Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 154: Revisiting the Panama Canal

Matthew sat in his office the morning after the grand opening, the faint hum of activity from the restaurant below a comforting reminder of their success. He sipped his coffee, reviewing feedback from customers, when Charles entered unannounced.

"Matthew," Charles began, taking a seat across from him. "I’ve been hearing a lot about your... new venture. The restaurant."

Matthew smiled, setting down his cup. "It’s been a great start. We had an incredible turnout yesterday."

Charles nodded but leaned forward, his brows furrowing. "I don’t doubt that. But I have to ask—why food, of all things? You’re an inventor, an industrialist. Why shift your focus to something so... different?"

Matthew leaned back, clasping his hands. "Charles, I see food as more than just meals on a plate. It’s about community, accessibility, and innovation. People are busy. They need quality, affordable food that doesn’t demand their entire afternoon. This isn’t a distraction—it’s an opportunity."

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Charles sighed, his tone shifting. "I’m not against the idea. But I’m worried about the bigger picture. What about the company? The industries you’ve built—transportation, engineering, energy? We have projects that need your attention, like the Panama Canal."

Matthew raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The Panama Canal?"

"Yes," Charles said, his tone firm. "A canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific would revolutionize global trade. Ships wouldn’t have to go around Cape Horn anymore. Don’t tell me you forgot? We discussed this."

"Ah, right. Of course," Matthew chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "How could I forget something so monumental?"

Charles didn’t share the humor, his expression unyielding. "Matthew, this isn’t just another project. This canal could redefine commerce for the entire world. It’s an engineering challenge of unprecedented scale, and frankly, you’re the only person with the vision and resources to pull it off."

Matthew leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me more. What’s the current status?"

Charles pulled a folder from his bag, spreading its contents across the desk. Maps of the Isthmus of Panama, technical sketches, and reports on prior failed attempts lay before them. "A French company led by Victor Lachance tried to build it a few years back. He thought he could replicate the success of the Suez Canal, but the terrain in Panama isn’t as forgiving. Dense jungles, disease, and the sheer difficulty of excavation brought the project to a halt."

Matthew studied the maps, his fingers tracing the proposed route. "So, they lacked the resources, but the concept is sound?"

"Exactly," Charles confirmed. "What they envisioned is possible—with better technology, proper planning, and enough funding. And that’s where you come in."

Matthew sat back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It’s ambitious. The logistics alone are staggering. But if it works, it could cut shipping routes by weeks, saving time and money on a global scale."

"Precisely," Charles said, his tone eager now. "But to make this a reality, we need someone who understands the scale of the task. That’s where Jacques Bellamont comes in. He’s a brilliant engineer from the François Republic. He worked on de Lesseps’ project but left when it became clear it was doomed. He’s been refining his plans ever since."

"And why hasn’t he started again?" Matthew asked.

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"Funding," Charles replied simply. "He lacks the resources to restart on his own. If we back him, we can bring this project to life."

Matthew tapped his fingers on the desk, considering the proposal. "This is intriguing, Charles. But yeah about the Panama Canal, I don’t think our company alone would be able to fund the project. We need the help of the Amerathian government. Not to mention the fact that the site where the canal will be constructed is under the regime of the Gran Colombian Republic. That adds an entirely new layer of complexity. We’ll need to negotiate access to the land before we can even think about breaking ground."

Charles nodded, his expression grave. "Exactly. That government isn’t known for being cooperative, especially when it comes to foreign influence. They’ll see this as an attempt to exert control over a critical region."

Matthew sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Which means we’re dealing with diplomacy, geopolitics, and engineering—all at once. It’s daunting, but not impossible. What if we give the Panamanian people independence?"

Charles stared at Matthew, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "Independence? Do you even understand the magnitude of what you’re suggesting? The Gran Colombian Republic isn’t going to let go of Panama without a fight."

Matthew leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but resolute. "I understand it’s a bold move, but think about it. If the people of Panama gain independence, they’ll need allies to help stabilize their new nation. If we position ourselves as supporters of their freedom and economic growth, we create a partnership that benefits both sides."

Charles sighed, rubbing his temples. "It’s a gamble, Matthew. A big one. Supporting an independence movement could spark international backlash. Are you sure you want to get involved in that level of politics?"

Matthew nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes. It’s risky, but so is attempting to build the canal under the current regime. At least with an independent Panama, we’d have the opportunity to negotiate directly with a government that sees us as allies, not adversaries."

Charles considered this for a moment before asking, "How do you plan to achieve this? Starting a revolution isn’t exactly your area of expertise."

Matthew tapped the edge of his desk, a plan already forming in his mind. "We don’t start a revolution. We support one. Quietly. The Panamanian people already have grievances—heavy taxation, lack of representation, and economic stagnation under Gran Colombian rule. We provide them with the resources and infrastructure they need to organize and succeed."

"And what about the aftermath?" Charles pressed. "If this succeeds, who governs Panama? How do we ensure stability?"

Matthew leaned forward, his voice firm. "We assist in building their government, just as we’ll help them build their economy. Infrastructure, trade agreements, education—we help lay the foundation for a self-sufficient nation."

Charles shook his head but couldn’t hide a faint smile. "You always think big, don’t you? Fine. I’ll admit, it’s a compelling argument. But this is going to require delicate maneuvering. You’ll need allies—political, financial, and military."

Matthew nodded. "I’m aware. That’s why we start with Amerathia. If we can get the government on board, we gain legitimacy and resources. From there, we approach other nations who would benefit from the canal. With enough support, we can make this happen."

"Then what are we waiting for?"