Chapter 44 The Steam Age! An Acquisition of the Future!
Carrera Shipbuilding Company.
Montbouli remained standing; the sofa looked too small and fragile to support his frame.
Espagu sat on the single sofa beside him, his expression neutral. "So, what kind of business are you talking about?"
"I heard Mr. Tom built a steam-powered sea train. I saw it—it's truly a great innovation," Lister said with genuine admiration.
Espagu's face remained stoic. Since Tom's death, he had matured, hiding his emotions behind a mask of calm—earning him the nickname "Iceberg."
"A pity the great man of our time is gone," Lister continued.
Espagu raised an eyebrow. The world, and even Water Seven's citizens, held mixed opinions of Fishman Tom. For Lister to call him a "great man" was unusual.
"Yes, great man. He will usher in a new era—the steam age!" Lister added, smiling.
"The steam age?" Espagu asked, intrigued.
"Steam can propel trains forward. But applied to ships? No longer would they depend on wind."
Espagu fell silent. Lister's words struck him like lightning, clearing the fog in his mind and sparking countless ideas.
A steam-powered sailboat?
He suddenly stood, rushing to his desk to sketch blueprints. As Tom's apprentice and a key member of the sea train project, he knew the workings of steam power. But how to adapt it to ships without tracks?
"Add a wheel," Lister suggested.
"A wheel?"
"Like a windmill—the steam drives a turbine, which propels the ship forward."
Espagu's eyes lit up. With a flick of his pen, a strange new ship, with a power wheel on its side, appeared on the page.
"You truly deserve to be Mr. Tom's apprentice. With time, you'll be the world's finest shipwright," Lister praised.
Espagu smiled faintly, a rare break from his stern demeanor. "No, your reminder gave me the inspiration."
He had a ship to bid on, but with limited strength, connections, and resources, he couldn't compete with Water Seven's seven major companies. Innovation was his only chance.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," Espagu said.
Lister shrugged. "Success is 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration. That 1% is what separates geniuses from mediocrity. And you, Mr. Espagu, are undoubtedly a genius."
Business flattery exchanged, Lister's shameless praise embarrassed Espagu, improving his mood considerably.
"Excuse me… the business you're referring to—is it…?"
"That's right. We want to purchase complete data on maritime train technology, including steam engines. And now, we have steamships as well."
In this world, technological development was uneven—some islands primitive, others with advanced firearms or even laser weapons. Lister sought not just breakthroughs, but a complete industrial system to improve ordinary lives. Steam engines were the cornerstone of this industrial revolution.
"Mr. Espagu, does your company need funding? I would like to invest in Carrera Shipbuilding."
Espagu hesitated. Selling technology wasn't the issue—but investment? He wanted to maintain his company's independence.
Lister continued, "Don't refuse too quickly. I have high hopes for you. You can change Water Seven. But starting a business is hard. Sometimes, you need help to realize your dreams faster. Life requires compromise."
"500 million Berries for 51% of the shares," Lister offered. "I won't interfere with daily operations but will have decision-making power on major company matters."
Espagu was shocked. Carrera wasn't even worth 50 million Berries. With 500 million, he could compete equally—or surpass—the seven major companies. Yet a 51% stake implied a takeover, conflicting with his plans. He shook his head. "I won't sell Carrera."
Lister countered: "How about 400 million Berries for 49%?"
Espagu hesitated. A 2% reduction, but it still meant 400 million—enough to transform Carrera's future. Finally, he said, "I need one night to think."
"Very well. We'll return tomorrow," Lister said.
As Lister and his companions left, Espagu suddenly remembered, "Oh, I haven't asked your name."
"Liszt. Arkham Liszt," he replied.
"The Arkham Merchant Guild…?" Espagu began.
"Yes, my chamber of commerce," Lister said with a slight smile.
Espagu's admiration was clear. "You're remarkable!"
Riding Blue, a unique Water 7 transport, Montblanc, still flabbergasted, muttered, "400 million Berries? We don't even have 100 million!"
Lister glanced at him. "Sending you to the Navy should cover 100 million."
Montburi: "…"
Even the mighty Montburi was reduced to helplessness.
Wisdom asked quietly, "You really think highly of him?"
Lister's gaze was firm. "Geniuses change the world."
Espagu held the blueprints for the new ship, pondering Lister's suggestion. Building a ship with revolutionary technology like a sea-train would be risky—but life, he realized, did require compromise.
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