Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

November 12th, 883.

It's been a week since the Russian Empire declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The industrialist duo was reading the newspaper, reading the article about the British and France reaction.

[In a swift response to the news of Russia's declaration of war on the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire and France announced their intention to support the Ottoman Empire in the conflict. The move marks a significant escalation of the hostilities in the region and sets the stage for a wider conflict.

Both the British and French governments have long been concerned about Russia's expanding influence in the Black Sea region, and the declaration of war has raised fears of Russian aggression. The Ottoman Empire has been a key ally of both nations for centuries, and they have pledged to defend their friend and ally against what they see as an act of aggression by Russia.

"The British Empire stands firmly behind the Ottoman Empire in this time of crisis," said Prime Minister Lord Aberdeen in a statement. "We will not stand idly by while Russia seeks to expand its influence and threaten the stability of the region."

French Emperor Napoleon III echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a united front against Russian aggression. "France will not hesitate to stand with our allies in defense of our shared interests and values," he said.

The decision to support the Ottoman Empire has not been without controversy, however. Some critics have questioned the wisdom of entering into a potentially costly conflict on behalf of a foreign power, while others have expressed concern about the potential for the conflict to escalate further.

Despite these concerns, the British Empire and France have pledged to support the Ottoman Empire in the conflict, and the world waits to see what the outcome of this tense and dangerous situation will be.]

Folding the newspaper, Jonathan could only sigh. "So this war is unfolding like it was in our world huh?"

"Yeah, good thing that we didn't sleep in our history class," Poul let out a chuckle. "The Russian Empire will lose against the allied forces. But given that this is an alternate world, they may win, if they are equipped with our weapons."

In the following days of the Russian declaration of war, the industrialist duo received a call from the Russian legation in Washington D.C., asking if they could meet them in the headquarters.

The two sensed immediately the purposes of the visit, it would be them inquiring about the AN-M1 Garand that they are selling to the United States Military. For the industrialist duo, they don't care who they are selling their products to, as long as they are making money and using it as intended, then there's no problem.

For them, this is not a moral question but rather a self-interest. If they care about the weapons being used to take lives, then they wouldn't introduce them.

As they waited patiently in their office, a knock on the door was heard.

"Enter," Jonathan called and the door opened, revealing their executive secretary, Amelia.

"Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen, the ambassador of the Russian Empire, has just arrived. Should I show him in?" Amelia asked, looking between the two of them.

Jonathan and Poul shared a quick glance before nodding in unison. "Yes, please show him in," Poul replied, standing up from his desk and smoothing down his suit jacket.

A few moments later, the Russian ambassador was shown into their office by Amelia. He was a tall, imposing man with a stern expression written on his face.

As the ambassador entered the room, his eyes darted around, taking in the simplicity of the industrialist duo's office.

The ambassador took a seat in one of the plush armchairs opposite the industrialist duo, his expression still stern and unyielding. His eyes locked onto theirs, and for a moment, the room was filled with tense silence.

Then, the ambassador spoke. "Gentlemen, I have come to discuss a matter of great importance with you."

Jonathan and Poul exchanged another look, both sensing that this conversation would not be an easy one.

"We are listening," Jonathan said, his voice calm and measured.

The ambassador took a deep breath before continuing. "As you are likely aware, my country is currently at war with the Ottoman Empire. We are in need of advanced weaponry to properly equip our troops and defend our country."

Jonathan and Poul nodded, already knowing where this conversation was headed.

"We have received word that your esteemed establishment is currently providing the United States Military with a most impressive firearm, the AN-M1. My officers have spoken of it in glowing terms, convinced that it may grant the Russian Empire the triumph we so desperately require. It is with great interest that we seek to acquire a number of these rifles for our own use."

The industrialist duo exchanged a glance, both knowing the implications of this request.

"How many do you need?" Poul asked.

"Poul, we require one hundred and fifty thousand rifles. We'll pay sixty percent of the total cost in gold, and the rest in dollars," the ambassador stated, before adding, "My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I am Anatoly Alexandrovich de Witz, the ambassador representing our nation."

"It's fine. I'm Poul Nielsen and this man right here is Jonathan Axelsen. We are the founders of the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company. And our reply to your request is that we accept it. One hundred fifty thousand rifles, but we will need those sixty percent to put your orders into production."

"How much would it cost us?" Anatoly asked.

Poul performs mathematical calculations in his head, calculating the total cost for the order of one hundred and fifty thousand AN-M1 rifles.

"Well, we are selling the AN-M1 rifles for forty dollars per unit. If you'd want to order one hundred and fifty thousand rifles, it will cost you six million dollars. Since it is a bulk order, we can give you a ten percent discount. However, since you are a foreign market, there will be logistical and shipping costs."

Anatoly's eyes widened at the mention of the price, but he remained composed. "That is a substantial sum, Mr. Nielsen. However, we are willing to pay the price for the quality of your products. We agree to the terms you have proposed, and will provide the necessary funds to start production as soon as possible."

"Excellent," Poul said, smiling. "We will send you the necessary contracts and agreements for the order, and we can start production immediately upon receiving the deposit. We assure you that the rifles will be of the highest quality, and we will work tirelessly to ensure timely delivery."

Anatoly nodded, a sense of relief evident on his face. "Thank you, I hope you will deliver the rifles in time. I appreciate your cooperation in this matter, and I am sure that these rifles will prove to be a valuable asset to our military."

"When are you going to need the rifles?" Jonathan chimed in.

"The sooner the better," Anatoly replied.

"Very well."

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