Magic Industrial Age

Number 19 Lombardy Street, second floor, inside the study.

Leaning against the window, bathed in the brilliant sunset, Loy and Miller sat facing each other.

The dazzling golden light spilled over them, as if draping them in a cloak of glory.

Two cups of tea, still steaming, were placed on the table between them, along with a plate of delicate pastries.

After completing this task, Mila bowed slightly and retreated.

With only the two of them remaining, Baron Miller could no longer suppress his emotions and began to speak at length about his various experiences on this trip.

It should be said that he had written about many things in his letters, but hearing him recount them now was a different experience altogether.

With his vivid descriptions, Loy felt as if he were there himself, experiencing each thrilling moment alongside him.

The magnificent Santa Cruz Palace, the throne hall at the heart of the Empire's power, the cabinet ministers with their seats, the elderly man sitting high on the throne yet appearing so approachable…

All of this formed a vague outline in Loy's mind.

It was only at this point that Loy realized how much Miller had done for this 'surprise'.

For example, he had directly used his authority in Oakland City to change the distribution content of an issue of the 'Imperial Real Politics Report' to prevent Loy from seeing the specific news.

In fact, Oakland City has now become a pilot area, with lengthy articles published in the 'Imperial Real Politics Report', definitely headlining and attracting attention.

As such, Miller was under great pressure.

If he couldn't handle this matter successfully, or well enough, he wouldn't be able to explain himself!

But Miller was clearly not afraid; he actually had more confidence in this model than Loy did.

It's worth mentioning that what the Empire is currently promoting differs from the 'win-win model' that Loy described.

More precisely, the word "win-win" seemed to elevate individuals to the same level as the Empire, which was considered very disrespectful.

Therefore, the name was changed to the 'Joint Venture Model'!

The Empire would still hold 51% of the shares, possessing absolute control, but would not participate in the specific construction and maintenance of the project.

Moreover, if the business was poorly managed, the Empire would have the right to take back ownership of the railway and nationalize it.

However, this would require extremely strict conditions to be met, only triggered when the situation deteriorated to a certain point.

As long as the Empire ensured the railway's integrity and smooth operation, it didn't care who held the management rights.

Furthermore, the Empire made it clear that it would not contribute any money, not a single Thaler, yet it would still own more than half of the shares, a clause that seemed somewhat unreasonable.

However, the Empire provided an interest-free loan of up to 100,000 Thaler, specifically for railway construction.

And this loan could be repaid in installments after the railway opened, depending on the annual operating conditions and profits.

This condition was quite lenient.

However, the Empire's loan was not given all at once; instead, the administrative office would inspect each section of the railway as it was completed.

Only after confirming its accuracy and signing the documents would the second batch of interest-free loans be received.

The entire process was divided into five installments, each for 20,000 Thaler, which the cabinet had specifically designed to prevent people from taking the money and doing nothing.

At the same time, the Empire would also resolve the issue of land acquisition along the way.

Don't think this is insignificant; without the Empire's backing, these plots of land would not be so easily obtained.

Of course, building a railway was not an easy task; it couldn't be done with just a few people. It required specialized design and planning, as well as a large number of professionals.

Even in the later stages, when the magic-powered trains were running, there would need to be people to direct, arrange, and regularly maintain the tracks.

Therefore, the Empire would dispatch real engineers and technicians to provide on-site guidance and solve various problems.

Only with these people could a qualified railway be built.

It could be said that the Empire was extremely sincere, almost helping to solve the most difficult problems.

Thaler, land, talent…

The key points of construction were almost all taken care of, and the subsequent tasks were trivial matters such as recruiting people, construction, and management.

Of course, 100,000 Thaler was naturally not enough; the remaining amount would have to be supplemented by the local administrative office, or by allowing individuals to invest in shares.

Reaching this point in the conversation, Miller stopped talking nonsense. He reached out and took out a piece of parchment from his chest, placing it in front of Loy.

Loy took it but didn't open it, instead asking, "What is this?"

"Shares! I can give you up to 19% of the remaining 49% of the shares for only 20,000 Thaler.

I will ensure that you are the second-largest shareholder besides the Empire, with absolute management and operational rights.

My administrative office will only hold 10%, also with an investment of 20,000 Thaler.

Finally, there will be only 20% of the shares left, which I will divide into ten portions, each with 2%, and then invite all the big wealthy merchants in Oakland City.

I will have them bid for it, and the highest bidder will get it!"

After a pause, Miller asked, "Do you think they will support me in doing so?"

Loy smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will make them support you!"

"It's not every day that there's an opportunity to be associated with the railway, or even with the Empire, which is like having an extra amulet.

I believe they will flock to it."

"Since that's the case, I'll ask you to help with this matter. I believe you will give me a surprise."

Loy finally opened the parchment, carefully examining the words and seals on it. 19% of the shares for only 20,000 Thaler was definitely a bargain.

Moreover, the railway will definitely be the main mode of transportation for a long time.

Not only for people, but also for various materials and bulk commodities. Even if you slightly increase the freight, it will still be a large income.

Loy: "So, this is the benefit you were just telling me about?"

"Of course… more than that!"

Miller deliberately dragged out the ending, then took out a second piece of parchment and handed it to Loy.

"I think this is what you want too."

Loy took it and opened it, his eyes widening even though he was mentally prepared.

"This, this is…"

"That's right, this is the order from the Imperial Military Department. In fact, even without me, the Imperial Military Department would still purchase the magic hammer forging machine because of its reputation.

I just brought this process forward a bit, and then, I asked for a larger quantity, 100 units, worth 100,000 Thaler. I gave them a discounted price of 98,000."

How about it? I didn't let you suffer a loss, did I?

Moreover, I can clearly tell you that the Empire's size is beyond your imagination, and the military department's demand is actually very exaggerated.

This is the first order, and if there is more demand in the future, there will definitely be a long-term and considerable order.

The thought that popped into Loy's mind was that, in this case, my Lightninger Magic Mechanical Factory would have to be expanded again.

It really is on the right path, and development is as fast as flying!

"Are you satisfied with this one?"

"Satisfied, of course, I'm satisfied!"

Loy suddenly felt that this 'investment' was not just an investment without returns.

Miller was truly grateful to him and had really fought for a lot of benefits for him.

But just when he thought things were about to end, Miller took out another piece of parchment and handed it to Loy.

"There's more?"

"Of course, there is!"

"Miller, you're making me feel a little embarrassed."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's only because you were willing to help me, and even took out such precious secret medicine, that you helped me get through the difficulties.

For this alone, no matter how many benefits I give you, it's not an exaggeration."

Saying this, Miller directly spread out the parchment in his hand, which turned out to be a license, an authorization.

And the object of the authorization was actually Meditation Potion and Soul-Stabilizing Incense.

"This is?"

"This is what I specifically asked for. Since the secret medicine has been given to the Empire, the Empire will definitely produce it in large quantities.

However, the Empire is so big, and the demand is so great, that it's not so easy to satisfy it.

Therefore, I asked for this license."

Miller looked at Loy and said very seriously: "With this license, you can legally produce, legally sell, and legally trade.

I believe that even adults will can't wait to try it."

"In this way, it can be considered a compensation for some of your losses."

It must be said that Loy was very shocked. Baron Miller's 'gifts' were really many and very heavy.

Three pieces of parchment were spread out in his hand, and what Loy saw was a massive amount of Thaler flowing into his arms.

He squeezed them hard and asked with a clear mind, "Speak, what do you need me to do?"

"I need you to support me, to support me with all your strength. For this railway construction, I want not only the quality of the project but also sufficient speed."

"As long as the railway can be opened to traffic in the shortest possible time, that will be my greatest achievement, and my future path depends on this one thing."

"Loy, help me!"

"Easy, easy."

Loy's mind turned, and he had an idea, asking: "What do you think we should call this railway company?"

"Oakland Railway Company, how about that?"

"Isn't that a little too stingy? We can't let people think that we are only limited to a corner of the world, right?"

"Then what do you think is a good name?"

"What do you think of Northern Railway Company? We should have some ambition and take the entire North, right?"

"Hahahaha, I like it, then let's listen to you!"

PS: Sorry, I was pulled away to work and just got back. I hurriedly changed it and sent it. It's my fault!

The second update is still being revised and will be ready in a while!

My fault, the second update is being revised!