After his meeting with royal duke Regulus, he started finalizing some of the arrangements regarding the opening of Benz-motors. He discussed his advertisement plan with Edward who suggested that he invite Emily, Claude, Harry, and Roger along. It would be good exposure for them too.
Charlton, thinking as a producer took that into consideration. Indeed, it would not reflect positively on him if he were not to include them in the guest list. Thus, he issued invites to said people.
Another person he was reluctant to invite was Geoffrey. However, he cannot not invite him. In this regard, he made new arrangements with Ben regarding the opening event.
Due to the many changes, the grandness of the event itself escalated. It made him want to hit his own head. Just because he wanted to impress Serena, he's making his life difficult when he didn't have to.
Anyway, on the 12th of July, Charlton received the notice of approval for the access to the telegraphic lines between the port of Windsor and the palace. He then wrote a letter to Alexander to invite him over so that they can discuss arrangements regarding that project.
They met the next day and after their discussion, they managed to visit the site where the centralized telephone network was located.
--
Serena arrived back in Windsor on the 8th of July, and although she should not be, as she knew that Charlton was busy, a part of her was still disappointed not to see him upon her arrival.
Disembarking the ship with Beatrice and Bernard, she saw Leonard who was already waiting for them. She waved at him, and he waved back with a smile.
"Thank you for fetching me brother Leonard. Have you been waiting long?" Serena asked when she reached him while thinking 'ah, it's so refreshing to see his face after a while.'
Leonard shook his head, "It's alright. I've been handling some matters here earlier too. Anyway, let's go home, mother has been looking forward to your arrival."
Serena nodded her head.
--
When they arrived back in their ducal estate, Serena was welcomed by her parents. Her mother quickly enveloped her in a hug.
"I missed you. Did you enjoy your vacation? How was Militeia?" her mother started asking.
Serena hugged her back, "I missed you too, mother. The vacation was enjoyable, and Militeia was beautiful. I believe that if given the chance again, I would like to go there with you one day."
"You!" her mother expressed, happy with her words.
Anyway, they all went to the drawing room first and Serena started regaling her adventures to her parents omitting the part where Charlton spent time there too of course. Curious, she wanted to ask about the invitation Charlton sent.
She wondered how she could go about it without being obvious. And perhaps, fate was smiling at her for by some luck, her mother opened the topic herself.
"By the way, do you know that there is a carriage so fantastic that it would make possible that the travel from our duchy to the capital be shortened to just 2 hours?" Celine began.
"Celine, not carriages, they are motor vehicles called cars." Simoun corrected.
Celine glared at her husband. "Fine then. Cars."
Serena wanted to laugh with the exchange but pretended that she has no idea. "No mother, what's this car you're talking about?"
"Well, we read about it in the newspaper that just arrived this morning." Celine explained, then she picked up the newspaper to hand it to Serena, "here, read for yourself."
Serena received the newspaper and the first thing she noticed was the photo of Charlton sitting on the driver's seat a Benz Victoria. She stared at the picture and tried not to make her smile obvious as she rubbed the eternity ring on her ring finger with her thumb. He was looking very very handsome.
Anyway, reading the article, it talked about the product and the opening event that would be held on the 15th, the exact details to follow.
"It seems like a great innovative product. We should attend the opening and purchase one." Serena suggested, trying not to sound too excited.
Leonard tried to observe Serena's expression but noticed nothing strange.
"Ah, talking about attending, Charlton is such a sweet boy, he even sent us an invite." Celine shared.
"Oh? Why should he be sending out invites?" Serena asked, feigning ignorance.
"Apparently, he owns some share on that company. It's very impressive for someone his age I must admit. Anyway, Moun, I think you should write him back confirming our attendance." Celine instructed.
In truth, Simoun was reluctant to attend, but his curiosity about the product won, and he could only nod his head in agreement.
--
When the 15th of July arrived, the whole street where the shop of Benz-motors was located has been closed. The purpose was so that the guests would have a firsthand demonstration on how the cars worked. They will also be given the chance to ride and perhaps if they learn fast, test drive the cars. It will also give them the chance to directly buy and take home the unit.
From 3-am, the employees have already began preparing for the event. They brought more units from the warehouse to their store in the capital and parked some of the units on the streets for the guests and people coming to see.
It was a big event, and they have prepared booths for games and snacks. There was a stage set up on the other end of the street for the opening ceremony and entertainment purposes.
The opening ceremony itself will be held at 10 in the morning, the hours for the test driving and selling of units would be held after that. Then, by sunset, the remaining cars that were not sold would be taken back inside their store to give way for the people attending the evening party where singing, dancing, and free flowing drinks would be abundant.
--
TBC