040. Now accept it
Meyer Steel was one of the few companies on the continent that had the form of a 'stock company'. It was the vision of the so-called CEO, Kaitlyn Meyer, that transformed it from being close to Van Drake Meyer's personal property into a 'company' that raised capital by issuing stocks.
Kaitlyn was born a businesswoman. Her father was a successful spice trader before his downfall in political strife, and as the eldest daughter, Kaitlyn inherited that temperament.
Soon after Duke Meyer fell ill, she began to get serious about her business under the protection of her allies, including Leichnen and Richard.
Not only did she demonstrate her innate business sense without fail, but she also knew how to use her handicap as a woman to her advantage. Saying that she didn't know anything because she was a woman provoked men's arrogance and made her competitors let their guard down.
The tide of the times was also in Kaitlyn's favor. The wars and civil wars that were taking place across the continent had led to a sharp increase in demand for iron, which was needed to manufacture weapons.
Kaitlyn and her allies were the founders and touchstones of Meyer Steel, and investors and executives had no choice but to follow her as their faith.
So it was perhaps natural that when Kaitlyn announced her retirement and that she would hand over the leadership to a younger successor, there were voices of opposition here and there.
Hardius Meyer was too young and inexperienced and had dared to venture into the steam locomotive business. The conference rooms of Meyer Steel were filled with ridicule and distrust every day.
“Don’t forget, Your Grace. Meyer Steel is a military company that makes weapons. It has achieved its current position by producing steel for guns, cannons, and firearms.”
“Even if the locomotive is invented, it will require enormous funds and national support until it is commercialized. Furthermore, the continent’s logistics are already freely moving through canals and horses. Why do we need things like railroads?”
“From the moment you jump into the railroad business, you will need a huge amount of investment for land purchase, vehicle development and equipment, and every moment you breathe. In the end, it will all turn into debt. The risk is too great.”
Just because you've gotten the title of 'CEO' doesn't mean you're done. You have to control people to become the real owner of Meyer Steel. Kaitlyn knew that better than anyone else, which is why she was able to give Meyer Steel away so easily.
The irrational jealousy of a mother who hopes for her son to do well while also hoping for his son to fail, and thus expects her existence to be highlighted, was an emotion that no one could easily accept. Only Hardius Meyer saw through his mother's twisted psychology.
“I respect your opinions. I have no intention of making any decisions on my own just because I am the new leader. Everything will be decided after discussion with my mother and the Grand Duke of Leichnen, so please do not worry.”
The first card that Hardius pulled out to subdue the existing powers was acceptance.
To be seen as a threat to the establishment that resists change is like digging one's own grave.
Now is not the time to fight. He must weed out the enemies and allies, and then secretly grow his power.
It was necessary to make the existing powers, including the mother, let their guard down. Carelessness inevitably leads to laxity, and it is not too late to cut off the opposing powers.
He never got impatient and willingly bowed his head before the enemy. This created a strange atmosphere among some investors and executives.
'Hardy Myer is a guy who plays around with his mother's skirt anyway. He's easy to exploit in many ways. He might even be easier to deal with than the difficult Kaitlyn Meyer.'
'The successor is still young.'
'It's too hasty a succession'
'I wish Madam Meyer would come back.'
The words gradually disappeared.
Finally, less than a month after the controversy, Hardius Meyer was approved by the shareholders as the second president of Meyer Steel.
“Congratulations, Your Excellency. You finally did it.”
Grojean smiled brightly at his master, who had come down from the podium. But Hardius could not smile at all.
This is just the beginning.
The ultimate goal is complete control.
Everything from Meyer Steel to banks, real estate, and even the family seal that symbolizes decision-making power must be within his grasp.
Including the woman who jumps around and provokes him.
Beppy drove the carriage faster than ever. He didn't know why Emilia was so happy to see Hardius again, but somehow her hips were shaking just as much as when she went to see Laura.
But when Emilia arrived at the mansion, Hardius was gone. While Beppy swallowed his regret and tied the horse in the stable, the butler Tobias came out himself to greet Emilia.
“Lady... no, Miss Bern, I don’t know when the master will return. He has become very busy these days, so there are many times when I can’t see him. How about you go back for now and wait for another time?”
“...”
“I’m telling you this because I’m worried that you might have been waiting too long.”
Tobias quickly added, lest it sound like he was chasing her away. The girl in his memory was someone who had immediately rejected the dress the master had given her and had run away, telling her not to call him “lady.”
“No, don’t worry about it. I won’t stay long. I’ll just wait an hour or two, and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll just go back.”
Emilia answered as she sat down in the chair in the reception room.
Tobias ordered the maid to bring out tea. Although she was in no mood to eat anything, it was considered rude to refuse tea in the world of the nobles, so Emilia swallowed the tea that was served.
An hour passed like that.
Emilia was still sitting motionless. Tobias, unable to stand watching, stepped forward again.
“It seems like His Excellency will be very late... How about taking a look around the mansion while you wait?”
Emilia, who was about to refuse, changed her mind. No matter how much she liked it, a guest occupying the living room was an uncomfortable presence.
“Is that so?”
Emilia smiled and stood up. Tobias led her around the house. As they walked through the hall, kitchen, bedroom, and banquet hall, a look of admiration gradually appeared on Emilia’s face.
The Basilion House was a very elegant and refined mansion. It was not decorated with dazzling bronze and gold leaf like other noble houses. Instead of portraits, the walls were hung with famous paintings and works of art, and there was not a single cumbersome ornament.
“This is the place that the master likes the most.”
When Tobias opened the door, a huge study was revealed. It was incomparably larger than Cavendish Manor. In the center was a large piano.
“This is an Eimhardt piano. There are only ten of them left in the entire continent.”
Tobias' voice was thick with pride. He pushed open the piano lid and held out his palm as if to invite Emilia to play.
“You can play whenever you want. Waiting is boring, and if you get bored, I feel bad, so please make yourself comfortable.”
He bowed politely and left the study.
Emilia, now alone, held hands and looked around. There were tall bookshelves that filled the entire wall and were tightly packed with books.
How many volumes? Hundreds? No, thousands?
It was truly a huge collection of all kinds of ancient books, history books, and encyclopedias. She was so impressed that she unconsciously reached out to a thick encyclopedia. Then she stopped.
...No, I didn’t come here to leisurely read a book.
Emilia lowered her arm and put her hand into her vest pocket. She found the ring.
She came here to return this.
Emilia sat down on the piano bench, calming herself down. Time passed again. She was starting to get a little impatient.
I need to go back before it's too late. What should I do? Should I just wait another 30 minutes?
Emilia checked her watch and absentmindedly looked down at the piano.
As anyone who stands in front of an open piano would do, she unconsciously pressed a key. The low, deep sound resonated deeply within the study.
Should I just try it once?
Emilia straightened her posture and began to move her fingers. It was the 'Barley Tree' that she had whistled with Beppy.
She started to press the keys hesitantly, but soon became absorbed in playing the instrument.
After repeating it three times, it became somewhat audible. However, no matter how many times she repeated it, she could not play 'Barley Tree' fluently like a whistle. She frowned as she kept making mistakes in the same parts.
“That’s strange... what was it?”
At that moment, someone's voice was heard from the door.
“D#.”
Her trembling hands froze, unable to press the keys.
“I thought I was the only one who would suddenly show up and surprise people.”
He leaned against the doorway, smiling softly.
“Keep going. You’re doing well.”
Emilia quickly lifted her fingers from the keyboard. She had to say hello, but her tongue was frozen and she couldn't say anything.
It might be because it's the first time they've seen each other face to face since they parted ways at the tavern. All other senses have disappeared, and only her heart is beating uncontrollably.
“I’ll help you. If you just skip that part...”
“No, it’s okay.”
Emilia was speechless for a moment, and Hardius continued playing calmly. His piano playing skills were as good as his waltz skills.
“This is a commemorative performance, Emilia.”
“Commemoration... is it?”
“I finally got what I wanted.”
Meyer Steel was one of the few companies on the continent that had the form of a 'stock company'. It was the vision of the so-called CEO, Kaitlyn Meyer, that transformed it from being close to Van Drake Meyer's personal property into a 'company' that raised capital by issuing stocks.
Kaitlyn was born a businesswoman. Her father was a successful spice trader before his downfall in political strife, and as the eldest daughter, Kaitlyn inherited that temperament.
Soon after Duke Meyer fell ill, she began to get serious about her business under the protection of her allies, including Leichnen and Richard.
Not only did she demonstrate her innate business sense without fail, but she also knew how to use her handicap as a woman to her advantage. Saying that she didn't know anything because she was a woman provoked men's arrogance and made her competitors let their guard down.
The tide of the times was also in Kaitlyn's favor. The wars and civil wars that were taking place across the continent had led to a sharp increase in demand for iron, which was needed to manufacture weapons.
Kaitlyn and her allies were the founders and touchstones of Meyer Steel, and investors and executives had no choice but to follow her as their faith.
So it was perhaps natural that when Kaitlyn announced her retirement and that she would hand over the leadership to a younger successor, there were voices of opposition here and there.
Hardius Meyer was too young and inexperienced and had dared to venture into the steam locomotive business. The conference rooms of Meyer Steel were filled with ridicule and distrust every day.
“Don’t forget, Your Grace. Meyer Steel is a military company that makes weapons. It has achieved its current position by producing steel for guns, cannons, and firearms.”
“Even if the locomotive is invented, it will require enormous funds and national support until it is commercialized. Furthermore, the continent’s logistics are already freely moving through canals and horses. Why do we need things like railroads?”
“From the moment you jump into the railroad business, you will need a huge amount of investment for land purchase, vehicle development and equipment, and every moment you breathe. In the end, it will all turn into debt. The risk is too great.”
Just because you've gotten the title of 'CEO' doesn't mean you're done. You have to control people to become the real owner of Meyer Steel. Kaitlyn knew that better than anyone else, which is why she was able to give Meyer Steel away so easily.
The irrational jealousy of a mother who hopes for her son to do well while also hoping for his son to fail, and thus expects her existence to be highlighted, was an emotion that no one could easily accept. Only Hardius Meyer saw through his mother's twisted psychology.
“I respect your opinions. I have no intention of making any decisions on my own just because I am the new leader. Everything will be decided after discussion with my mother and the Grand Duke of Leichnen, so please do not worry.”
The first card that Hardius pulled out to subdue the existing powers was acceptance.
To be seen as a threat to the establishment that resists change is like digging one's own grave.
Now is not the time to fight. He must weed out the enemies and allies, and then secretly grow his power.
It was necessary to make the existing powers, including the mother, let their guard down. Carelessness inevitably leads to laxity, and it is not too late to cut off the opposing powers.
He never got impatient and willingly bowed his head before the enemy. This created a strange atmosphere among some investors and executives.
'Hardy Myer is a guy who plays around with his mother's skirt anyway. He's easy to exploit in many ways. He might even be easier to deal with than the difficult Kaitlyn Meyer.'
'The successor is still young.'
'It's too hasty a succession'
'I wish Madam Meyer would come back.'
The words gradually disappeared.
Finally, less than a month after the controversy, Hardius Meyer was approved by the shareholders as the second president of Meyer Steel.
“Congratulations, Your Excellency. You finally did it.”
Grojean smiled brightly at his master, who had come down from the podium. But Hardius could not smile at all.
This is just the beginning.
The ultimate goal is complete control.
Everything from Meyer Steel to banks, real estate, and even the family seal that symbolizes decision-making power must be within his grasp.
Including the woman who jumps around and provokes him.
***
Beppy drove the carriage faster than ever. He didn't know why Emilia was so happy to see Hardius again, but somehow her hips were shaking just as much as when she went to see Laura.
But when Emilia arrived at the mansion, Hardius was gone. While Beppy swallowed his regret and tied the horse in the stable, the butler Tobias came out himself to greet Emilia.
“Lady... no, Miss Bern, I don’t know when the master will return. He has become very busy these days, so there are many times when I can’t see him. How about you go back for now and wait for another time?”
“...”
“I’m telling you this because I’m worried that you might have been waiting too long.”
Tobias quickly added, lest it sound like he was chasing her away. The girl in his memory was someone who had immediately rejected the dress the master had given her and had run away, telling her not to call him “lady.”
“No, don’t worry about it. I won’t stay long. I’ll just wait an hour or two, and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll just go back.”
Emilia answered as she sat down in the chair in the reception room.
Tobias ordered the maid to bring out tea. Although she was in no mood to eat anything, it was considered rude to refuse tea in the world of the nobles, so Emilia swallowed the tea that was served.
An hour passed like that.
Emilia was still sitting motionless. Tobias, unable to stand watching, stepped forward again.
“It seems like His Excellency will be very late... How about taking a look around the mansion while you wait?”
Emilia, who was about to refuse, changed her mind. No matter how much she liked it, a guest occupying the living room was an uncomfortable presence.
“Is that so?”
Emilia smiled and stood up. Tobias led her around the house. As they walked through the hall, kitchen, bedroom, and banquet hall, a look of admiration gradually appeared on Emilia’s face.
The Basilion House was a very elegant and refined mansion. It was not decorated with dazzling bronze and gold leaf like other noble houses. Instead of portraits, the walls were hung with famous paintings and works of art, and there was not a single cumbersome ornament.
“This is the place that the master likes the most.”
When Tobias opened the door, a huge study was revealed. It was incomparably larger than Cavendish Manor. In the center was a large piano.
“This is an Eimhardt piano. There are only ten of them left in the entire continent.”
Tobias' voice was thick with pride. He pushed open the piano lid and held out his palm as if to invite Emilia to play.
“You can play whenever you want. Waiting is boring, and if you get bored, I feel bad, so please make yourself comfortable.”
He bowed politely and left the study.
Emilia, now alone, held hands and looked around. There were tall bookshelves that filled the entire wall and were tightly packed with books.
How many volumes? Hundreds? No, thousands?
It was truly a huge collection of all kinds of ancient books, history books, and encyclopedias. She was so impressed that she unconsciously reached out to a thick encyclopedia. Then she stopped.
...No, I didn’t come here to leisurely read a book.
Emilia lowered her arm and put her hand into her vest pocket. She found the ring.
She came here to return this.
Emilia sat down on the piano bench, calming herself down. Time passed again. She was starting to get a little impatient.
I need to go back before it's too late. What should I do? Should I just wait another 30 minutes?
Emilia checked her watch and absentmindedly looked down at the piano.
As anyone who stands in front of an open piano would do, she unconsciously pressed a key. The low, deep sound resonated deeply within the study.
Should I just try it once?
Emilia straightened her posture and began to move her fingers. It was the 'Barley Tree' that she had whistled with Beppy.
She started to press the keys hesitantly, but soon became absorbed in playing the instrument.
After repeating it three times, it became somewhat audible. However, no matter how many times she repeated it, she could not play 'Barley Tree' fluently like a whistle. She frowned as she kept making mistakes in the same parts.
“That’s strange... what was it?”
At that moment, someone's voice was heard from the door.
“D#.”
Her trembling hands froze, unable to press the keys.
“I thought I was the only one who would suddenly show up and surprise people.”
He leaned against the doorway, smiling softly.
“Keep going. You’re doing well.”
Emilia quickly lifted her fingers from the keyboard. She had to say hello, but her tongue was frozen and she couldn't say anything.
It might be because it's the first time they've seen each other face to face since they parted ways at the tavern. All other senses have disappeared, and only her heart is beating uncontrollably.
“I’ll help you. If you just skip that part...”
“No, it’s okay.”
Emilia was speechless for a moment, and Hardius continued playing calmly. His piano playing skills were as good as his waltz skills.
“This is a commemorative performance, Emilia.”
“Commemoration... is it?”
“I finally got what I wanted.”
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