Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

"What are you talking about father? Holding off on Poul's execution? Are you insane? He literally took Penelope from us and you want us to let it go?"

"Calm down, Alexander, there is a reason for this," the king raised his hand, stopping him from speaking. "We have received a letter from the government of the United States, you might want to see it for yourself."

One of the butlers of the king stepped forward with a silver tray with an envelope on it.

Alexander frowned, wondering what the letter held. He picked it up from the tray and opened the envelope.

"This missive originates from the esteemed government of the United States. Although we duly acknowledge the profound gravity of Poul's transgressions, it perturbs the international protocols to subject him to British jurisdiction based on circumstantial evidence," Alexander read aloud, his voice tinged with incredulity.

He continued, enunciating each word with a composed demeanor. "The United States Government presents an unequivocal demand for the repatriation of Poul Nielsen. Failure to comply shall necessitate the initiation of stringent measures. Let it be known that it was you, the recipient of this correspondence, who first invoked the specter of jeopardizing the delicate equilibrium between our respective nations. Consequently, the return of Mr. Nielsen must be effectuated before the week draws to a close, with the British Ambassador duly facilitating the requisite logistical arrangements."

After reading the letter, the King spoke. "The United States is willing to go to war over Poul Nielsen if we don't return him, I fear that this nation will be plunged into a conflict of dire consequences," the king uttered with a somber tone. His voice carried the weight of responsibility and an acute awareness of the potential repercussions.

"So what, Father?" Alexander's voice quivered with a mixture of anger and desperation, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Just because they have called our bluff, does that mean we must yield? Are we to abandon our quest for justice and let the man responsible for taking Penelope away slip through our grasp? What do you think would become of the legacy and image of the royal family if we succumb to this pressure? How will the people, whose unwavering trust we strive to preserve, react when we hand Poul Nielsen back into the hands of those who would see him escape his rightful punishment?" His voice cracked with intensity, the anguish seeping through every syllable.

Alexander's words hung heavily in the air, laden with the specter of history and the haunting echoes of past revolutions. His eyes bore into his father's, searching for a glimmer of understanding amidst the turmoil that engulfed them.

"Do you want us to suffer the same fate as the French royalty, Father?" Alexander's voice trembled with a mix of fear and defiance. "To be deposed, stripped of our titles and privileges, cast aside by those we have sworn to protect? Is that the legacy we want to leave behind?"

"Father, I implore you to reconsider capitulating to their demands. Allow me to convene with the War Council, strategize, and plan for a potential military intervention against the United States."

The king's countenance softened as he attentively absorbed Alexander's impassioned plea. He discerned the profound resolve and unwavering determination that infused every uttered syllable, prompting a glimmer of paternal pride to dance fleetingly in his eyes, mingling with an overriding sense of concern for the precarious path they were on the brink of treading.

"Alexander," the king commenced, his voice steeped in a judicious blend of caution and paternal guidance. "I empathize with your tumultuous emotions, and I wholeheartedly share your ardent pursuit of justice. However, engaging in a war with the United States would inevitably yield a cataclysmic loss of human lives."

"But is that not what the valiant men and women of our nation have willingly pledged their lives for? Father, the public is fervently resolute in witnessing the execution of Poul Nielsen. We must address their relentless yearning for retribution," Alexander interjected, his voice laden with exasperation and desperation.

"I have already decided, Alexander, and you will follow my orders. You are to free Poul Nielsen and hand them over to the United States Embassy."

"And what if I refuse, Father? Which is precisely what I intend to do?" Alexander's voice rang out, laced with determination and defiance. His gaze locked with his father's, unyielding in his stance against what he perceived as an abandonment of justice.

"Then I will order someone else to do that job," the king simply replied. "However, don't misunderstand me, Alexander. Just as I said, I share your anguish and desire for justice. But let me be clear, what I am proposing is merely a formality. If you truly believe that Poul Nielsen must pay for his sins and the pain he has caused, then I suggest you follow through with your decision. It is your call, and you must be willing to accept the consequences of taking his life."

"Ah…I see now father," Alexander gasped softly. "Very well, Father. I will engage in a dialogue with the Ambassador of the United States to convey your decision. However, before I do that, I feel compelled to pay Mr. Nielsen, to visit myself."

The king nodded, acknowledging his son's resolve. "You are dismissed, Alexander."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Alexander turned and made his way out of the room.

Thirty minutes later, in an undisclosed location, Poul and Alexander found themselves in the same room, sitting across from one another. The atmosphere was tense, charged with an unspoken history between them.

"So, what is the purpose of your visit now, Your Highness?" Poul asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of bitterness and mockery.

Alexander met Poul's gaze, his expression firm but burdened with the weight of their shared past. "You are a fortunate man, Poul. The government of the United States is demanding your repatriation," he said, his voice carrying a hint of resignation.

Poul's eyes widened in surprise. "Demanding my repatriation? I see, so what are you going to do? Are you going to hand me to them?"

"Honestly, I would want to kill you right here and now before I can return you to your government. But this is a decision by our government and so I must abide by it."

Poul scoffed. "I see, damn government right?"

"Take him away," Alexander commanded the guards, and they swiftly moved forward and escorted Poul out of the room.

Alone in the chamber, Alexander motioned for one of his trusted servants to approach. The servant stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"I want you to make sure that Poul Nielsen won't get to the Port. Use any means necessary," Alexander said.

"Understood, Your Highness."