The address Ben sent led them to the outskirt of Windor's Capital. When they finally arrived, Charlton and Kylo went down of the carriage to be welcomed by Ben Ringer and about 4 employees.
"Lord Daniel, welcome to our company's warehouse. I apologize for not being able to round up all our employees. Most of them are still in town working on the final touches of our main store for the opening." Ben said as he smiled.
"No worries Mr. Ringer. By the way, this is my friend, Kylo Louis, the 2nd prince of Alighieri. He's here to see the automobiles too. I hope that's alright with you." Charlton explained.
Ben smiled and gave a 30-degree bow, "your highness, welcome to Benz-motors. I apologize for not recognizing you immediately."
Kylo just nodded his head. Well, they were not close, and what if this greedy merchant was just trying to take advantage of his friend?
Charlton just shook his head with Kylo being unfriendly.
Ben did not take it to heart and instead just enthusiastically guided the two towards the warehouse. "Lord Daniel, I hope that I did not cause any inconvenience. I invited you to come because I wanted to show you the models which already arrived."
Ben was very glad that Charlton signed his name on their contract on an earlier date. When he was at the port to collect his goods, he experienced some red tape. However, when he showed that one of the owners of the imported products' company was Charlton, the person-in-charge gave him priority. Thus, the transaction was made faster, and he did not experience getting extorted.
Charlton looked around the warehouse and saw that there were about 60 motor vehicles inside. He recognized what model each were from the catalogue Ben sent him last time.
"This is the first batch that arrived. It's not yet a lot, but every 3 days, another set of 80 would arrive. At this rate, by July 8, we would at least have 460 units for sale. We will have the Victoria, Velo, 8hp and the Omnibus by then. The omnibus is a newer model, but it basically works and runs the same. Since it would just be the first launching, I think 460 would be good enough. It's not a cheap product and not a lot of people would be able to afford it. However, just in case, we can always accept reservation." Ben explained.
"I see." Charlton said as he curiously looked at the vehicles, they all looked impressive, but he was not really able to imagine how they would run.
"Please, let me show you how it works." Ben offered. He was excited to show them himself.
"Alright. If you may please." Charlton said.
Kylo just stared trying to act like nothing can faze him. Although the vehicles looked impressive, he did not really understand how it would run on its own.
--
Ben asked two of his employees, to push one Benz- Victoria forward for him to show Charlton and Kylo how it was operated.
Kylo who was staring skeptically as they do so told Charlton in a low voice, "They're just pushing it forward. Don't tell me it would run without a horse but instead would need people to push it to run. Charlton, I think you've been duped."
Charlton tsked, "Kylo, just look first."
Anyway, when the benz Victoria was in front of them, Ben called them over.
"Okay, so let me show you how this baby works." Ben said as he moved around the car.
He first opened the front hood as he explained, "This is the piston, and it has a 3-liter engine. We would need to give it a rotation to start this vehicle up. But before that, first, we must pull a few levers." As he said that, he went to the side while Kylo and Charlton followed to look as he shifted certain levers inside.
Ben continued, "This one is to turn the vehicle on, while this one is to adjust the engine settings to the weather conditions, so it runs smoothly." Then, he went back to the piston, "As you can imagine, depending on temperature, one must feel around before the engine runs properly. Anyway, it's time to pull the piston to get the show running."
Krrrr krrr…. The benz Victoria made noisy sounds after Ben pulled the piston.
Charlton and Kylo both looked at the engine which was now rotating on its own. They were still unsure with what would happen next.
Ben smiled seeing their confused faces, "Please, let's go inside the vehicle." He said.
Charlton and Kylo followed as Ben climbed inside. The seat facing forward was only good for two and since Ben was the one showing them how it works, he sat on that with Charlton. Kylo not wanting to take the lowered rear facing seat did not climb the vehicle and curiously looked and listened from the outside.
"This is the steering wheel, and it's what we use to change the direction of where the vehicle is going. Then this on the side is the lever which is used to accelerate. This vehicle has 2 gears and when we want to break, we must get out of gear quickly so we're in neutral. Then, we can use the foot break or the hand break on the left. Lastly, this has 2 horns, one we can squeeze the other we can step on." Ben explained.
Charlton and Kylo listened taking everything in.
"This vehicle doesn't run that fast. However, in comparison to carriages, with this, one can travel at a constant speed of 11 miles per hour." Ben Ringer said. "Anyway, let me drive this thing to show you."
"Alright." Charlton said, while Kylo moved back.
Then, Ben finally shifted the lever and the vehicle started running.
Charlton noted that it's not that fast, but it was faster than a horse drawn carriage. It was also a unique experience riding it that he could not help but get excited. He wanted to drive it himself. He can already imagine fetching Serena with this vehicle (however unlikely given their circumstance). Or perhaps, the two of them can ride this and go somewhere where it was just the two of them. Ah… the things they can do. He grinned just thinking of it.
Kylo looking at the vehicle run could only widen his eyes and gape. It really was running without a horse or anyone pulling it. It was amazing! Then it went faster, and he could not help but be more amazed. Well, who can blame him? What he was seeing, was after all, the first car of the century in their empire.
When Ben and Charlton were back, Kylo pushed Charlton to the lowered rear facing seat so that he can sit beside Ben.
"Hey!" Charlton complained.
Kylo ignored him as he smiled at Ben. "Ben, my friend, please teach me how to drive this thing. I'm purchasing one."
And so, the rest of the day was spent with them learning how to drive the vehicle. A new age of the transportation industry has arrived, and it would change the lives of the people in Windsor as they knew it.
--
TBC