Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 49 - Prelude to World's Fair

The factory buzzed with activity as workers polished the newly finished vehicles, preparing them for shipment. Inside, Matthew was going over the final checklist with Klaus, the lead engineer. Every detail had to be perfect. The World’s Fair was just weeks away, and there was no room for error.

The sound of a carriage pulling up outside caught Matthew’s attention. He glanced out the window and saw Mr. Fitzwilliam stepping down, his sharp suit as immaculate as ever. Charles Fitzwilliam was a man of presence, and even amidst the chaos of the factory, his arrival commanded attention.

Matthew walked out to greet him, wiping his hands on a cloth. “Mr. Fitzwilliam, welcome to Sylvania. I wasn’t expecting you this early.”

Charles smiled faintly, his eyes scanning the factory yard. “Good to see you, Hesh. I wanted to see your progress for myself. The World’s Fair is too important to leave anything to chance.”

Matthew nodded, leading Charles into the main workshop. “Of course. Let me show you what we’ve accomplished.”

The first stop was the sedan. It stood gleaming under the factory lights, its sleek black exterior polished to perfection.

“This is our family car,” Matthew began. “Practical, reliable, and stylish. It’s powered by a four-cylinder engine, offering smooth performance while remaining fuel-efficient.”

Charles walked around the car, inspecting its lines and design. He tapped the hood lightly. “It’s certainly a beauty. Have you tested it?”

“Thoroughly,” Matthew replied. “It handles beautifully on both cobblestone streets and open roads. We’ve made sure the suspension absorbs shocks effectively for a comfortable ride.”

Charles nodded approvingly. “Good. Families need something dependable, and this looks like it fits the bill.”

Next, Matthew led Charles to the pickup truck. Its sturdy frame and wide bed immediately conveyed its purpose.

“This is for farmers and small businesses,” Matthew explained. “The chassis is reinforced to handle heavy loads, and the engine has enough torque to tackle tough terrains.”

Charles examined the truck’s bed, running his hand along the edges. “How much can it carry?”

“Over a ton,” Matthew replied confidently. “We’ve tested it with maximum loads, and it performs without a hitch.”

Charles raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Practical and durable. Businesses will appreciate this.”

Moving on, they stopped in front of the heavy-duty truck. The detachable container system was mounted securely on its chassis.

“This is the future of logistics,” Matthew said, a hint of pride in his voice. “The container system allows for easy loading and unloading, saving time and increasing efficiency.”

Charles studied the mechanism closely. “How does it work?”

Matthew demonstrated, using a small crane to detach the container and place it on the ground. “The container locks into place securely but can be swapped at warehouses or ports without the truck needing to wait. Do you know the average waiting time of horse-drawn carriages on the port to unload goods?”

Matthew continued as Charles observed intently, “On average, a horse-drawn carriage spends hours unloading and reloading goods manually. With this container system, the truck can drop off its load and move on almost immediately. The efficiency gain is immense.”

Charles nodded, his fingers tracing the edges of the container. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, with less time spent on the port or in the railway station, the faster the goods move throughout the supply chain,” Matthew finished. “This reduces delays, lowers costs, and increases profits for businesses. Imagine this system being adopted on a larger scale—entire industries could be transformed.”

Charles tapped his chin thoughtfully, clearly impressed. “You’ve not only created a vehicle but a new system of logistics. This innovation could change how commerce operates worldwide.”

“That’s the plan,” Matthew said with a small smile. “Efficiency is the key to progress. Now, let’s move on to the SUV.”

Matthew led Charles to the rugged yet elegant SUV. Its elevated stance, gleaming paintwork, and leather-trimmed interior immediately drew attention.

“This is our multipurpose vehicle,” Matthew began. “Designed for adventurers, families, or anyone needing a combination of durability and comfort. It can handle rough terrains without compromising on luxury.”

Charles ran his fingers over the leather seats and glanced at the dashboard. “And the engine?”

“A six-cylinder powerhouse,” Matthew replied. “Enough torque to climb steep trails and horsepower to cruise effortlessly on open roads. We’ve also incorporated reinforced suspension for off-road durability.”

Matthew gestured toward a nearby test track that included steep inclines, rocky paths, and muddy trails. “Would you like to see it in action?”

Charles gave a small nod. “Lead the way.”

A test driver climbed into the SUV and started the engine. It roared to life with a deep, confident growl. The vehicle moved onto the track, effortlessly climbing the steep inclines and navigating the rocky terrain. Even in thick mud, the tires gripped securely, and the suspension absorbed every jolt.

When the SUV returned, Charles stepped closer, peering at the unblemished tires and sturdy frame.

“This will make waves. Adventurers will love it, and families will trust it. You’ve outdone yourself, Hesh.”

The final stop was the motorcycle. Its sleek design, navy blue paint, and chrome accents gave it an air of both sophistication and daring.

“This is personal,” Matthew said. “It’s built for individuals who value freedom and efficiency. A lightweight, single-cylinder engine makes it perfect for both city streets and countryside roads.”

Matthew straddled the bike, firing up the engine. Its smooth, throaty hum echoed through the workshop. “Watch this.”

He rode the motorcycle across the yard, weaving between obstacles with ease. The bike responded to every movement as if it were an extension of his body. When he returned, Charles clapped lightly.

“This is more than just a vehicle,” Charles said. “It’s a statement of independence.”

Matthew smiled as he dismounted. “That’s exactly what I wanted it to be.”

As the tour concluded, Charles turned to Matthew, his expression serious. “You’ve done remarkable work here, Hesh. These vehicles aren’t just products—they’re innovations that could redefine their categories. But the World’s Fair is no small stage. Are you confident these are ready?”

Matthew nodded firmly. “We’ve tested them rigorously. The engineering team has worked day and night to perfect every detail. Now it’s about presenting them in a way that captures attention.”

Charles smirked. “Good. Because at the World’s Fair, you’re not just selling vehicles—you’re selling a vision of the future. And with what I’ve seen today, you’re ready.”

Matthew extended his hand. “Thank you for believing in me, Mr. Fitzwilliam. Let’s show the world what we’ve built.”

Charles shook his hand firmly. “Let’s make history.”