"I'm a little embarrassed to be asking for your help in this regard but talking sense to some nobles is just getting more and more difficult." Thomas explained.
Charlton nodded his head. From the moment he has seen the details of the project, he already anticipated that this would happen. All the nobles including the people who has ownership of the land where the railway would pass through would want to squeeze the merchants dry.
"In truth, when I read about this project, I wanted to suggest that you cooperate with the ministry of works and turn this into a national matter. However, noting that you already started negotiations with the nobles who has jurisdiction on the areas you will pass through, it will offend them if we take that route now."
"Indeed, I did not think this through. I just thought that we can acquire the land, build the railway, and that's it. It's what we did in Easton corporation's coal mines."
"I have some suggestions for the project which I believe might help. However, I'm not sure if you, Edward, Scott, and Howard would agree."
"Please Lord Daniel, do tell."
Charlton has been mulling over this for quite some time since Serena made the suggestion. Shortening the travel time would not only be good for the merchandise but also the people.
"I have read through the project plan you sent, and I saw that the focus of this railway project was purely for Rail freight transport. So, I was thinking if we can maximize the use of the tracks by adding trains that can accommodate human passengers. Do you think we can develop trains for that purpose?"
Thomas mind started thinking. Indeed, that is a possibility, however, how many people would ride the train? Perhaps the revenue it would receive would not even cover the cost of running it. Was there a market viability?
"That is a possibility, however, my concern is market viability. People do not travel a lot, and those who do, are the well-off ones."
Charlton shook his head, "People will be travelling more soon. The capital is Windsor and due to the industrialization, more and more people will be coming here looking for jobs. Meanwhile, the people from the capital have been able to improve their economic standing, and most probably, they would want to explore other parts of the kingdom. Aside from that, the population here is growing and land is getting more and more expensive. So even if it's not viable now, it surely would be."
"I can include that in the plan, but I don't know if our partners would be willing to shell-out the additional cost. However, I believe that adding that is truly genius."
Charlton smiled Serena's idea, he thought, indeed was genius. "If they don't, I can personally invest on it. Adding passenger trains would give more incentive for everyone to cooperate. Anyway, when that part of the plan is ready, perhaps I can join you in negotiating with the nobles. I will be travelling back to Suffox in August, and I can make stops along the way."
"If you do, that will truly lift some burden on my shoulders, and I can only thank you immensely." Thomas replied. Well, how could he say no to that?
Charlton nodded his head, in truth his main purpose of doing so is to acquaint himself to other nobles. "You already thanked me by agreeing to extend the project to Suffox. Are you sure that no extra cost is needed?"
"Yes, there's no need. You already said that the land and materials would be provided for and the only additional cost for me would be the labor. I believe I can cover that."
"Alright. Then, let me just read through this contract again."
Charlton read the contract, and finding it acceptable, he signed it. Thomas left the ducal mansion with a big smile on his face. What? The son of the grand duke would personally help him do the job he hated the most. How could he not smile from ear to ear? Hehehe… truly got lucky having him as a partner.
--
The day after was Monday, and his last meeting before leaving was with Alexander.
Alexander gave him the copy of the contract, and finding it satisfactory, he signed it. Then, he read the letter he would be signing to be sent to the Minister of works, His maternal uncle, Royal Duke Regulus William. Although they were distant relatives, he was after all, his godfather.
The letter stated that he has invested on a business with a product that would create a massive impact in the communication industry. That, if possible, would the ministry consider letting them locate the wires of their product next to the electricity lines. Then, it also explained what a telephone is, and that they would be holding a public demonstration for it later. Lastly, it asked for the ministry's support for this endeavor.
Charlton thought that it was too detailed and quite exaggerated to the reader, but it held some truth as he does believe that the product will be a life changer. Anyway, he added, some niceties, thankfully, Alexander left the upper and lower portion blank for him to fill in. That way, he addressed, the minister as godfather, asked him how he is, asked him for his most convenient schedule, and addressed himself as his godson and nephew.
Alexander left the ducal Mansion all smiles. Really, Charlton was making his life easier. That 20% was more than worth it. Perhaps, he should increase his share. Then again, the contract has already been signed.
--
Charlton can finally breathe. At last, all done. He smiled, thinking that tomorrow, he would be leaving for Militeia.
"Hey! I'm back. Mind looking at these? I bought some things I think would be good to give Via's family when I make a call. Hehe. Would you accompany me then?" Kylo asked.
Charlton shook his head as he laughed, "I can look through them, but I'm certainly not joining you in your wooing venture. I have better things to do when we get to Militeia."
To both the boys, tomorrow, rather, the 28th can't arrive soon enough.
--
TBC