Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 256 [Elite Figures of the Capital]

McGovern is a very aloof, yet very considerate man.

Although he spoke very little, Ethan did not feel slighted.

Because his demeanor, expression, and every little gesture along the way were considerate of Ethan's feelings, Ethan had the illusion that he was a distinguished guest on an inspection tour.

And McGovern himself didn't show any humble gratitude, which makes him a truly remarkable man.

They took the elevator to the sixth floor.

The elevator is also the latest product from Electromagnetic Company, a point McGovern mentioned before the ride.

Ethan's reaction was rather calm, which seemed to have surprised him somewhat.

The sixth floor is not spacious compared to the lower floors, but it is a completely integrated office space, and this floor is a separate area.

This place is filled with a large number of incomprehensible machines and parts, and it has a huge floor-to-ceiling window on the front. Standing in front of the window, you can definitely overlook the northern urban area, which doesn't have many high-rise buildings.

This is Azeratu's office and research lab.

When Ethan and his group stepped in, they didn't see Azeratu himself until McGovern coughed lightly and said, "Boss, Mr. Ethan and his group have arrived."

Just then, Ethan and his companions heard a commotion. A man suddenly stood up from a corner, looking somewhat disheveled, as if he were repairing a machine.

"Oh, you've arrived. I just remembered a technical issue, so I checked it out. I hope I didn't have to wait too long."

The man was about fifty years old. His hair was fairly healthy, but it looked very messy, as if he hadn't washed it for several days. He was also wearing glasses and was only wearing a research robe.

Azeratu.

This man was even more pragmatic than Ethan had imagined.

“Hello, Mr. Azeratu, I am Ethan Poletta.”

Ethan greeted Azeratu.

"Hello, hello, Ethan, it's great to finally meet you! I love your toilet so much, I've wanted to meet you for so long, it's so good that you could come today."

Azeratu quickly wiped his hands on his robe, then strode over to shake hands with Ethan.

Ethan didn't refuse.

"You are so young. It's hard to imagine that a young person like you could have such a high level of ideological awareness. Everyone is an artist. That's so well said. It's like how I think technological inventions should also belong to everyone."

Azeratu spoke with great emotion.

The group arrived at a corner of the office, where a sofa and a coffee table had finally been set up, allowing them to sit down and have a proper talk.

"Finch, I'm so sorry it took me so long to see you. I should have discovered it sooner. Your multi-functional video and audio recorder is really great, an absolute masterpiece. It was all my oversight, and I apologize to you."

As soon as he sat down, Azeratu apologized to Finch.

Upon hearing this, any anger or resentment that Finch might have harbored vanished.

From this, Ethan could tell that Azeratu seemed to be the kind of pure research geek who was indifferent to worldly affairs, but was still a sincere person.

“Boss, it’s alright…” Finch was touched, but he paused for a moment and still said, “It’s just that I’m already discussing this project with Mr. Ethan…”

“I understand that the company abandoned you first, so this matter should rightfully be handed over to Ethan. I’m telling you this just to make up for it. Starting today, you are promoted to head of the New Direction Department for Power Applications. I have a new project for you.”

Azeratu clearly understood the situation. Ethan simply listened from the sidelines.

The outcome of this matter was not beyond his expectations. Since they had invited him to meet, they couldn't have come to steal his business.

Finch was undoubtedly the most surprised person. He never expected that his hard-earned invention would be recognized and invested in, that his longtime enemy would be sanctioned, and most importantly, that he would get the position he had always dreamed of.

Everything that happened today felt like a dream to him.

They floated away from the large office on the sixth floor, leaving only Ethan and Azeratu behind.

"Ethan, are you satisfied with this outcome?"

It was only at this point that Azeratu asked Ethan for his opinion.

“This is your company, you can do whatever you want with it.” Ethan remained noncommittal.

“I just don’t want you to think I’m unreasonable, because I want to be your friend, Ethan.”

Azeratu said very sincerely.

“Of course, I’d like to be your friend too, Azeratu.” Ethan nodded.

The matter was almost settled when, at that moment, the manager, McGovern, who had been silent until now, spoke up again.

"Mr. Ethan, we can provide you with the multi-functional video and audio recorder, including the corresponding technology. However, you should also be aware that silent films are currently only in the trial phase. Sound films are an unimaginable phenomenon, a huge market. We would like to cooperate with you to develop this market together."

These words made Ethan think for a moment.

McGovern certainly has a good eye; he immediately understood the power of sound films.

He's fairly law-abiding in his work; he doesn't care about technical skills, he just wants the market.

The market is huge, and it would be difficult for Ethan to take it all on his own.

In particular, he was just getting started in the capital, let alone the whole kingdom, and this market was bound to involve a national strategy.

As a large invention company, the other party has a vast number of electrical inventions, many of which have probably opened up markets throughout the kingdom.

Moreover, Azeratu was a highly influential figure, and even the king treated him as an honored guest.

Even setting aside the possibility of conquering the entire country, just expanding the market in the capital will inevitably require finding various connections and assistance. We can't keep bothering Joseph every time something happens, can we?
"Deal made, of course that's great, I'm the one who got a good deal."

Upon hearing Ethan's agreement, Azeratu immediately clapped his hands and stood up, beaming with joy.

"Today has been wonderful. I've made a great friend like Ethan and closed such a good deal. Let's have dinner together tonight. I happen to know a really nice restaurant."

Ethan had no reason to refuse.

Next, Azeratu talked to him a lot about his ideas, especially Ethan's surrealism and the toilet.

Even Ethan hadn't realized how deep Azeratu's research into art was, or that he himself was unaware of how renowned Azeratu had become.

With his paintings, ideas, and performances, he has become a true star.

Or rather, celebrities.

The capital's elite.

(End of this chapter)