Building a Conglomerate in Another World

March 10th, 1881.

Matthew was at a coffee shop at the city square of Sylvania. He sipped his cup of coffee while reading the newspaper to pass the time. 

He was waiting on a certain someone, and this was their meeting spot. 

Matthew's eyes flickered on the lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. It cast a soft, steady glow that was a far cry from the flickering gas lamps that had once dominated the city. He couldn't help but marvel at how rapidly technology was reshaping Sylvania. 

Setting down his coffee cup, Matthew glanced out of the coffee shop window. The streets beyond were bustling with activity. Power lines now stretched above the cobblestone roads, weaving a network of modernity throughout the city. Streetlamps powered by electricity stood tall along the sidewalks, illuminating the early evening as a gentle drizzle began to fall.

He watched as people hurried by, their umbrellas blooming like flowers in the rain. Trams moving along their tracks carrying passengers. And what's more eye-catching is his automobile gaining attention from passersby to the point they are congregating around it.

As he was gazing, he didn't notice that the man he had been waiting for arrived.

"Mr. Hesh." 

The familiar voice that belonged to Raikes snapped him out of his reverie and he glanced up and saw it was indeed Raikes.

"Mr. Raikes," Matthew greeted, quickly rising from his seat. "I didn't see you there. Please, have a seat."

Tom Raikes nodded, his eyes flicking briefly toward the crowd gathered around the automobile outside. He adjusted his three-piece suit as he took the chair across from Matthew, setting down his leather briefcase with a practiced motion.

"I must say, your invention is already causing quite a stir," Raikes remarked, gesturing to the window. "It's not every day you see something that isn't drawn by horses, moving with such ease."

Matthew smiled modestly, though his eyes gleamed with pride. "The people seem curious, which is a good sign."

Raikes leaned in, his expression more serious now. "I didn't come here just to admire your machine, Mr. Hesh." He opened his briefcase, pulling out a neatly bound stack of documents. "I have good news. The provisional patent for your automobile has been granted."

"Already? That's... remarkable. I wasn't expecting it so soon."

Raikes gave a small, satisfied smile. "Mr. Fitzwilliam's influence does wonders when things need to move quickly. The provisional patent is effective immediately, which means you now have a year of legal protection. You're free to demonstrate your automobile, secure investors, and continue refining the design without the fear of someone stealing your concept."

"Then that means I have to see Mr. Fitzwilliam quickly," Matthew said.

"That I certainly suggest," Raikes approved.

"Would you come with me?" Matthew invited.

"What for?" Raikes chuckled. 

"As proof of that I have a patent now," Matthew simply answered.

Raikes tilted his head, considering the proposal for a moment. Then, with a slight nod, he agreed. 

"Very well, Mr. Hesh. It would be my pleasure to accompany you."

The two men rose from their seats, leaving a few coins on the table as payment. As they stepped out of the coffee shop, the bustling street greeted them with the sounds of tram bells and the chatter of pedestrians. The drizzle had lightened, leaving the cobblestones slick and shining under the glow of the newly installed streetlights.

Outside, a small crowd had gathered around Matthew's automobile. Matthew gently squeezed his way through the crowd, with Raikes following close behind. 

"Excuse us, gentlemen," Matthew said politely as they made their way to the car.

"After you, Mr. Raikes," he said, gesturing for the lawyer to enter. Raikes gave an amused nod, ducking into the passenger seat with some difficulty in the tight space. Matthew quickly circled around to the driver's side, waving off a few curious onlookers who tried to peer inside.

Once seated, Matthew turned to Raikes with a grin. "Now, let's show you what all the fuss is about."

With practiced ease, Matthew pulled a lever and twisted the ignition knob. The engine sputtered to life, emitting a deep, steady hum that drowned out the murmurs of the crowd. The automobile rumbled beneath them, vibrating slightly as it warmed up.

With that, he eased the automobile into motion, navigating it through the crowded street carefully. The crowd parted with a mix of gasps and cheers as the car smoothly rolled forward. Raikes couldn't help but smile as they picked up speed, the city square quickly fading behind them. 

"Hoh this is fast," Raikes commented. "Does this thing get tired?" 

"As long as there is fuel, this beast won't get tire, and more importantly, no poop," Matthew chuckled. 

Raikes leaned back in his seat, clearly impressed. "That alone would be revolutionary for transport in the city. I imagine the stable owners and carriage drivers would have mixed feelings about that," he mused.

"But you can't ignore that the city is already having troubles with the pile of poop on the streets right?" Matthew said. "The city's been trying to modernize, but it's hard to keep up when the old ways leave so much... residue behind."

Raikes chuckled softly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Indeed. This machine of yours might just force the city to rethink its infrastructure. No more waste from horses clogging up the streets. That alone would be worth the investment."

"And I hope that Mr. Fitzwilliam invested in my automobile…and of course the work doesn't stop there. I am going to overhaul the entire transportation system here in this country."