February 25th, 885. The carriage carrying the representatives of Axelsen & Nielsen Company rattled down the cobbled streets of New York. Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen, Poul, their lawyer George, and secretary Caroline were headed to the courthouse for an important case. George was briefing them on the technicalities they may face in court.
"Don't worry, gentlemen. There's no reason for us to be concerned about this case. I can assure you that we will win. James Russell's allegation is too broad," George said.
"I'm not concerned about anything," Poul said, looking out the window. "Just focus on making this all go away so that we can continue doing business as usual."
Caroline, sitting across from Poul, was quietly reading a newspaper. Jonathan leaned in to see what had caught her attention. "What is it?" he asked.
"It seems like Russia is losing the war," Caroline said, raising a brow. "According to this, the allied forces have broken through the fortifications and have successfully landed in Crimea."
Jonathan grabbed the newspaper from her and quickly scanned the article. "It looks like the Royal Navy has deployed their advanced warships to the Black Sea. The Russian Empire is on the brink of falling at the hands of the allied forces," he said.
Poul was surprised. "I had lost track of what was happening in the war. Is it true that the Russian Empire is losing?"
George interrupted their discussion. "Gentlemen, we have a case on our hands today. Please focus on the matter at hand. We can discuss the war later," he said, redirecting their attention back to the case they were about to face.
The group fell into a momentary silence, their thoughts lingering on the news of the war. Their enterprise which focuses on manufacturing weapons and supplying them to the allied forces and Russian Empire has been ramping up sales thanks to their bulk orders. But seeing that the war is going to end, so does the supply chain.
The war gave them a boost in profit, allowing the industrialist duo to use that profit to introduce another weapon that is, as of right now, in development. Truly, there's money in war.
Five minutes later, they arrived at the courthouse. Outside the courthouse, journalists from across the nation gathered. This is the most anticipated case in the history of Avalonia as it deals with the new industry that is emerging in the world. Electricity.
As they stepped down the carriage, the journalist suddenly rushed in their direction, eager to get a statement. But the police deployed in the courthouse were quick to react, pushing them out while making way for the representatives to enter the building.
Inside the courthouse, the atmosphere was tense, with people bustling around and lawyers scurrying to their respective courtrooms. The sound of chatter filled the air as reporters from various newspapers tried to gather as much information as they could before the proceedings began.
Axelsen & Nielsen Company's representatives walked through the corridors of the courthouse with an air of confidence. They were met with curious stares and whispers from onlookers who recognized them as wealthy industrialists.
George led the group into the courtroom, where they took their seats at the front, facing the judge's bench. James Russell, the plaintiff, was already present, looking equally confident as he awaited the arrival of his opponents.
Amelia and Caroline found themselves seated at the gallery, a space filled with a sea of faces waiting to witness the legal proceedings. In front of them was John Morgan, who was clad in a fine suit and a black top hat. He looked over in their direction and scoffed in their direction. Caroline couldn't help but wonder what had put him in such a foul mood.
A few minutes before the session began, Caroline took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Morgan, hoping to ease the tension.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Morgan," she said.
"Miss Dupont," Morgan responded curtly, his gaze fixed on the front of the room. "What do you want?"
"Why so serious? We were allies, weren't we?" Caroline prodded, trying to break the ice.
Morgan turned to face her, his expression hardening.
"I'm disappointed," he said. "Poul and Jonathan didn't inform me about their plans to start an electric company. It feels like they've turned their backs on me."
Caroline was taken aback by the sudden change in tone. "But you have shares in their growing enterprises and receive a fair share from it," she pointed out.
Morgan shook his head. "It's not about the money," he said. "I just can't believe they approached you instead of me."
Caroline couldn't help but feel uneasy as John Morgan continued to stare at her with his e eyes. She shifted in her seat, trying to maintain her composure.
"I understand your frustration, Mr. Morgan, but the decision was not mine to make. Poul and Jonathan personally approached me and asked for investments. And knowing that you have invested a large amount of money in direct current systems, there's no need for you to invest in its competitor right? Because that would be a conflict of interest," Caroline finished for him, hoping to ease the tension in the air.
"Miss Dupont, I am not that stupid. There are circumstances where you can invest in two opposing companies, you know that," Morgan replied, his voice rising slightly. "And I would have appreciated being given the option to invest or not. It's a matter of respect."
Caroline could sense the tension between them rising, and she knew that it was best to end the conversation.
"I understand your perspective, Mr. Morgan. But let's not forget that we are here to witness the legal proceedings, not to discuss our personal investments," she said firmly.
Morgan nodded, but the glare in his eyes lingered as he turned his attention back to the front of the room.
As Caroline turned her attention back to the front of the room as well, the judge walked in, and the noise in the courtroom began to settle down. He was a middle-aged man with a stern, no-nonsense look on his face. He wore a black robe with a white collar and had a thick, graying beard. His eyes were a piercing blue that seemed to stare right through you.
The judge took his seat at the bench and scanned the room, making eye contact with each person in the courtroom. He then began to speak, his voice booming through the room.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen and ladies. We are gathered here today to hear the case of James Russell versus Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing and Distribution Company. Mr. Russell has alleged that the defendant's incandescent bulbs and electric distribution system are causing harm to his property and is seeking damages. Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen, and their legal team will have the opportunity to present their defense. Is everyone ready to proceed?"
"Yes your honor," the lawyers from both sides intoned.
"Very well, let's begin."
