Charlton was impressed with the interior and the exterior of their store for Benz motors. From outside, the people passing by would be able to see the models on display inside as instead of just a big window showing some of the merchandise a store has, theirs have floor to ceiling see through glass for walls.
"You did a really good job here." he complimented as Ben took him for a tour.
Ben beamed with the praise. "Thank you, I was inspired by the store I saw in our country, though I did add some improvements. Now, let me show you the maintenance area."
Ben guided him to the maintenance area which also served as their stock room for some of the cars for sale. Charlton observed that one Benz Victoria has been separated from the rest.
"That is where we will take your photo if that is alright. I think Lucas should be arriving soon." Ben explained.
Charlton nodded his head. "Alright. Anyway, what are your plans on the opening day? Anything specific?"
The two of them started discussing the plans for the opening and Charlton offered that they play the new songs he will be producing during that time. That way, it would entertain the guests and at the same time, the new songs will be advertised. Of course, he also has his own agenda for doing so. He wanted Serena to be able to hear his song then.
Anyway, when Lucas arrived, they started taking photos and an interview followed. They were using Charlton's face value for advertisement as he partly owned the company.
After, Charlton requested that Lucas send him a copy of the photo so that he can use it for the album cover of his new song.
Since everything regarding the opening of Benz-motors was finalized, when he got home, he began drafting an invite to Serena's family, and some others.
--
Come 7th of July, as agreed, the composers of the songs and Edward were present for the recording. Hearing the output, everyone was satisfied.
Charlton who worked on his own song was also able to have it recorded then.
The 8th of July was when Serena should be arriving back. However, Charlton could not go and see her that day as he needed to talk to Alexander in preparation for their meeting with his uncle that was slated the day after.
--
"Welcome! It's been quite a while since I last saw you, Charlton. Do tell me about what you've been up to lately. You keep surprising me with all the things I've been hearing. A singer, a music producer, a businessman, and now, even an innovator. Your parents must be proud." Royal duke Regulus William, the minister of works greeted as Charlton and Alexander were ushered inside his office. He even stood up from his seat to walk towards them as Charlton has always been his favorite nephew.
Charlton walked inside and gave his uncle who was walking towards them a hug.
"Uncle Reg, thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter and grant my request for an audience. Yes, it has been a while. I was afraid to visit and impose as I know how busy you are in the ministry." Charlton greeted back.
"Nonsense. You know that I will always make time for you. And what's up with the formality on your letter? You know that you can always just pop up as you're always welcome. Whoever stops you, just tell me. Who dares stop my favorite nephew from visiting me?"
Charlton chuckled, "Uncle, that is quite an exaggeration, you almost made me believe it. Though I'm glad to hear that as you are also my favorite uncle. Anyway, please let me introduce my friend, this is Alexander Bell, my business partner, and he was actually the person to invent the telephone, not me. I'm just an investor."
"You…" Regulus said as he looked at Charlton happily. Charlton always have a way with words that made him happy. Anyway, he looked at the man Charlton introduced. In any other occasion Regulus would not simply talk to mere merchants, but since it was Charlton who introduced him, he gave the man attention. "It's good to meet you, Alexander. I hope that my nephew did not cause you too much trouble?"
Alexander surprised to be addressed by the royal duke immediately bowed his head in greeting. "The honor is mine, your highness. Lord Charlton is ever the kind investor. It is my privilege to serve him."
"Good that you know." Regulus replied. Good that the man knew his position. He knew that some merchants try to take advantage by befriending some people from the nobility, especially the young and naïve ones, for the connections. However, since the project seems promising, and of course since it was Charlton who wrote him, he gave it a chance. He has to give a clear warning though. He doesn't want this merchant to dare double cross his nephew.
Charlton seeing his uncle giving the eye to Alexander and not even telling him to rise yet gave him a nudge. "Uncle, don't be too severe. Alexander is a good man, and you will be impressed when you see how his innovative product works."
Regulus cleared his throat, "Please rise and take a seat. Let me hear about this product my nephew spoke so highly of."
Alexander started explaining about the telephone and brought out a sample product for demonstration. By the end of his explanation, Regulus was thoroughly convinced that this telephone would be one of the most important technological advancement of the century.
"So, uncle, what do you think?" Charlton asked.
Regulus looked at his nephew his eyes mooning, feeling proud. "Good. Very good." Then he turned to Alexander, "do you think you can demonstrate a working product by the end of the month?"
"Yes, your highness, so long as we can get the wire connection ready." Alexander replied respectfully.
"Alright, how about this, there is a telegraphic line available at the palace which is connected to the port of Windsor. I will request for an approval for you to connect the lines there for a demonstration in the house of lords. How long does it take for you to set the lines?"
Alexander counted the days, "Your highness, we can connect the line in a week's time."
Regulus nodded his head, "Alright. Charlton, I will send you the exact schedule for your demonstration along with the issued approval from his majesty. Expect that it will be scheduled by the end of July."
Charlton grinned as he nodded his head. "Thank you, uncle. I'll see you then."
After that, when the two of them were to exit, Regulus called Charlton back.
"Yes, uncle?" he asked.
"You should be careful not to put too much attention to yourself. You're not young anymore. I'm giving you this advice as your elder."
Charlton smiled and nodded his head. He knew that his uncle was just showing his concern. No one who shined too brightly other than the monarch ever had a good ending.
"I advise that when you graduate, do not accept the position vice minister of defense. Come here and join the ministry of works. I think you will be better here." he added.
"Thank you, uncle. I will listen to your advice." He replied. He also thought that he can do better things in the ministry of works given his connections now. Besides the soldiers handled by the ministry of defense belong to the crown. Although giving up that military power seem significant, in the overall account of things, it was not.
"Okay, be careful on your way." Regulus said, then added, "and congratulations for all your achievements so far. I'm happy for you."
Charlton grinned and nodded his head before exiting.
--
TBC