"Milord, all has been prepared. What time should we depart tomorrow?" Jack asked. 

Charlton knew that it was not possible for Serena to see him off and they already said their goodbyes that day on the cliff. Aside from that, he already set the date with Thomas, and he will need to visit the different fiefs on his way back to Suffox to negotiate for the railway. 

"We depart before sunrise." He instructed.

--

Charlton was sitting inside the omnibus while 9 Benz-Victoria and 1 other omnibus were being driven by the soldiers left to him by his father. Charlton wanted to bring the cars to Suffox and wanted to gift his mother an Omnibus. The convenience in comparison to riding a carriage and the speed one can get from one place to another would surely delight her.

He sighed while inside as he leaned back. He wanted to be with Serena when her new song gets released. He wanted to cheer for her for he knew that Emily's work would be vying for attention against hers. He could only hope that Serena would not take it to heart whatever the result may be. 

Then he chuckled. What was he worrying for? He knew that she also enjoys the competition. She's taking it as some form of entertainment as she was also getting bored having none. 

He shook his head, anyway, he has written to Lucas to ensure that Serena also gets someone to write a column for her. It's not good that only Emily gets to have a column dedicated to her prowess. Of course, he didn't tell Serena that. Although she did know that he was part owner of 'The Times', she thought that he was not hands-on with it due to his busy schedule. If she asks, he will only deny it.

Anyway, he closed his eyes to get some more sleep. He will have a busy day ahead.

--

The travel has been long, and Charlton had met with the nobles of each fief with Thomas. The negotiations were learning experiences for him. Some of the nobles were reluctant but they needed to give him face. Of course, he has been more than kind to them too. He wanted to build rapport, not make enemies.

He talked about how the railway with bring about benefits in their fief, and he also explained that although its main purpose was transportation of goods, they will also add trains for passengers which later can be used for public transportation. Meaning, passengers may ride it for a certain fee that will enable them to go from one place to another with a shorter time of travel. For example, if they wish to visit Suffox, they can ride the train and arrive in just a matter of a day. The convenience it will be bringing would be tremendous. 

The nobles were very much inclined to believe his promises than that of a merchant. So, the negotiations have been easier from there. It also helped that he brought a lot of cars. Those who were late in the news, were very curious and so, he used it as an ice breaker. He explained how to use it and taught them how to drive. It made possible for them to have a certain form of bond.

Also, showing the convenience of cars, and comparing it to the train which was faster and cheaper for the masses later attracted the nobles and the people of the fiefs too much.

Yes, the townsfolk too have been curious. They have never seen anything like a carriage running without a horse. Then, some of the servants from the noble houses also heard about the trains, and it became a word of mouth. Just the idea brought delight to everyone. Many wanted to visit the capital, and other places but the travel cost and inconvenience was too much given that it takes days to get from one point to another. Those with relatives in the capital began to rejoice too. 

Unknown to Charlton, he has successfully painted the image which he wanted to project, and many of the nobles and commoners formed some sort of idolism for him. He was very charismatic, of high birth, and had lots of achievements. Who, aside from those who hated his family, would not look up to him?

When he arrived back in Suffox, his parents were there to welcome him. They were very proud of his achievements. The people of their duchy were also immensely proud. It must be said that in their lands, people look up to their family more and love them more than the monarch of the kingdom. 

Of course, that was something not needed to be said. Everyone there just acknowledged it in their hearts.

--

When Serena's and Emily's songs were released after a week, the response from audience to both were very positive. The numbers based on the sales was that Serena's song still made more profit, but the gap was very minimal.

Still, that result was significant. It meant that Emily was now able to garner enough foothold in the industry and can compete with Serena head-to-head.

Howell of Esquire wrote a lot of positive reviews about Emily's song and did not write anything about Serena's. showing that he was snubbing her song. However, 'The Times' which was a more popular newspaper publishing company also released a column dedicated for entertainment and their muse seems to be Serena.

Either way, Serena did not mind the news anymore. She has to admit that she did enjoy competing with Emily and beating her this time also made her feel good. Even though she has a cheat and was winning because of that, it did not really make her feel bad. 

She just wanted time to move faster so that she can meet with Charlton already. She missed him so. 

--

Summer flew by and time began moving faster. 

Before anyone knew it, almost 2 years went by in a blink of an eye. 

--

End of Volume 2

yes! It's end of volume 2 already. I think I was able to lay down the foundations of their career already and do not need to elaborate anymore. The story is also dragging from all of those. I think many feel that way too.

Thank you for the support so far. Volume 3 coming up!!!! I'm so excited!

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