After Serena's conversation with Geoffrey, he asked if she would care to join him for lunch. She declined giving the excuse that she wanted to rest as she still has a meeting later. She did not expound, and he did not ask. Instead, he walked her back to her dorm despite her insistence that she can walk herself. Anyway, she did not mind him that much thinking that they won't be unnecessarily meeting soon. The school year is about to end in a month, and she was sure that she won't be joining the Student council next year.

Come noon, Serena rode her own carriage to Columbia Recoding Company. She also brought Beatrice along with her. Initially the plan was to ride with Charlton on his black carriage without insignia. However, he informed her yesterday that Edward was able to arrange a meeting with the other merchants in the morning before their meeting. He wanted to decline and set it on another day, but she insisted he meet with them by assuring that she can ask Bernard to drive her carriage and she will bring Beatrice along.

While on journey, she wondered how Charlton's meeting with the merchants was faring.

--

"Good morning everyone. Like what we have discussed in our meeting the other day, I have invited Lord Charlton Daniel to meet with us this morning. It is with great honor that he has kindly graced us with his presence today, and so, please, give him a warm welcome." Edward announced. He was seated at the head chair of a long conference table for 10.

Charlton was not expecting much when Edward invited him for this meeting. Last time during their talk, he only mentioned that there were only some merchants with him. He was seated on Edward's right and there were 7 others all looking like they were under the age of 30. As the only son of the Grand Duke, he has no need to assimilate with the people in this room. However, he needed funds of his own since he did not want his parents to get involved with his plans.

Everyone gave him a warm applause and Charlton can only raise his hand in acknowledgement.

"Now, I have already explained our plight to Lord Daniel and depending on how our meeting today will go, he would be willing to give us his assistance. Anyway, before anything else, I think that an introduction is in order. I am Edward Easton, the leader of this group, owner of Columbia Recording Company, and the second son of Easton Corporation which deals with coal mining." Then he indicated the person to his left to follow.

"I am Lucas Fenerty, the owner of the times. I am also the second son of Charles Fenerty who invented the pulp process of papermaking. It is an honor to meet you Lord Daniel."

"I am Scott Russell, the owner of J. Scott Russel and Co. which engages in ship building. My family has been in the industry for generations, but I am my own person now. Here with me is Isambard Brunel, who I strongly believe will soon become the greatest engineer of our time."

Isambard reddened with Scott's introduction, "Milord, I am Isambard Brunel, not the most distinguished in comparison to the people here today, but I am an engineer by profession."

"I am Ben Ringer from Lombart. I am here in Windsor in hopes to start up a business merchandise selling automobiles. My cousin's husband, Karl Benz has invented what in our kingdom is now called the first automobile ran by a gas engine. I will be engaging in importation so… anyway, that's me."

"I am Alexander Bell. I have not started running my business yet, but I have the product ready. I invented this machine called the telephone and I am here today to seek assistance in this regard because of certain reasons…"

"I am Thomas Brassey, a civil engineering contractor. I have a certain project engaging in transportation already funded by other merchants, to which I am yet reluctant to start because of certain barriers of entry…"

"I am Howard Pew from Gloucester. My parents are the owner of John Pew and Son. Basically, we are producers of and whole dealers of fish and we also import salt. Currently, I am here in Windsor in hopes of entering market here."

From their introduction, Charlton understood that these people were not simple merchants. They knew their own value and he too can see their potential. Anyway, since they were done introducing themselves, it was his turn.

"I am Charlton Daniel, the son and heir of the Grand Duke of Suffox. It is my pleasure to meet all of you. I have been informed by Edward that all of you are here today to seek my assistance in ensuring that you can maintain your neutral stance. In answer to this, the suggestion was to incorporate my name as one of the owners of your corporation. I understand that using my name has its advantages and disadvantages, and you are all here since you already weighed them. However, in dealings like this, there must be some transparency and mutual beneficence. So, before we get into an agreement, I wish to know your plight in detail, your motivations for choosing me, and what you can offer me in return."

Charlton looked confident, but deep inside, he was feeling some nervousness. It was his first time dealing with a matter like this. Despite his bravado, he was a real 19-year-old who has only ever dealt with hypothetical situations in books and papers. He needed the funds, but he knew that he must make them understand that he did not particularly need it to come from them. Also, he must make them feel that they were the ones gaining the more advantageous position in their dealing. Truth was, without knowing his exact future plan, they really were.

Edward smiled. At first, he chose Charlton specifically for his young age and inexperience. He was the perfect shield for merchants like him. Yet, after their conversation last time, he quickly understood that he was the real wolf in sheep's clothing. Charlton knew his own value and knew how to wield it, yet he still treated everyone with dignity. Right now, he can already see the makings of a true democratic leader.

--

TBC