Trivial 2

Ferdinand, renowned for his unwavering commitment to his plans, found himself at the cusp of a transformative venture – the establishment of a food processing plant. Surveying his vast estates, which predominantly produced wheat, barley, sugar beets, potatoes, and flax, and were home to a thriving livestock of pigs and cattle, Ferdinand was acutely aware of the potential for economic growth through strategic processing.

In contemplating the most beneficial avenues for processing support, Ferdinand weighed the options. A flour mill emerged as the primary choice, given the abundance of wheat, followed closely by a sugar plant. The versatility of potatoes for French fry production also caught his entrepreneurial eye. Meanwhile, the prospect of a weaving or garment factory for flax, alongside the incorporation of a slaughterhouse, further added to the potential benefits of diversification.

As Ferdinand proudly surveyed his estate, he couldn't help but declare, "The age-old quest for feudal lords has reached its conclusion: self-sufficiency in food, clothing, housing, and transportation."

However, the transition from a mere consumer investor to a true capitalist presented its own set of challenges. Ferdinand's family lacked the necessary expertise to lead factories effectively, and the journey to becoming a dominant force in both aristocratic and capitalist circles was a complex one.

Undeterred, Ferdinand faced a more immediate challenge – the realization that his family lagged behind in talent reserves, despite holding shares in various factories. Keen on rectifying this discrepancy, Ferdinand turned to his trusted butler, Karl Chekov, tasking him with the investigation of flour processing mills near Vienna. This marked the beginning of Ferdinand's strategic foray into the world of flour processing.

As Ferdinand grappled with the complexities of his dual roles as a big aristocrat and big capitalist, he recognized the need to address the talent deficit in his family's enterprises. The aspiration to become a dominant force in society fueled his determination to bridge the gap.

Adjusting to his aristocratic status, Ferdinand embraced a life of privilege, entrusting tasks to the capable hands of his staff. However, a yearning for military roots tugged at him, leading him to report for duty at the city guard – a tradition deeply ingrained in the German aristocracy.

The city guard building, however, presented a disheartening sight. Neglect and decay permeated the atmosphere, starkly contrasting Ferdinand's expectations of military discipline. The dusty, unattended office symbolized the empire's waning commitment to its military forces.

Disillusioned with the state of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ferdinand pondered the challenges of unifying a diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. Language became a focal point of reflection, and he realized that unless linguistic and cultural unification were achieved promptly, the empire's fall was inevitable.

Walking through the bustling yet unsanitary streets of Vienna, Ferdinand contemplated the limitations of hygiene awareness in the 19th century. The chaotic state of a local supermarket, while a testament to economic prosperity, hinted at a lack of consideration for cleanliness and customer comfort.

Recognizing the potential for capitalist prosperity in this era, Ferdinand resolved to prioritize cleanliness to attract discerning customers. Unfettered by later challenges such as labor protests and demands for wage increases, Ferdinand embraced the opportunities offered by the capitalist landscape of his time, steering his course towards a future where strategic thinking and adaptability would be the keys to success.