often joined him in the cargo hold, her curiosity as strong as her confidence in his work. "You’re going to wear yourself out, Matthew," she teased one day as he crouched beside the motorcycle’s crate, inspecting its padding.

Matthew looked up, smiling faintly. "I’d rather be exhausted than regret missing something. This isn’t just about me; it’s about everyone who worked to make these a reality."

Amber crossed her arms, leaning casually against the crate. "And what if everything goes perfectly? Have you thought about enjoying the moment?"

Matthew straightened, chuckling softly. "I’ll enjoy it once the fair is over and we’ve made our mark. Until then, there’s work to do."

Amber smirked but didn’t press further. She admired his focus, even if she wished he’d relax now and then.

The days on the ship were long but productive. Matthew used the time to fine-tune his presentation for the World’s Fair. He worked in a small cabin converted into an office, surrounded by sketches, blueprints, and notes.

"The World’s Fair will feature inventions from all corners of the globe, and those who will gain recognition will be able to earn a reward from the international committee," Charles shared.

Matthew’s curiosity piqued, and he turned to Charles, his brow furrowed slightly. "A reward? What kind of reward are we talking about?"

Charles adjusted his immaculate suit, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Recognition, first and foremost. The fair isn’t just a display of ingenuity—it’s a competition. The international committee awards prizes to the most groundbreaking inventions, categorized by innovation, practicality, and impact on society."

Matthew nodded, his interest growing. "And beyond the recognition?"

"Ah," Charles said, his tone turning more deliberate. "That’s where the real benefits lie. Winning a major prize at the World’s Fair isn’t just about a trophy. It means exposure to the most influential industrialists, investors, and governments around the world. Contracts, partnerships, and financial backing—all within reach. But you have me in terms of financial means…so the rest will be just about exposure and the possibility of the automobile being adopted globally."

"I see what you are talking about," Matthew chuckled. "Well I am excited to show the world my invention, imagine the faces they will have when they see it."

"It will be like the people in the streets when they first saw your automobile. My daughter said that it was the reaction they elicited," Charles said.

"Yeah…indeed, with this no more horse poop on the streets. No more foul smell!"

***

As the days rolled into weeks, the ship pushed steadily toward the Francois Republic. The voyage became a blend of work and anticipation. Matthew finalized every aspect of his presentation, rehearsing with Amber and Charles as his audience.

"Remember," Charles advised during one rehearsal, "this is as much about storytelling as it is about engineering. People need to see not just what you’ve created, but why it matters to them."

Amber nodded in agreement. "Speak to their aspirations, Matthew. Show them how these vehicles will improve their lives."

Matthew took their advice to heart, refining his delivery until it was sharp and compelling. By the end of the third week, even Charles seemed impressed.

"You’re ready," Charles said one evening, leaning back in his chair. "Now, let’s hope the Francois Republic is ready for you."

***

On the morning of the fourth week, the coastline of the Francois Republic came into view. The port of Brest was bustling with activity, even more so than the docks of Sylvania. Steamships from all over the world lined the harbor as it prepared for disembarkment.

Matthew stood at the ship’s bow, taking in the sight. This was it, he was in Francois Republic now.

As the ship docked, the crew wasted no time preparing to unload the cargo. The vehicles were carefully moved from the hold, their crates and restraints intact. Matthew supervised every step, his focus as sharp as ever.

"Be careful with the motorcycle," he called out as workers lowered its custom crate onto a waiting cart. "The padding must stay intact."

The workers nodded, handling the crate with care. Meanwhile, the larger vehicles—the sedan, pickup, truck, and SUV—were secured onto flatbed carts for transport to the fairgrounds.

Charles arrived on the dock, inspecting the activity with a critical eye. "Everything seems to be in order. Good work, Hesh."

Matthew nodded, though his attention remained fixed on the process. "We can’t afford any mishaps now. Not when we’re this close."

Amber approached, holding a clipboard. "The convoy is ready. As soon as everything is loaded, we can head to the fairgrounds."

"Perfect," Matthew said. "Let’s make sure everything is double-checked before we move."

The convoy of carts carrying Matthew’s vehicles wound its way to the rail station where the transition from carts to railcars began.

Matthew walked alongside the workers as they carefully loaded each vehicle onto reinforced flatbed railcars. The sedan was the first to be lifted, its polished black body glinting in the sunlight as it was secured in place.

"Easy now," Matthew instructed, his tone firm but calm. "Make sure those chains are tight and the wheels are braced properly."

By the time all the vehicles were loaded, the steam locomotive began its journey with a loud whistle towards Paris where the World’s Fair will be held.

Matthew, Amber, and Charles rode in a passenger car near the front of the train, allowing Matthew to occasionally step out onto the platform between cars to check on the cargo. He doesn’t want anything to happen on the automobile before he could show it to the world.

Once the world’s fair is over, he would have to talk to government officials about his plans urging the politicians to make laws about safe driving, and after that, it’s time for the sale.