Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 50 - The Loading of the Vehicles

The docks of Sylvania were bustling with activity as the sun rose, casting a warm golden hue over the massive steamship moored at the harbor. Workers scurried back and forth, their shouts mixing with the rhythmic clanking of cranes and the creaking of wooden crates.

Matthew stood on the elevated loading dock, arms crossed, watching every move with a sharp eye. His vehicles—his creations—were being loaded one by one onto the steamship bound for the Francois Republic, where they would take center stage at the World’s Fair. This moment felt monumental, a culmination of months of relentless effort and sleepless nights.

Klaus, the lead engineer, approached with a clipboard in hand. “Mr. Hesh, the sedan and “Mr. Hesh, the sedan and pickup have been secured in the lower hold. The SUV and truck are next. After that, the motorcycle will be loaded into its custom crate.”

“Good,” Matthew said, glancing at the checklist Klaus handed him. “Double-check that the restraints are tight. I don’t want any movement during transit, especially on rough seas.”

Klaus nodded. “Already taken care of. We’re using reinforced steel chains and padded mounts to prevent any damage.”

Matthew allowed himself a small smile. “Excellent. Let’s keep this pace up. The sooner we finish, the more time we’ll have to prepare once we arrive.”

The low rumble of the steam crane interrupted their conversation as it swung over, lowering the gleaming black sedan onto the ship’s deck. Dockworkers guided the vehicle into place, securing it with practiced precision. Matthew watched intently, noting how carefully they handled the vehicle.

“Easy now,” he muttered under his breath, his fingers twitching slightly.

“So that’s the automobile you are going to showcase in the World’s Fair,” Amber commented.

Matthew nodded. “That’s all of it, ma’am…I meant Amber.”

“That is the result of us not seeing for a long time, Mr. Hesh, you are being formal,” Amber noticed.

Matthew turned to Amber with a small, apologetic smile. “Old habits die hard, I suppose. But yes, these vehicles are the culmination of everything we’ve worked on for months.”

Amber stepped closer, her gaze sweeping over the sedan being secured on the steamship. “They’re magnificent, Matthew. I can see the precision and care that went into every detail. But tell me, are you nervous about the World’s Fair?”

Matthew chuckled lightly, though his expression grew thoughtful. “Nervous? Perhaps a little. But more than that, I’m eager. This is a chance to prove not just to others, but to myself, that these designs can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.”

Amber nodded, her admiration evident. “And I have no doubt they will. These aren’t just vehicles; they’re a glimpse into the future.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the loud groan of the steam crane as it swung back to lift the SUV. The workers below gestured meticulously, guiding the massive vehicle onto the deck. Its elevated suspension and rugged frame drew attention, even among the bustling activity on the dock.

“That one,” Amber said, pointing at the SUV. “It’s bold, practical, yet elegant. I think it might be my favorite.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You said the motorcycle was your favorite.”

Amber crossed her arms, a playful smile on her lips. “I’m allowed to have more than one favorite, aren’t I?”

Matthew shook his head, laughing softly. “Fair enough. The SUV is a special one. It’s designed for versatility—adventurers, families, anyone who wants a vehicle that can do it all.”

Amber nodded appreciatively. “I can see that. But you still didn’t answer my question.”

“Which one?” Matthew asked, his attention momentarily drawn back to the workers securing the SUV.

“Why you’re being so formal with me, Matthew,” Amber pressed, her tone teasing yet curious.

He sighed, lowering his gaze for a moment before meeting hers. “I suppose I’ve just been so focused on the work that I’ve forgotten how to talk about anything else. It’s been months of nothing but engineering, designs, and deadlines.”

Amber smiled softly. “Well, it’s good to see that underneath all that focus, you’re still you.”

Before Matthew could respond, Klaus returned, clipboard in hand. “Mr. Hesh, the SUV and truck are secured. The motorcycle is next. Do you want to oversee its loading personally?”

“Yes,” Matthew said immediately. He turned back to Amber. “Care to join me?”

Amber tilted her head, intrigued. “Why not? I’ve been dying to see it up close.”

The two followed Klaus to a small staging area where the motorcycle sat in its custom wooden crate. Its sleek, navy-blue finish gleamed even in the dim light of the dock, and the chrome accents reflected the activity around it. The crate itself was carefully constructed, lined with padding to prevent any scratches or dents during the voyage.

“Beautiful,” Amber whispered, leaning closer to examine the bike. “You can see the craftsmanship in every inch of it.”

Matthew stood beside her, his pride evident. “This one is personal. It’s not just about utility or innovation—it’s about freedom. I wanted something that could inspire the individual.”

Amber looked at him, her expression softening. “And you’ve succeeded. This will turn heads, Matthew.”

The workers began carefully lifting the crate onto the crane, the process slower and more delicate than with the larger vehicles. Matthew stayed silent, watching every movement with a critical eye. When the crate was finally secured on the ship, he exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“That’s the last of them,” Klaus reported. “Everything is loaded and secured. The ship is ready to depart on your command.”

Matthew nodded, his gaze lingering on the steamship. “Good work, Klaus. Make sure the workers are compensated for their efforts. They’ve done an exceptional job.”

Klaus saluted briefly before heading off to relay the orders.

Amber touched Matthew’s arm lightly. “This is it, then. They’re on their way.”

Matthew nodded again. “Yes. Now it’s out of our hands. But the real work begins when we get to the Francois Republic.”

The sound of the ship’s horn echoed across the dock, signaling its readiness to depart. Matthew, Amber, and Charles, entered the steamship, and began their journey towards alternate France.