Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 44 - Departure

A week later.

Matthew stood at the bustling Amsterdam Port, the largest in the city, its piers lined with towering ships and cranes hauling goods from all over the world.

He adjusted the brim of his hat as he scanned the bustling docks. His steamer, The Mercator, was docked nearby. It’s going to be his transportation to Kingdom of Siam.

Beside him stood Amber, her expression unreadable as she gazed at the massive ship. She was clad in a modest but elegant travel coat, her gloved hands clasped tightly in front of her.

“You are now really leaving huh, for a month or two,” Amber said with her gaze still fixed at the ship.

“I am indeed. I hope that your father can catch up before I depart.”

“He said he’ll be late but it won’t be that long,” Amber assured. “He had brought with him the gentleman that will be running your business while you are away.”

“Is that so? Then let’s wait for him,” Matthew nodded, glancing at his pocket watch. The polished silver face reflected the early morning sunlight, and the ticking seemed louder amidst the bustle of the port.

“Let’s wait for them, then,” he said, tucking the watch back into his coat pocket.

Amber shifted slightly, her gaze now moving from the ship to Matthew. “You seem… calm,” she remarked softly.

Matthew turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “Should I not be?”

Amber hesitated, her fingers tightening around the clasp of her coat. “It’s just… you’re heading to a foreign land, taking on a massive venture, leaving everything here behind. Doesn’t it unsettle you? Even a little?”

Matthew smiled faintly. “Amber, if I let fear dictate my actions, I wouldn’t have built what I have today. This trip is just another step forward. Besides, I know what I’m leaving behind is in good hands.”

Amber looked away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “You’re annoyingly confident, you know that?” she muttered.

“I’ve been told,” Matthew replied, chuckling softly.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. They turned to see Charles Fitzwilliam striding toward them, a tall, sharply dressed man trailing behind him. The newcomer had an air of quiet authority, his dark suit immaculately tailored, and his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with keen interest.

“Ah, Hesh,” Charles called out, his voice carrying over the din of the port. “Apologies for the delay. This is Mr. Lionel Harrington, the man I’ve appointed to oversee your business in your absence.”

Matthew stepped forward, extending a hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Harrington. I trust Mr. Fitzwilliam has briefed you on the scope of the responsibilities?”

Harrington took Matthew’s hand in a firm handshake. “He has, Mr. Hesh. Rest assured, your enterprise will be in capable hands. My role is to maintain stability and ensure everything runs smoothly until your return.”

“Good,” Matthew said with a nod. “I’ll leave detailed instructions in my office. If any unforeseen issues arise, I trust you’ll make the right decisions.”

“You have my word,” Harrington replied confidently.

Charles clapped a hand on Harrington’s shoulder, his expression one of approval. “You couldn’t ask for a better man, Hesh. Lionel’s expertise in operations and his attention to detail are unparalleled.”

“I’ll take your word for it, sir,” Matthew said, turning back to Amber. She had been quietly observing the exchange.

The whistle of The Mercator sounded, a long, resonant call that signaled the ship’s imminent departure.

Matthew exhaled softly, turning to Charles. “Thank you, sir, for making the arrangements. I’ll leave everything here in your and Mr. Harrington’s capable hands.”

“Safe travels, Hesh,” Charles said, his tone sincere.

Matthew’s gaze returned to Amber, who stepped forward, her gloved hands clasped tightly.

“You’ll write, won’t you?”

“Every chance I get,” Matthew promised, his voice steady. “And when I return, we’ll pick up right where we left off.”

Amber nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line as if holding back words she wasn’t ready to say.

Matthew tipped his hat one last time before turning and walking up the gangplank. As he reached the deck, he turned, his eyes searching the crowd below until they found Amber. He waved a hand and she waved back.

“Sir…” said the uniformed official who approached Matthew with a polite nod. “It’s time to escort you to your suite. As one of our VIP passengers, we’ve prepared accommodations to ensure your comfort throughout the voyage.”

Matthew gave a quick nod, adjusting his coat. “Very well. Lead the way.”

The interior of The Mercator was nothing short of grand. The polished wood-paneled walls gleamed under the warm glow of ornate chandeliers, and the carpets were plush and immaculately clean. Matthew couldn’t help but appreciate the attention to detail as they passed through the main hallway.

“This way, sir,” the official said, leading him toward a private staircase reserved for the ship’s distinguished guests. “Your suite is on the upper deck, offering a clear view of the sea.”

When they arrived at the suite, the official opened the door and stepped aside to let Matthew enter. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large bed draped in fine linens, a writing desk by the window, and a private balcony overlooking the vast expanse of the port and the water beyond.

“We hope this meets your expectations,” the official said.

“It exceeds them,” Matthew replied, his tone genuine. “Thank you.”

The official gave a courteous bow. “If you require anything, please don’t hesitate to ring for the steward. Dinner will be served in the main dining hall at seven, but should you prefer, we can arrange for private dining here.”

Matthew nodded in acknowledgment. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As the official departed, Matthew set his hat and coat on a nearby stand and walked to the balcony.

Looking down at the port once more, he caught sight of Amber, Charles, and Lionel who were seemingly preparing to leave. Two months…he’ll have to open a rubber plantation, get it running, and then return after everything is secure. He can’t afford to make a mistake here as failure here would mean his chain of supply would be affected.