Building a Conglomerate in Another World

February 14, 1892

Matthew Hesh sat at his desk, meticulously reviewing new blueprints for an advanced oil transport network. The work consumed his attention until Amber entered the room, her footsteps light but hesitant. He glanced up and immediately noticed the unusual expression on her face—nervous, excited, and a little uncertain all at once.

"Amber?" Matthew said, setting his papers aside. "Is something wrong?"

Amber shook her head, a faint smile forming on her lips. "Not wrong... just something different. I think... I might be pregnant."

Matthew froze for a moment, her words taking a second to register. His heart raced. He stood and approached her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Pregnant? Are you sure?"

Amber sighed and shook her head slightly. "Not entirely. I haven't confirmed it. I've missed my period, and I've been feeling... different. Fatigue, nausea, strange cravings. But it's too early to tell for certain."

Matthew's mind raced. This was monumental news, something he had long dreamed of. He'd always wanted a family, and now the possibility stood before him. However, the uncertainty gnawed at him.

"We need to confirm this," he said firmly. "If you are pregnant, I want to make sure you and the baby are healthy from the start. But I don't want to rely on just symptoms. We need something more definitive."

Amber crossed her arms and gave him a curious look. "And how do you plan to do that?"

"By creating something that will make it definitive."

That evening, Matthew secluded himself in his workshop. Although modern pregnancy tests did not exist in the 1890s, he knew enough about basic biology to understand where to begin.

From his knowledge of anatomy and chemistry, he recalled that the body underwent significant hormonal changes during pregnancy. The key challenge was finding a way to detect these changes using technology available at the time. He had heard of early research in Europe suggesting that pregnant women's urine contained biological markers that could be tested with reactions in certain chemicals.

Matthew knew that a hormone called chorionic gonadotropin (or something close to it) would be present in a pregnant woman's urine, though science had yet to name or fully understand it. He theorized that if the urine of a pregnant woman had unique properties, it might react with specific compounds. He made a list of chemical reagents that could be safely tested.

He settled on two approaches.

The one being the Ammonium Sulfate Reaction Test. Certain sulfur-based compounds would form precipitates when exposed to proteins or hormones in bodily fluids.

The second being the Oxidation Test. Acids and bases could potentially reveal changes in pH or other chemical properties in urine. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

Matthew gathered the necessary materials such as ammonium sulfate solution, vinegar and lye (basic acids and bases), clean test vials, droppers, distilled water, and a sterile beaker to collect urine samples.

He also ensured proper sterilization, boiling the glassware and tools. Even though germ theory was not universally accepted yet, Matthew was meticulous when it came to lab hygiene.

The next morning, he met Amber in the workshop.

"Are you sure you want to help with this?" he asked gently.

Amber chuckled softly. "Of course. I want to know the truth just as much as you do. Besides, I trust you."

Amber provided a sample, which Matthew carefully transferred to a beaker. He explained the procedure as he worked.

"First, I'll add a few drops of ammonium sulfate solution," he said, using a dropper to introduce the reagent to the sample. "If there's a significant hormonal presence, we might see a reaction—usually a cloudiness or sediment formation."

Amber watched closely, her expression a mix of anticipation and nerves. The solution remained clear at first, but after a few moments, a faint cloudiness began to develop near the bottom of the vial.

"Is that it?" Amber whispered.

"It's a sign," Matthew confirmed, though he remained cautious. "But I want to cross-check it with the second test."

He set up the next experiment, adding a few drops of vinegar to a separate sample. After waiting for any reaction, he followed it with a diluted solution of lye. This time, the liquid showed a subtle color shift, indicating a change in acidity—something that could suggest metabolic changes in the body.

Matthew stepped back, taking a deep breath. "Both tests show promising results. Based on everything we've seen, I'd say there's a very strong chance you're pregnant."

Amber's eyes welled with tears as she absorbed his words. "You really think so?"

Matthew smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "I do. But to be thorough, I'll contact a physician to confirm everything through traditional methods. For now, though... I think we can celebrate."

Amber laughed softly, wiping her tears. "I can't believe this. We've been trying for so long... and now it's finally happening."

Later that day, Matthew and Amber gathered their closest friends and key advisors at the governor's residence. The news spread quickly—Matthew Hesh, the industrial magnate and governor of the northern provinces, was going to be a father. The announcement was met with cheers, congratulations, and heartfelt toasts.

General Hayes approached Matthew during the celebration, raising a glass. "Congratulations, Governor. Sounds like you've got more than just oil to build a future with now."

Matthew chuckled. "Indeed. This is the most important project of all."

Amber mingled with the guests, her excitement tempered by a newfound sense of responsibility. As the evening wore on, she and Matthew found a quiet moment on the balcony overlooking the refinery's lights in the distance.

"You're going to be an amazing father," Amber said softly, leaning against him.

Matthew wrapped an arm around her. "And you'll be an incredible mother. This is just the beginning—for us, for the territory, and for everything we're building here."

Amber smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. For the first time in years, the future felt more than just promising—it felt personal, filled with hope and new possibilities.

As the stars illuminated the night sky, Matthew knew that their lives were about to change in ways neither of them could fully predict. But together, they were ready to face whatever came next.