Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 41 - To Amsterdam

“Wait…what? Are you sure?” Matthew asked.

Amber simply nodded in confirmation. “I have been thinking of leaving the estate sometime soon because it is boring to stay here all day. I want a change of scenery so I’ll come with you. You can consider this as our eventual dinner.”

“That’s your father, are you sure you are comfortable meeting him?”

“I don’t have to see him, you are the one who has business with my father right?” Amber pointed out.

“Well in that case, you have to get ready. We will leave in the afternoon and catch the last train to Amsterdam,” Matthew said.

Amber smiled brightly, the idea of a spontaneous trip clearly lifting her spirits. “Alright then. Give me a moment to prepare.”

Matthew watched as Amber turned on her heel, her paint-streaked blouse swishing as she hurried toward the door. Just before leaving the room, she paused and glanced over her shoulder, her expression shifting to a more playful tone.

“I’ll need about an hour, maybe less,” she said with a slight smirk. “I’m not one of those women who takes forever to get ready, you know.”

Matthew chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. “Take your time. We’ve got a few hours before the last train departs. I’ll wait here and finalize some details for our journey.”

Amber gave him a quick nod before disappearing down the corridor, her footsteps fading away. Matthew couldn’t help but smile as he watched her go. There was a lightness in her demeanor that he hadn’t seen before—something that came alive when she talked about breaking free from the confines of the estate.

He took a seat near the window, pulling out his pocket watch to check the time. They would need to leave the estate no later than three in the afternoon to catch the evening train. That left them with just enough time to get to the station without any delays.

About forty-five minutes later.

Lost in thought, he almost didn’t hear the soft patter of footsteps returning down the hallway. He looked up just as Amber re-entered the room, now dressed in a simple but elegant travel outfit. Her hair, once messy from painting, was now neatly styled, and her cheeks held a healthy glow.

“Well?” she asked, spinning lightly on her heels. “Do I pass your inspection?”

Matthew’s eyes widened slightly, genuinely taken aback by her transformation. “You look… absolutely lovely,” he said honestly. “But you always do, even with paint on your face.”

Amber laughed softly, a light blush dusting her cheeks. “Thank you, Matthew. Now, let’s not waste any more time. I’m ready whenever you are.”

Matthew stood, pocketing his notes and gesturing toward the door. “Then let’s go.”

Together, they made their way to the front of the estate where Matthew’s automobile was parked.

“You brought along your automobile huh?”

“It saves me a lot of time. Oh right, I need to get this automobile back to the factory first and then take the horse-drawn carriage to the train station,” Matthew informed as he opened the passenger door.

Amber gave Matthew a curious look as she settled into the passenger seat. “Must you return it to the factory now? Wouldn’t it be easier to drive directly to the station?”

Matthew shook his head, a wry smile on his lips as he explained, “Unfortunately, the train station in town isn’t designed to accommodate vehicles like this. Plus, the streets around it are far too crowded. Trust me, the carriage will be faster once we reach that part of town.”

Amber nodded, understanding his reasoning, though she seemed a bit disappointed to leave the automobile behind so soon.

“Well, I suppose that means I get one more ride in this contraption of yours,” she said with a playful grin. “I must admit, it’s quite thrilling.”

Matthew chuckled, appreciating her growing fondness for the vehicle. He turned the ignition lever, and the engine roared to life. As they sped down the estate’s driveway, Amber leaned back and let the wind tousle her hair, her laughter carried away by the breeze. It was a moment of pure freedom, something she rarely experienced within the confines of her father’s estate.

The drive to the factory was swift, with Matthew expertly navigating the narrow roads.

As they pulled into the factory yard, Matthew quickly brought the automobile to a halt. “I’ll just be a minute,” he told Amber as he jumped out, signaling one of the mechanics to take over.

Amber watched him as he exchanged a few quick words with his staff, ensuring the automobile would be properly tuned and ready for its next use. The efficiency with which he handled his business never ceased to impress her.

True to his word, Matthew returned promptly. He offered his hand to help Amber down from the automobile, and they made their way to the waiting carriage that was now ready to take them to the station.

The carriage ride was more leisurely, allowing them to take in the sights of the bustling town.

“I must say, Matthew,” she began, her voice soft as she watched the town pass by, “I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time.”

Matthew glanced at her, noticing the wistfulness in her tone. “Well, consider this the first of many adventures, Amber,” he replied. “If your father gives me a hard time about bringing you along, I’ll take full responsibility.”

Amber laughed lightly. “I doubt he’ll even notice I’m there. He’s far too engrossed in his business dealings with Mr. Volta.” She paused, her expression growing more thoughtful. “But… thank you, Matthew. For letting me come along. This means more to me than you know.”

Matthew smiled warmly. “It’s my pleasure. And besides, I think I might need a partner to keep me in line during this trip.”

The rest of the journey to the station passed in comfortable silence, the two of them lost in their own thoughts. As the carriage pulled up to the bustling train station, they could hear the whistle of the train preparing for departure.

“We made it just in time,” Matthew noted, checking his pocket watch. “Let’s not waste another moment.”

He helped Amber out of the carriage, and together they navigated through the crowd toward their designated platform. The station was filled with the usual chaos of travelers, vendors, and porters rushing to and fro, but Matthew guided Amber with ease through the throng.

Finally, they reached their compartment. It was cozy and comfortable, with plush seats and a large window offering a view of the platform outside. Amber settled into her seat, letting out a contented sigh.

The train gave a gentle lurch as it began to move, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks slowly building into a steady rhythm.

After twelve hours, it was four o’clock in the morning, the train arrived at Amsterdam’s Central Station. The city was still shrouded in the quiet darkness of pre-dawn, the only sounds being the faint rustle of wind and the occasional whistle of another train in the distance. The cool air carried a slight chill, prompting Amber to draw her shawl tighter around her shoulders as they disembarked.

Matthew helped her down from the carriage, and they stood together on the cobblestone platform. The station, while not as crowded as it would be later in the day, was still bustling with early travelers and porters hauling luggage.

“Well, we made it,” Amber said with a hint of excitement in her voice. “Now, where to?”

Matthew glanced around, surveying their surroundings. “I know of a luxury hotel nearby that should be open even at this hour. I’m certain you’ll appreciate the comfort,” he said with a teasing smile.

Amber nodded in agreement, looking pleased at the thought of resting in a proper room after their long journey.

“Lead the way then,” she said, giving him a grateful smile.

Together, they made their way through the station, where Matthew hailed a horse-drawn cab waiting at the entrance. The driver, an elderly man with a thick gray beard, tipped his hat and helped load their bags into the carriage.

“The Amstel Hotel, please,” Matthew instructed as they climbed into the cab. The name of the most luxurious hotel in Amsterdam was enough to make Amber’s eyes widen slightly in surprise.

“You certainly know how to pick a place,” she remarked with a raised eyebrow, clearly impressed.

“Well, I figured you wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best,” Matthew replied with a grin.

“I wouldn’t mind any place so long that I am with you,” Amber said.

“What?” Matthew glanced to her, visibly confused.

Amber’s cheeks turned a rosy shade as she quickly looked away, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her shawl.

“Ah, don’t misunderstand,” she stammered, her voice slightly higher than usual. “I just meant… it’s better than staying alone in some dull place.”

Matthew’s lips curved into an amused smile. “I see,” he said lightly, not wanting to push her any further. “Well, in that case, I’ll do my best to ensure you’re not bored during our stay.”

Amber huffed, still avoiding his gaze, though he could see the corners of her lips twitching upwards despite her best efforts to look annoyed.

“You’d better,” she muttered. “Or I might just decide to ditch you and explore the city on my own.”

“Now we can’t have that, can we?” Matthew chuckled. “I’ll make sure you’re entertained.”

Amber shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

“I’ll hold you to that promise, Matthew,” she said with a smirk, the earlier embarrassment fading as her playful spirit returned.

The carriage clattered over the cobblestone streets, the faint sounds of early morning life beginning to stir in the city. As they approached the grand facade of the Amstel Hotel, the rising sun began to paint the sky with hues of pink and orange.

Matthew helped Amber down from the carriage, his hand lingering just a moment longer than necessary. She noticed but said nothing, a faint blush returning to her cheeks.

“Well,” Matthew said, gesturing toward the entrance. “Shall we?”

Amber nodded, her previous bashfulness replaced by a confident stride as she stepped forward.

“Let’s see if this place lives up to its reputation.”

As they entered the hotel, the staff greeted them warmly, and they were quickly escorted to their suite. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a grand view of the Amstel River glistening in the morning light.

Amber walked to the window, her eyes widening in appreciation. “It’s… beautiful,” she said softly.

Matthew watched her with a gentle smile. “I thought you might like it,” he replied. “Get some rest, Amber. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us.”