Building an empire which the sun never set-Chapter 55: Changes in Pendralis

As the steamship carrying Mathew and the delegation from the Foreign Ministry approached the port of Pendralis, he stood on the deck, observing the bustling harbor with great interest. Even in the few months he had been absent, it was evident that the city had undergone remarkable changes. The port had been expanded once more, yet the volume of traffic showed no signs of slowing. Ships laden with raw materials arrived in a steady stream, while others departed, their cargo holds filled with goods produced in Pendralis. The sheer scale of trade and industry unfolding before his eyes reaffirmed the rapid growth the city was experiencing.

After docking, the delegation disembarked, with the rest of Mathew's colleagues heading home to rest after their long journey. However, despite his own fatigue, Mathew's curiosity got the better of him. A good envoy needed to understand the changes occurring within the land he represented, and so he decided to take a walk through the city, hoping to observe the latest developments firsthand.

Leaving the port, he found himself on one of the city's main commercial streets—a grand, half-circle boulevard lined with shops and businesses. As he walked, one particular feature caught his eye: rows of tall poles standing at regular intervals along the street. He stopped a passerby, a well-dressed man who assumed Mathew to be a visiting merchant and began explaining.

"These are gas lamps," the man said proudly. "They light up the streets at night."

Mathew raised an eyebrow. "But why illuminate the streets after dark? Most businesses close, and people return to their homes."

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The man chuckled. "That used to be the case, but not anymore. Since the installation of these lamps, crime has dropped significantly. More importantly, shops stay open much later than before, and people feel safer walking the streets at night. It has transformed the city. If this is your first time in capital, I strongly recommend taking a walk after dark. It's an entirely different experience."

Mathew thanked the man and continued his stroll, reflecting on what he had just learned. The idea of extending business hours and reducing crime through street lighting was simple yet effective. It was another sign of how swiftly things were changing.

As he wandered further, he noticed a young newspaper vendor waving freshly printed copies and shouting out the latest headlines. Mathew signaled to the boy and purchased a newspaper, skimming through the pages as he walked. While the articles themselves did not immediately capture his interest, the advertisements did. He noticed promotions for various modern conveniences: high-quality fountain pens marketed to bureaucrats and businessmen, sewing machines designed to assist tailors and housewives, and even steam-powered laundry services.

One advertisement, in particular, caught his eye—a fountain pen store located just along the boulevard. Since he spent much of his time writing reports, the idea of an alternative to constantly dipping a quill into an inkwell intrigued him. Without hesitation, he made his way to the shop.

Arriving at the store, he quickly realized that it also sold pocket watches, the very kind he himself owned. When pocket watches first became widely available, Mathew, a man of discipline and precision, had immediately purchased one, recognizing its value in managing his time effectively.

Inside the shop, two display cases were occupied with customers—wealthy-looking gentlemen discussing purchases with the clerks. Mathew patiently waited for a spot to open, using the time to examine the store's wares. Eventually, one of the clerks became available and greeted him with a polite smile.

"Good evening, sir. How may I assist you?"

"I'm interested in your fountain pens," Mathew responded.

The clerk, recognizing Mathew's refined attire and assuming him to be a high-ranking official or businessman, eagerly began showcasing the most expensive models. Ever since Arthur had implemented commission-based sales incentives in his own businesses, store employees were far more enthusiastic about their work. Seeing the benefits of this approach, many other businesses had adopted similar practices, leading to a noticeable increase in sales across the city.

The clerk launched into a well-rehearsed explanation. "Sir, unlike traditional quill pens, which require frequent dipping into an inkwell, the fountain pen has a built-in ink reservoir. This means you can write continuously without interruption. It saves time, reduces mess, and eliminates the risk of ink spilling onto the paper. Additionally, it writes more smoothly, allowing for greater precision and comfort."

Mathew listened attentively, realizing how much this simple tool could improve his work. As a bureaucrat, he spent hours writing reports, and the inconvenience of constantly re-inking a quill had always been a minor but persistent frustration. Furthermore, fountain pens prevented the occasional ink splatter that quills often produced.

Without hesitation, he purchased two fountain pens along with three bottles of ink. The price amounted to nearly two months of his salary—an expense that would have been daunting had he not made wise investments in the stock market. Ever since Arthur had established strict anti-corruption laws, government officials were barred from accepting bribes. However, no restrictions were placed on their personal investments—except for those in key financial or military positions who might possess privileged information. Mathew, foreseeing the war with Aragon, had invested in arms and supply companies well before the conflict began, earning himself a small fortune.

Leaving the shop, he noticed that night had fallen. The boulevard was now illuminated by the warm glow of gas lamps, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets. Business signs gleamed under the artificial light, and the city took on a completely new character. Shopfronts remained open, their interiors buzzing with activity. Restaurants and cafes were filled with patrons, and street vendors still peddled their goods, all under the steady glow of the gaslights. The city resembled London in the 1800s, a city transformed by the advent of modern lighting. Here, too, progress was marching forward, shaping Pendralis into a hub of commerce and culture.

Despite his exhaustion from the long journey, Mathew chose to prolong his evening, strolling through the lively streets. He watched groups of people conversing outside cafes, merchants eagerly negotiating deals under the safety of the lamplight, and carriages rolling down the illuminated avenues.

Eventually, he reminded himself of his responsibilities—tomorrow, he was to present his report to the government. It was time to retire for the night. Taking one last look at the glowing city around him, he turned towards his residence, eager to rest before the important day ahead.