Building a Conglomerate in Another World

December 31, 1896.

The White House, Washington D.C.

The morning of December 31st was crisp and cold, the kind of winter air that carried both the weight of the old year and the promise of the new. Snow blanketed the White House lawn, and icicles clung to the edges of the grand columns at the entrance.

Inside, the residence was already a hive of activity. The staff moved quickly, preparing for the busy schedule ahead. President Matthew Hesh sat at the long dining table in the private quarters, sipping coffee while reviewing the day’s itinerary. Across from him, Amber read through her own schedule, occasionally glancing up at him.

"Four public visits," Amber murmured, tapping the paper in front of her. "The National Orphanage, the Veterans’ Hospital, the Union Workers’ Hall, and finally, the Capitol for the New Year’s address."

Matthew sighed. "It’s a full day."

Amber smirked. "You’re the President. Every day is a full day."

He exhaled, setting his coffee down. "After everything that’s happened, this might be the first New Year where I’m not bracing for war."

Amber reached over, squeezing his hand. "Which is exactly why today is important. People need to see you out there, not just as their President, but as someone who cares."

Matthew nodded. She was right. The country was still reeling from the political turmoil of the last few months—Bradford’s conspiracy, the arrests, the near war. Some people still didn’t trust him, while others saw him as the man who saved Amerathia from unnecessary bloodshed.

This was his chance to remind them of what truly mattered.

11:00 AM – Washington D.C.

The carriage ride to the National Orphanage was slow, the streets lined with people braving the cold to catch a glimpse of the President and First Lady. Some waved, some called out in support, and others simply watched in silence.

Matthew and Amber arrived at the large brick building, where children, bundled in warm coats and scarves, lined up outside with their caretakers. The moment the couple stepped out of the carriage, the children’s eyes widened with excitement.

Amber smiled warmly, crouching down to speak to a little girl who clung to a tattered doll. "What’s your name?"

The girl hesitated, glancing at her caretaker, before whispering, "Lily."

"Well, Lily," Amber said gently, "we brought some special gifts for you and your friends today."

Matthew signaled to the aides, who began unloading wrapped presents from the carriage—books, wooden toys, and warm blankets for the children.

"Mr. President!" a young boy called out. "Is it true you stopped a war?"

Matthew knelt down to his level, offering a small smile. "I stopped bad men from making one. But wars don’t just happen on battlefields, son. Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones we fight every day—to stay strong, to be kind, and to look out for each other."

The boy nodded solemnly, as if he understood.

Amber squeezed Matthew’s hand as they continued through the orphanage, meeting the caretakers and listening to their concerns. Many spoke about lack of funding, overcrowding, and the struggle to provide for the children.

"We’ll work on this," Matthew assured them. "The government should do more for places like this."

Amber glanced at him, impressed. He wasn’t just offering empty words—he meant it.

2:00 PM – Amerathian Army Medical Center

The hospital smelled of antiseptic and the faint scent of burning coal from the heating system. Rows of beds lined the walls, some occupied by wounded veterans from past conflicts, others by men recovering from recent injuries sustained in training accidents or border skirmishes.

Matthew and Amber walked through the halls, stopping at each bed, listening to the soldiers’ stories. Some had lost limbs, others had scars that ran deeper than flesh.

One soldier, a man missing his right arm, saluted weakly with his left. "Mr. President."

Matthew returned the salute. "You served Amerathia with honor. How are they treating you here?"

The soldier forced a smile. "Better than the battlefield, sir." Stay connected through Freewebnovel

Amber stepped forward. "And your family? Are they receiving support?"

The soldier hesitated. "They manage. My wife takes in sewing work. The pension helps, but—"

"We can do better," Matthew interrupted, looking at the hospital director. "Ensure this man’s family receives additional aid."

The director nodded.

Amber squeezed the soldier’s hand. "You are not forgotten."

The man’s eyes misted. "Thank you, ma’am."

As they left the hospital, Matthew felt the weight of responsibility settle on him once more.

5:30 PM – Washington Labor Union Headquarters

The hall was filled with men and women, workers from the railroads, the factories, and the docks. Their faces were lined with exhaustion, but their eyes were filled with determination.

A union leader stood before the crowd. "Mr. President, many of us supported you because we believed you were different. But the corporations—the same ones that backed Bradford—are still crushing us. Wages are low, conditions are dangerous. When will that change?"

Matthew took a deep breath. "I won’t promise miracles. But I will promise this: I will stand with the workers of Amerathia. Our nation was built on the backs of men and women like you, and it’s time you were treated with the respect you deserve."

The crowd murmured. Some nodded, others remained skeptical.

A woman in the front row spoke up. "Words are cheap, Mr. President."

Matthew met her gaze. "Then judge me by my actions."

Amber watched him, knowing this was the Matthew Hesh she had always believed in—a man who didn’t just speak, but acted.

10:00 PM.

Thousands had gathered at the Capitol for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Fireworks were prepared, music played, and despite the political tensions of the year, the people of Amerathia came together to welcome a new beginning.

Matthew and Amber stood on the balcony of the Capitol, looking down at the sea of people. Collins approached. "It’s almost time for your speech, sir."

Matthew glanced at Amber, who smiled. "Go," she whispered.

He stepped forward, the crowd growing quiet.

"My fellow Amerathians," he began, his voice strong. "This has been a year of trials, of hardships, of battles fought in the shadows. But as we stand here, on the eve of a new year, we look not at the struggles behind us, but the future ahead."

A cheer rose from the crowd.

"I will not pretend the road forward will be easy. I will not promise that all wrongs will be righted overnight. But I swear to you—on my oath, on my name, on my soul—that I will not falter. I will not abandon this fight for a better Amerathia."

The people erupted in applause.

Matthew turned to Amber, offering his hand. She took it, squeezing tightly.

The countdown began.

10… 9… 8…

He exhaled, the weight of the past year pressing on him.

7… 6… 5…

Amber leaned in. "No matter what happens next," she whispered, "we face it together."

4… 3… 2… 1…

Fireworks lit up the sky, cheers filled the air, and as the first second of the new year began, Matthew kissed his wife.

1897 had begun.

And the fight for Amerathia’s future was far from over.