Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The air in Matthew Hesh's office was thick with the usual energy of productivity. Engineers moved in and out with blueprints, assistants delivered reports, and the faint hum of the factory's machinery provided a constant backdrop. Matthew sat at his desk, immersed in the details of a new project, when Robert Anders entered, carrying a clipboard and looking slightly hesitant.

"Matthew," Robert began, his tone careful. "You have an appointment with a reporter from The Sylvanian Times in about twenty minutes. They requested a private interview."

Matthew looked up, frowning slightly. "A private interview? About what?"

"They didn't specify," Robert said. "But given the timing, I suspect it has to do with the upcoming gubernatorial election."

Matthew's frown deepened. "What does the election have to do with me? I'm not a politician, Robert. My work has nothing to do with running for office."

Robert hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "That's true, but your popularity has reached unprecedented levels. People see you as a symbol of progress. It's not unreasonable for some to wonder if you might… broaden your influence."

Matthew shook his head, irritated by the suggestion. "Influence? My work speaks for itself. I don't need to run for office to make a difference."

Before Robert could respond, there was a knock at the door. A young assistant stepped in, announcing the arrival of the reporter. With a sigh, Matthew nodded and stood, straightening his jacket. "Send them in."

The reporter, a young man named Edgar Langston, entered the office with an air of professionalism but a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. He carried a leather-bound notebook and a pencil, and his demeanor suggested he was eager to get to the heart of his questions.

"Mr. Hesh," Edgar began, extending a hand, "thank you for agreeing to this interview. It's an honor to meet you."

Matthew shook his hand firmly, offering a polite smile. "The honor is mine, Mr. Langston. Please, have a seat."

As they settled into their chairs, Edgar wasted no time. "Mr. Hesh, your contributions to the Republic have been nothing short of transformative. Your innovations played a pivotal role in winning the war and are now shaping the nation's future. Given your influence and popularity, there's a question that's been on many people's minds."

Matthew tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "And what question might that be?"

"Have you considered running for office?"

The question landed like a thunderclap. Matthew's expression shifted from polite interest to genuine surprise.

"Running for office?" he echoed, almost incredulously. "Where did that assumption come from?" Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

Edgar leaned forward slightly, his pencil poised above his notebook. "Your name has been mentioned in political circles, Mr. Hesh. People admire you. They see you as a leader, a visionary. It's only natural for some to wonder if you might take that leadership to a political platform."

Matthew leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed. "Let me be perfectly clear: I have no intention of running for office. My work here is my focus. Innovation, progress—these are the ways I contribute to the Republic. Politics is a completely different arena, and it's not one I'm interested in."

Edgar nodded, jotting something down before pressing on. "So, you're saying there's absolutely no chance you'd consider running—not even in the future?"

Matthew's irritation flickered to the surface, though he kept his tone measured. "That's correct. I'm not a politician, Mr. Langston. I'm an inventor, an innovator. My place is here, creating things that improve lives, not campaigning or debating policy."

Edgar smiled faintly, as though he'd heard such denials before. "You might be surprised, Mr. Hesh. Nearly everyone I've asked that question—who initially said no—ended up running for office eventually. Sometimes, it's not about what you want; it's about what the people demand."

Matthew's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. "Let me assure you, Mr. Langston, my answer will not change. My work is far too important to be sidelined by political ambitions. The idea that I would abandon it to pursue office is unfounded and, frankly, a waste of time to discuss."

Edgar, sensing Matthew's irritation, cleared his throat and shifted gears. "I didn't mean to imply anything, Mr. Hesh. I was merely addressing the public speculation. Let's move on."

Matthew nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good idea. What else would you like to discuss?"

Edgar asked several follow-up questions about Hesh Motors' upcoming projects, the expansion of the factory, and the future of technological innovation in the Republic. It was as if to save face as poking further would lead to things that both parties wouldn't want.

As the interview was winding down, Edgar paused, tapping his pencil against his notebook thoughtfully. "One last question, Mr. Hesh, if you'll indulge me."

Matthew gestured for him to continue, though his earlier irritation had made him cautious. "Go ahead."

"With your growing influence and the sheer scale of your contributions to Amerathia, how do you see yourself shaping the future of the Republic? Whether it's through your industry or beyond?"

Matthew considered the question carefully before responding. "I see myself as a creator. My focus has always been on solving problems and improving lives through innovation. Whether it's enhancing transportation, communication, or manufacturing, my role is to push boundaries and set new standards. That's where I can make the greatest impact—not in speeches or policies, but in tangible advancements."

Edgar nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's an inspiring perspective. Thank you for your time, Mr. Hesh. It's been an enlightening conversation."

Matthew stood, extending his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Langston. I appreciate your interest in our work."

As Edgar left the office, Matthew watched him go, his earlier irritation lingering. The assumption that he would—or should—pursue a political career was unsettling. His work required focus, precision, and a dedication to progress that he felt politics could never provide.

Once the door closed, Robert reentered, carrying a fresh stack of reports. "Well? How did it go?"

Matthew sighed, rubbing his temples. "It was… fine. Though he did try to steer the conversation toward politics. Again."

Robert smirked. "I told you it was inevitable."

Matthew shot him a sharp look. "It's ridiculous. Just because I'm successful in one area doesn't mean I'd be effective—or interested—in another. The idea that innovation and leadership have to translate into political ambition is flawed."

"But you really wouldn't run in any office?" Robert asked.

"Oh please!"

***

The City Hall of Sylvania was a busy place, its grand corridors filled with officials, clerks, and the sound of footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Edgar Langston, clutching his notebook tightly, walked with purpose toward Governor Rayfur Fletcher's office. The interview with Matthew Hesh had left him with plenty to report, and now it was time to share his findings with the governor.

The governor's office was at the far end of the building, a large room with tall windows that overlooked the bustling streets of Sylvania. Inside, Governor Fletcher sat at his desk, looking over reports while puffing on a cigar. His expression was stern, and his demeanor gave away the pressure he was under. Standing nearby was his advisor, Leonard Gray, who seemed equally focused as he reviewed a stack of documents.

When Edgar entered, Fletcher looked up, his sharp gaze landing on the reporter. "Langston," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit down. Let's hear what you've got."

Edgar sat, placing his notebook on his lap. He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Governor, I've just finished the interview with Matthew Hesh. It went well, but I have some news that might interest you."

Fletcher leaned forward, setting his cigar in the ashtray. "Did he mention anything about running for office?"

Edgar shook his head. "No, Governor. In fact, he was quite clear that he has no interest in politics—now or in the future."

Fletcher's eyebrows rose slightly. "He said that outright?"

"Yes," Edgar confirmed. "He seemed almost annoyed by the suggestion. He made it clear that his focus is on his work, not on campaigning or running for public office."

Leonard Gray, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "That's good to hear. If he's not planning to run, that takes some of the pressure off."

"So…when am I getting the full payment?" Edgar asked

"Leonard," Fletcher barked, cutting off Edgar's question with a sharp glance. "Take care of his payment. We owe him for his time."

Leonard nodded, pulling a small ledger from his pocket. "Consider it done, Governor." He turned his attention to Edgar. "You'll receive the agreed-upon sum by the end of the day."

Edgar gave a curt nod, relieved that the matter was settled. "Thank you. Now, Governor, if there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."

Fletcher waved a hand dismissively, his thoughts already shifting back to the bigger issue at hand. "Go on, Langston. And remember, keep what you've shared with us discreet."

With a final nod, Edgar stood and left the office, his footsteps fading into the hum of City Hall. Once the door clicked shut, Fletcher leaned back in his chair.

"So he is not really running huh?"

"He isn't."