Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 44: Departure

A week later.

Matthew stood at the bustling Amsterdam Port, the largest in the city, its piers lined with towering ships and cranes hauling goods from all over the world.

He adjusted the brim of his hat as he scanned the bustling docks. His steamer, The Mercator, was docked nearby. It’s going to be his transportation to Kingdom of Siam.

Beside him stood Amber, her expression unreadable as she gazed at the massive ship. She was clad in a modest but elegant travel coat, her gloved hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"You are now really leaving huh, for a month or two," Amber said with her gaze still fixed at the ship.

"I am indeed. I hope that your father can catch up before I depart."

"He said he’ll be late but it won’t be that long," Amber assured. "He had brought with him the gentleman that will be running your business while you are away."

"Is that so? Then let’s wait for him," Matthew nodded, glancing at his pocket watch. The polished silver face reflected the early morning sunlight, and the ticking seemed louder amidst the bustle of the port.

"Let’s wait for them, then," he said, tucking the watch back into his coat pocket.

Amber shifted slightly, her gaze now moving from the ship to Matthew. "You seem... calm," she remarked softly.

Matthew turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "Should I not be?"

Amber hesitated, her fingers tightening around the clasp of her coat. "It’s just... you’re heading to a foreign land, taking on a massive venture, leaving everything here behind. Doesn’t it unsettle you? Even a little?"

Matthew smiled faintly. "Amber, if I let fear dictate my actions, I wouldn’t have built what I have today. This trip is just another step forward. Besides, I know what I’m leaving behind is in good hands."

Amber looked away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "You’re annoyingly confident, you know that?" she muttered.

"Every chance I get," Matthew promised, his voice steady. "And when I return, we’ll pick up right where we left off."

Amber nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line as if holding back words she wasn’t ready to say.

Matthew tipped his hat one last time before turning and walking up the gangplank. As he reached the deck, he turned, his eyes searching the crowd below until they found Amber. He waved a hand and she waved back.

"Sir..." said the uniformed official who approached Matthew with a polite nod. "It’s time to escort you to your suite. As one of our VIP passengers, we’ve prepared accommodations to ensure your comfort throughout the voyage."

Matthew gave a quick nod, adjusting his coat. "Very well. Lead the way."

The interior of The Mercator was nothing short of grand. The polished wood-paneled walls gleamed under the warm glow of ornate chandeliers, and the carpets were plush and immaculately clean. Matthew couldn’t help but appreciate the attention to detail as they passed through the main hallway.

"This way, sir," the official said, leading him toward a private staircase reserved for the ship’s distinguished guests. "Your suite is on the upper deck, offering a clear view of the sea."

When they arrived at the suite, the official opened the door and stepped aside to let Matthew enter. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large bed draped in fine linens, a writing desk by the window, and a private balcony overlooking the vast expanse of the port and the water beyond.

"We hope this meets your expectations," the official said.

"It exceeds them," Matthew replied, his tone genuine. "Thank you."

The official gave a courteous bow. "If you require anything, please don’t hesitate to ring for the steward. Dinner will be served in the main dining hall at seven, but should you prefer, we can arrange for private dining here."

Matthew nodded in acknowledgment. "I’ll keep that in mind."

As the official departed, Matthew set his hat and coat on a nearby stand and walked to the balcony.

Looking down at the port once more, he caught sight of Amber, Charles, and Lionel who were seemingly preparing to leave. Two months...he’ll have to open a rubber plantation, get it running, and then return after everything is secure. He can’t afford to make a mistake here as failure here would mean his chain of supply would be affected.@@@@