Invention

Over the next two days, Sanford leveraged his family's network to persuade American congressmen and the president to attend a banquet. The goal was to gather crucial information about the American government.

Meanwhile, Constantine remained at Sanford's residence, patiently awaiting any updates.

Schmidt approached with a letter in hand, presenting it to Constantine.

The letter bore an invitation, urging the Duke from Greece to witness an epoch-making invention in human history at 6 o'clock in the evening. The signature belonged to Elena.

An epoch-making invention? Constantine couldn't help but feel intrigued. The late 19th century marked a period of rapid scientific and technological advancement, with various inventions emerging continuously.

At five o'clock in the evening, a carriage awaited Constantine, who had dressed up for the occasion. As he entered the carriage, he found Elena already seated, donning a striking blue silk and lace low-cut long dress.

"Good evening, Miss Elena," Constantine greeted, tipping his hat.

"I've heard that you have a groundbreaking invention to show me. Could you share some details about the presentation?" Constantine inquired.

"Mr. Constantine, today we're visiting a new creation by the inventor, Mr. Edison. I assure you, it won't disappoint," Elena confidently replied.

The carriage slowly traversed the city streets, and as night descended, darkness enveloped the surroundings. Kerosene lamps on the carriage corners cast a warm orange-yellow glow, illuminating the path.

After half an hour, the carriage arrived at 23 Wall Street, halting in front of a tall building.

Even though it was nighttime, a group of gentlemen, adorned in black trench coats and bowler hats, gathered around the building. They conversed in hushed tones, pointing at the structure.

Exiting the carriage, Elena led the way, with Constantine following amidst the curious crowd.

Approaching, two individuals greeted them. The older one spoke first.

"Irina, you are welcome," he said.

"Allow me to introduce; this is a noble gentleman from Europe, Constantine," Elena pointed to Constantine and introduced him.

Pointing to the dignified older man with a mustache, she continued, "This is Mr. Pierpont Morgan."

"And this is the renowned inventor, Mr. Edison," she said, directing attention to the second figure.

Meeting these two celebrities made the journey worthwhile for the guests. Mr. Morgan, the eloquent representative of the Morgan family, and the ingenious inventor, Mr. Edison.

"Pleasure to meet you both. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming presentation," Constantine greeted, shaking hands with each.

Amidst the darkening night, the surroundings turned pitch black.

In the chilly October streets of New York, the temperature dropped, and the wind whistled. Guests rubbed their hands, tightened their trench coat collars, and huddled against the cold.

The audience, primarily composed of New York's upper-class figures, began to grow impatient. If not for the esteemed host, most would have left by now.

"Gentlemen, you are about to witness an unprecedented feat in human history," Mr. Morgan announced to the crowd.

After his announcement, he leaned towards Edison and whispered, "No worries, if anything goes wrong, the whole of New York will be laughing at us tomorrow, and that would be quite amusing."

"Don't fret, Mr. Morgan. We've rehearsed this multiple times; there won't be any issues," Edison reassured.

Seeing Morgan turning his attention elsewhere, Edison muttered to himself, "May God bless this success."

With the anticipation reaching its peak, the crowd erupted in cheers as the long-awaited moment approached. They surrounded the two protagonists in the center.

A few young men handed a switch connected to a wire to Morgan, who promptly passed it to Edison, saying, "This is your honor, Mr. Edison."

Edison, holding the switch in his left hand, pulled it down with his right. In an instant, the entire building lit up.

Numerous "fireballs" on the building's walls illuminated the night sky, showcasing the structure in all its glory.

The dazzling light dispelled the surrounding darkness, akin to the moon illuminating the night sky.

"Wow," exclaimed onlookers, awe-struck and bewildered.

"This is truly astonishing. Is it a miracle?"

"How was this achieved?"

Responding to the inquiries, Mr. Morgan enthusiastically explained, "This, gentlemen, is Mr. Edison's new invention – the electric light. With this groundbreaking creation as a symbol, humanity is entering a new era, bidding farewell to the old era where only fire provided illumination."

Applause erupted from the audience, offering warm tributes to Mr. Edison's innovative invention.

Constantine, staring at the radiant building, mused, "Electricity, electricity."

These luminous bulbs not only brightened New York's night sky but also dispelled the haze in Constantine's mind regarding the fate of the Greek nation.

As he observed the scene, Constantine pondered, realizing that this was the vision he had dreamt of.

In the late 19th century, with human history progressing, prior experiences of major nations developing industrialization were no longer sufficient. Could Greece, by taking a different approach, leap ahead?

Electricity, an emerging energy source, held the key to Greece's next breakthrough.

Elena, noticing Constantine lost in thought, smiled tenderly and asked, "How about it, Mr. Constantine? Do Europeans have such an invention?"

Clearly, this novel invention filled Elena, an American herself, with pride.

"Yes, Miss Elena, I truly appreciate your invitation today. I understand now," Constantine replied.

Swiftly approaching the two protagonists, who were now being congratulated by the crowd, Constantine expressed his gratitude, "Mr. Morgan, Mr. Edison, your invention truly deserves the title 'great.' It will be unforgettable. Thank you."

Light bulbs and electricity, two things destined for widespread use in the future, undoubtedly promised significant profits for both individuals. Even a kerosene lighting tycoon like Rockefeller might be feeling uneasy now.

After the exchange, the two departed in a carriage from the Drexel-Morgan headquarters.

Upon returning to Sanford's residence, Constantine met Sanford, who had just concluded a meeting with dignitaries in the United States.

"Your Excellency, I've received news from President Chester. The U.S. government will not object to the Congolese Commission's management of the Congo River Basin under the terms of your agreement."

Relieved, Constantine breathed a sigh of relief. The U.S. government, at the very least, did not object.

"We shall return to Europe tomorrow," Constantine declared.