Days before the meeting, the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company was receiving messages from the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Ottoman Empire, and the Republic of France about an acquisition of AN-M1 rifles. Those countries are the allied forces determined to stop the expansion of the Russian Empire and to protect their interest in the region.
Now they can't do that if the Russians wield a superior rifle than them. So, not only does this present a huge opportunity for their arms enterprises to grow, but it is making their name in the arms industry known around the world.
And at this rate, the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company may soon take over the top spot in their enterprises, which right now is being held by the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company.
***
April 1st, 884.
As the carriage carrying Poul Nielsen and Jonathan Axelsen approached the White House, the grandeur of the building left them awestruck. The iconic neoclassical architecture of the late 19th century White House stood tall and proud, with its stately columns and intricate details that spoke of a time of elegance and refinement. The surrounding gardens were immaculately kept, with blooming flowers and perfectly manicured hedges lining the pathway to the entrance.
As they stepped out of the carriage, they were greeted by the sight of the Avalonian flag fluttering in the wind, proudly hoisted atop the White House. The sound of their shoes echoed through the empty courtyard as they made their way toward the entrance, their hearts racing with anticipation.
As they entered the building, they were greeted by a lavish foyer, with polished marble floors and ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow over the space. The walls were adorned with paintings of Avalonian presidents and other notable figures, each one a testament to the rich history of the United States.
Poul and Jonathan exchanged a nervous glance as they were led deeper into the building, their footsteps echoing through the halls. They couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation at the thought of meeting the Crown Prince of Wales and the President of the United States, but they knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their company.
As they were ushered into the room where the meeting was to take place, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight before them. The room was grand and spacious, with high ceilings and tall windows that let in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. The walls were decorated with rich tapestries and gilded mirrors, and a massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a dazzling array of light across the space.
In the center of the room stood a large, ornate table, surrounded by chairs of polished wood and velvet upholstery. At the head of the table sat the President of the United States, a distinguished-looking man with graying hair and sharp features. Seated beside him was the Crown Prince of Wales, dressed impeccably in a navy blue suit and sporting a small smile on his face. Next to the Crown Prince sat a lady, looking elegant in an emerald green gown that caught the light of the room. Her strawberry-blonde hair was styled in an updo, accentuating the delicate features of her face. Her blue eyes sparkled as she looked up at the industrialist duo.
President Garfield stood up. "Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen. Please take your seat so that we may begin."
Poul and Jonathan made their way to their seats, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As they took their places, they couldn't help but glance at the lady sitting next to the Crown Prince, who smiled warmly at them before turning her attention back to the President and the Crown Prince.
"Firstly, I would like to welcome you all to the White House," President Garfield began, his voice carrying a tone of authority and confidence. "It is an honor to have the founders of the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company here with us today."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "We have gathered here to discuss the acquisition of AN-M1 rifles by the allied forces in Europe, and to explore the possibility of a partnership between our two great nations."
The Crown Prince leaned forward in his seat, his eyes fixed on Poul and Jonathan. "The rifles that you are selling to the Russians prove to be effective in battle. Its ability to fire instantaneously without cocking is without a doubt impressive," he said, his tone measured and deliberate. "But as you may be aware, the acquisition of these rifles by the allied forces is crucial to maintaining the balance of power in Europe. We cannot allow the Russians to have the upper hand."
Jonathan cleared his throat and spoke up. "Your Highness, I understand the importance of maintaining the balance of power in Europe. However, as a neutral party, the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company cannot side with any one nation or alliance. We are a company that provides arms to our clients, regardless of their affiliations or interests."
The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow, his expression questioning. "And what of the Russians? Will you continue to sell them the AN-M1 rifles?"
Poul interjected, "We have already made an agreement with the Russian government for the purchase of the AN-M1 rifles. We cannot simply back out of a legal contract."
President Garfield nodded, understanding the dilemma. "I see your point. However, the acquisition of these rifles by the allied forces is of utmost importance. Is there anything that can be done to ensure that the Russians do not have an unfair advantage?"
Poul sighed heavily before speaking. "It is unfortunate that this situation has arisen. We at the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company do not involve ourselves in politics. We simply provide arms to our clients, and it is up to them to use them in whichever way they see fit. We do not wish to break the trust of our clients by reneging on a legal contract with the Russians."
"Even if the rifles you are selling are being used to take the lives of innocent people?"
Poul leaned forward, his voice firm but respectful. "Your Highness, we understand and share your commitment to protecting innocent lives. However, we must ask: do you have concrete proof that our rifles are being used to harm civilians? As a company, we take great care to ensure that our weapons are only used for legitimate military purposes, and we have strict controls in place to prevent misuse."
He paused, giving the Crown Prince a chance to respond. "We are not in the business of selling weapons to rogue nations or extremist groups. We take our responsibility as a global supplier of arms very seriously. If you have any evidence to suggest that our rifles are being used improperly, we would be willing to cooperate fully in any investigation and take appropriate action to address the situation."
The room was silent for a moment as Poul just spoke to the Crown Prince and addressed him so directly.
"And if I may inquire, Your Highness, could you kindly inform us of the identity of the lady sitting beside you? Her presence here, from the beginning of this meeting, suggests to us that she plays a significant role in these discussions and that it is not just for ornamental purposes," Poul asked, breaking the silence with a formal tone.
The Crown Prince smiled at Poul's curiosity. "Ah, allow me to introduce to you Lady Penelope Ascart, daughter of the Duke of Wessex."
"Penelope Ascart?" Poul repeated the name. He recognized the name "Wait, isn't she a princess who is also a doctor who has done a lot of miracles in England?"
"That is correct, Mr. Nielsen," The Crown Prince confirmed.
"So that's the lady you are talking about," Jonathan chimed in, remembering the last time they spoke about her, about the possibility of her being in the same circumstances as them.
"Uhm…Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen," Penelope finally spoke. "Is your name really Poul Nielsen and Jonathan Axelsen?"
"That is quite correct, milady," Poul confirmed.
"Ah…Remember our promise under the old oak tree?" She spoke in a different language that the Crown Prince and the President of the United States couldn't understand but the industrialist duo knew it, and their eyes widened.
