6 Discussion

Lucas raised his face in surprise, not having expected her to be the visitor. Then, thinking as to how the original Montague would act in such a situation, he replied with a voice devoid of warmth and affection, "Come in"

A few seconds later Victoria comes in to the study. The black-haired beauty had long dressed out of her earlier jacket, blouse and pants combination, and had switched to a more comfortable dress that allowed for more movement.

As she made her way towards the sofa, she initiated the conversation with a question. "You didn't go to work today?"

Indeed, that was strange for Montague to not to work, Lucas maintained a somewhat detached expression as he thought of the matter. Then, to order to maintain the 'workaholic' persona, his gaze didn't leave the papers in his hand before responding, "An unexpected accident happened earlier this morning. I couldn't leave as a result."

His tone conveyed a sense of detachment, indicating that he was not inclined to divulge further details.

Out of Lucas's field of vision, a brief look of disappointment flashed by Victoria's eyes but it disappeared as quickly as it went. She found a comfortable spot in the sofa, near Lucas's work desk, and sat down. She rest her delicate hands on her lap, casting a few fleeting glances towards her father before replying, "I see."

"What brings you here?" Lucas asks as he finally puts down the reports and spares his daughter a glance.

It could be said that the emotional distance between the original Montague Beaumont and his daughters are both the greatest curse and boon in his current life. A curse because he doesn't know enough about his two daughters to know how to properly act towards them, at the same time, it's a boon because they also don't know anything about him thus they might not even notice some of the uncharacteristic moves that he makes.

"Father, I apologize for disturbing you when you are so busy, but I was hoping to speak with you about certain matters."

Victoria then maintains her silence for a few seconds before speaking up again. "I'm looking to start a company of my own," she says.

"…!" This naturally caused Lucas to pay even more attention. He thought that even for the emotionally distant Montague, this would be a matter that he would pay special attention in.

'Is she trying to be independent?' Lucas wondered in his head. He could somewhat understand it. Although some people wouldn't mind, she might not like the idea of living in the shadow of her father for the rest of her life.

Whether it be Lucas or the original Montague, both of them had never been in such a situation before and is therefore stumped for answers. He didn't know how should he respond: Are you sure? Why do you want to start a company by yourself? Have you thought things through?

Many other similar questions swirled in Lucas's mind, but through all of that, the only thing that came out of his mouth is, "Speak."

Victoria didn't seem affected by Lucas's seemingly cold choice of words, more like she expected such a response from him. 'Maybe she's used to it?', Lucas wondered.

"As you know, I graduated at the top of my class at Goldridge University. I have also won several academic honors for my research on industrial applications for steam power. I feel I am ready to build upon my studies with practical experience."

Lucas's brows couldn't help but twitch at Victoria's words. Top of her class? Based on his memories, he could recall that Goldridge university is the most prestigious university back at their home city, Arkanthia.

His daughter was actually such an intelligent person, and he had no recollection of it at all!

Victoria smiles slightly, straightening her posture in a confident manner. "That is why I have come to you, father. I wish to start my own company to develop new technologies. I have some promising ideas that I believe could come to fruition with the proper funding and resources."

"I understand you are a busy man, but I hope I may count on your support and guidance in this endeavor... If you deem me worthy, that is." she tacked on, at the end.

"…"

Nevertheless, Lucas continued the role of a successful CEO, but also a distant father. He put on a look of curiosity and urged Victoria to speak about these 'new' ideas that she has, trying to judge for himself whether or not it would be worth his time and support.

Seeing that her father is urging her to continue, she handed Lucas papers containing her studies and ideas and let him see it for himself while explaining, "My foremost idea is to develop an improved system of gears and belts to transmit mechanical energy from steam engines to tools and machinery. The ability to transmit rotational movement efficiently could greatly increase factory productivity…I believe properly designed transmission system could distribute… reduce costs and energy consumption… I devised some potential designs using variable gear ratios…"

However, Lucas couldn't understand shit from the papers and blueprints Victoria provided. As an English major from Earth, he knew nothing about engineering and Victoria's explanations only confused him further, her voice slowly fading into the background.

"–However, prototypes and testing are needed to determine the feasibility of this system. With financial backing and business connections, I am confident I could form a company to develop this technology further and bring it to the market."

His mind was only brought back to reality when Victoria finally finished explaining. But by then, she was looking at him with expectant eyes, asking for his opinion on the matter. "What do you think of the idea, father? Do you see any merit in it worth pursuing? I welcome any guidance or wisdom from your years of experience."

'Is it good? The hell, it's several times better than the 'research' I did back on high school about how to use baking soda and vinegar as an alternative fire extinguisher.'

Feeling unqualified to provide meaningful feedback on such a well-developed yet complicated matter, especially given his lack of experience in the field, Lucas wisely chose to divert the conversation in a different direction rather than attempt to comment on Victoria's genius invention.

'The more I speak, the more chances there will be that I'm exposed as a fraud. Instead, it's better that I speak very little and let this genius think about the answer herself. In that regard, my cold and distant persona becomes very convenient'

"You mentioned that you're doing this to gain experience, correct?" Lucas inquired, his tone projecting a sense of wisdom and maturity. "What kind of experience do wish to gain? Experience as an inventor, as an engineer? Or as a businessman, an entrepreneur? While these roles often overlap, it's important to understand that they are distinct from each other. Many individuals are able to embody both, leading to the assumption that they are one and the same. However, it's crucial not to mistake them for interchangeable entities."

He said this not only to be able to sound experienced and knowledgeable, but as a master procrastinator, when he sees the opportunity to push the work to someone else, then he'd take it with zero hesitation.

However, upon hearing those words, Victoria felt as though she'd been struck with lightning.

In her eagerness, she failed to properly define her goals. She spent too much time ruminating and tinkering with the details of her new machinations, trying to come up with what would be the next big thing in the market.

'Innovation alone is not enough, as good ideas often go nowhere without proper organization, capital and savvy management. It is the combination of invention and business acumen that paves the way for genuine progress!'

The thoughts formulated within Victoria's head, realizing that in her eagerness, she had failed to properly define her goals.

"You are quite right, father." She says with genuine enlightenment. "While I do wish to pursue the technical aspects of invention, it is only the means to an end. My true aspiration is to become an entrepreneur and build a business of my own. I don't seek the challenge of creating new technologies, but instead steering them successfully through development, production and marketing challenges to become commercially viable."

Lucas nods to Victoria's words, feeling that he had saved Montague's reputation with that reply of his. Now here comes the actual reason as to why he said those words.

"In that regard of managing a business, navigating and building social connections, then I have an assignment for you." I then say, picking up the small stack of reports on my table.

"Eldoria, as a city, is very very different to your home city of Arkhantia. You may live in general safety in the district of Clockwork Heights; However, just a district away from here, and you'll see violence, anarchy, and crime, left unchecked by the government." Lucas says.

Lucas then proceeds to enlighten Victoria about the situation in Eldoria, the fractured state of governance, the different factions vying for supremacy and control over different parts of the city, and the heavy responsibility that comes with choosing the 'correct' backer.

Back in Arkantia, Montague's immense wealth has allowed Victoria to live the most privileged of lifestyles. Access to the highest form of education, access to the most exclusive parts of the city, and she never had to worry about her life potentially being in danger.

Thus, the ruthless, violent, and criminal nature of Eldoria seemed so foreign and distant to her. The idea of thugs and criminals just being allowed to roam freely into the streets, and potentially assaulting her without any repercussions, was something she couldn't comprehend and sent shivers down her spine.

"F-father, why did we move to such a city?" Even Victoria's cool and calm appearance started showing cracks once the realization dawned on her.

She was horrified after finding out just what kind of city she'd now be spending her life in. She couldn't understand the reasoning behind moving into a city where her safety couldn't even be guaranteed.

To that, Lucas replied with another question. "Did you not see the gigantic machine that you rode in order to get into the city?"

"The airship?" Victoria asked and Lucas nodded in affirmation. "Yes. The airship is the invention of one of the most powerful faction in Eldoria" answered Lucas.

It belonged to House Delacroix, the only noble house that showed no intentions of wanting to invite Montague. They currently hold a monopoly over any aviation technology and keeps a tight lid over it. They basically controlled the entire district of Skyport.

"Now, imagine if they were to load bombs into that flying ship, several kilometers into the sky, and drop them into Arkhantia. How would our 300 year old muskets be able to defend against such an attack? Entire streets would be leveled to the ground, entire districts burning to ash, and we wouldn't even be able to get a single shot back."

Victoria gave it some thought and she realized the potential and threat that lay upon that seemingly wondrous and beneficial service she had taken for granted earlier.

In reality, Lucas doubted that the concept of air strikes already exists in this world. But it isn't too far off. They have the 'primitive' technology that is required for it to be feasible. All it takes is a warmonger who can realize that such a weapon is 100 times more potent than horses and cannons.

"Without a doubt in my mind, Eldoria is the most technologically advanced city among all the lost colonies in the New World. Although they've only made contact with three other cities so far, reestablishing connections with the other cities isn't too improbable in the future" said Lucas.

Eldoria's already in possession of different specialized guns that makes the standard musket used in Arkhantia look like it might as well belong to the stone age.

Victoria followed her father's line of thought and continued, "Then in that case, with their technological superiority, Eldoria would surely have the upper hand, no, absolute control when dealing with any potential disputes involving other cities."

Victoria's familiar with the history of the New World.

At first, it was also only trading hubs and cities, between natives and merchants before the empires started to demand more and more, until they just conquered the lands for themselves.

She didn't believe that things would remain 'equal' between Eldoria and the other lost cities. Although at present, the relationships between them is solely for 'business reasons'. It could easily develop into something more exploitative if Eldoria chooses to, and the cities which are lagging behind in technology won't have any say in the matter.

"We're lucky Arkhantia is one of the cities that they found first, and there is still that sense of wonder and camaraderie, like two long lost siblings that have been reunited. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to obtain our new identifications as 'Free Citizens' in Eldoria that easily." explained Lucas.

"Free Citizen?" upon hearing an unfamiliar term, Victoria couldn't help but ask what it meant. In her mind, such a term is redundant. Isn't citizen just enough?

"It means that we can own property, purchase and possess weapons, and own human slaves. Basically, we're regular citizens of Eldoria."

"…?!"

Disbelief weren't enough describe the emotions that Victoria felt at the moment. Culture shock was one thing, but this one felt like she'd stepped on a different world altogether.

Seeing Victoria's face, Lucas added. "That's right. Here, freedom isn't a right but a privilege. Hence, the reason behind the term 'free citizen'. It's said that at least 30 percent of the population in Eldoria are slaves. People that don't have the right to anything, not even their own bodies."

Concepts that Victoria has never encountered in her life back in Arkhantia, were not just present but also prevalent in Eldoria – gangs, warlords, and even slavery!

"Now do you see why we have to establish ourselves here?" asked Lucas. "If their airships were just slightly more developed and could carry a platoon of soldiers, then it's possible you wouldn't have come here dressed in your nice clothes, but instead in chains and rags."

"…"

Victoria remained silent at the realization that her fate could've been extremely different if the people managing those airships were just a tad bit more bloodthirsty. Her entire life in Arkhantia would've been flipped on its head overnight, and she would've had no way of knowing just who those mysterious invaders were.

Seeing his daughter remain silent, Lucas coughed and spoke up. "So again, about that assignment that I'm planning on giving you. By now you realize the importance of joining a 'faction' in Eldora, don't you?"

Victoria nods. In fact, in her mind, 'importance' is an understatement. It's practically a necessity!

With those thoughts in mind and the subsequent task that had just been entrusted her, Victoria realized just what exactly her new 'task' could be. She looked at the stack of papers that Lucas pushed towards her and read the large letters at the very first page, "Report about the various competing factions in Eldoria"