Chapter 91: The end of a persona & The next step
To say the last few years has been interesting, would be an understatement.
Shortly after the forming of the constitution and IEC…I died.
Well 'I' didn't 'Die', but my persona Adam Gottes did.
The funeral was nice, with many heads of state showing up for it.
But now that all of my plans were finished, I no longer needed to be weighed down with the responsibility of representing a colony, so after the funeral, I went on vacation.
The issue was I didn't exactly know what to do.
I knew I could no longer stay where I was, because, well, I was technically dead.
So I had my belongings from my home packed up and shipped off to Julius in England.
So now with nothing else for me here, I had to find something to do.
[1865 / New York.]
"Thank you all for coming." Godfrey Gunther shouted over the crowd of people that stood in front of him.
"Mister mayor! What do you think of this tremendous day?" A newspaper journalist yelled in a vain hope to be heard over the hundreds of others wishing to get that perfect quote to fill their newspapers.
Waving at the crowd, pretending he couldn't hear any of them, the mayor gestured to a man that stood off to the side of the large wooden stage.
Walking to the middle of the stage, a very well dressed man by the name of Montgomery Rothschild shook the hand of the mayor.
"Glad to be here." Montgomery said in his refined English uppercrust accent.
"The pleasure is all mine!" Godfrey said enthusiastically.
"Please. If you would say a few words to the crowd." Godfrey asked.
"Of course." Montgomery said, as he turned to look at the hundreds of people that stood in front of him.
"Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen!" Montgomery shouted. Pausing to wait for the roar of the large crowd to quiet.
After a few more minutes, the crowd cooled to a slight rumble, allowing Montgomery to continue.
"I stand before you today as a representative of Gringotts Bank, an esteemed financial institution that has played a pivotal role in the development and progress of this great nation. It is with great honor and pride that I address this distinguished gathering on this momentous occasion…the opening of the Transcontinental Railroad!" Montgomery shouted out, sending the crowd into another frenzy of cheers, hoots, and hollers.
"Today, we gather to celebrate the years of hard work, dedication, and visionary leadership. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad marks a significant milestone in the history of the United States, symbolizing the triumph of human ingenuity and the power of collaboration!"
"Gringotts Bank, as a staunch supporter of progress and economic development, takes immense pride in having played a vital role in the realization of this monumental project. Through our unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of this nation, we have provided the necessary financial resources to fund the construction of this extraordinary railroad." the crowd clapped their hands together, filling the air like thunder.
Montgomery raised his hands to quiet the crowd again.
"The Transcontinental Railroad is not merely a feat of engineering; it is a symbol of unity and progress. This remarkable infrastructure connects the East and West coasts of the United States, bridging the vast expanse of land that once separated our nation's people. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and the tireless pursuit of a brighter future.
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad opens up new horizons for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. It will foster economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance connectivity between communities across this great land. This railroad will serve as a catalyst for prosperity, benefiting not only the present generation but also generations yet to come.
Gringotts Bank recognizes the immense potential this railroad holds for the development of industries, the expansion of markets, and the facilitation of trade. As a trusted financial institution, we are committed to supporting the businesses and individuals who will thrive in this new era of connectivity. Our financial services, including loans, investments, and secure storage facilities, will be available to fuel growth and ensure the success of ventures linked to this transformative infrastructure." This nearly sent the crowd over the edge.
Already, the idea of going west was big for many people. But to also have the ability for financial help from Gringotts was an added bonus in their books, that made many want to head straight home and start packing while thinking of what business they would open.
Having to wait nearly five whole minutes for the crowd to fall back to a rumble, Montgomery plastered a wide smile on his face as he looked the crowd over.
"We must also take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the countless individuals who dedicated their skills, labor, and expertise to bring this grand vision to life. From the engineers and laborers who toiled tirelessly on the construction sites to the visionaries who conceived this audacious plan, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Their unwavering commitment and determination have made this historic endeavor a reality." This time, loud hoots and hollers came from the back of the gathered people.
They were some of the workers of the railroad.
"As we witness the inaugural journey of the Transcontinental Railroad, let us not only celebrate its completion and those who brought it to fruition, but let us also recognize the profound impact it will have on our nation's future. Today, we stand united, bridging geographical divides and forging new paths towards progress and prosperity." Again the crowd roared.
Raising his hands, Montgomery couldn't help but chuckle as the energy emanating from the crowd was palpable.
"On behalf of Gringotts Bank, may this remarkable achievement serve as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie before us when we dare to dream big and work together towards a shared vision.
Thank you, and may this day mark the beginning of a new era of growth, unity, and prosperity for the United States of America." With those words, bags of red,white and blue confetti were thrown up and into the air, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
Turning my head, I spoke to Julius, Jane, and Carlisle.
All of whom sat in the comfortable chairs I had placed in a shaded area under a canopy where all of the city's richest and head political figures sat, including America's president, Abraham Lincoln.
"What did you think of the speech?" I asked.
"It was good." Julius said, nodding his head.
"Not something I would have written, but hey, I'm no poet."
I nodded my head.
"Good." I said with a small laugh. "It was meant to get the crowd riled up, not to lull them to sleep like poetry would have."
He gave me a deadpan look.
"You know you are not funny, right?" He asked, leaning forward to look past Jane, who was seated between us.
"Eh. I have my moments." I chuckled, as all of the aristocrats that surrounded us stood from their seats and started to make their rounds.
Turning, I watched as Montgomery waved at the crowd as he walked off the stage.
"He is quite skilled." Carlisle noted from my left.
I looked at him.
"Not only is he skilled in his speeches, he is also a prodigy when it comes to business." I said with a smirk.
"Has there ever been a Rothschild who has never been a prodigy when it came to business." Carlisle chuckled.
"Not that I know." I said, also chuckling.
"Adam, how was your trip to Russia?" Jane asked from my right side.
"You spent what…a little over two decades there."
Turning my head, I smiled at her.
"It couldn't have been better. And I did."
She raised one of her brows. But before she could speak, Julius leaned forward and spoke before her.
I had to bite my lip not to laugh as she rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Adam, you never mentioned why you wanted a bank built there." Julius said, as he scooted forward in his chair.
"We didn't even know you were in Russia until you sent that letter." Julius added.
"Russia is an untapped well of resources, we would have been dumb not to have gotten ourselves involved there eventually." I said.
Julius narrowed his eyelids as he looked at me.
"If there is one thing I know, Adam, it's that you tend to want banks built in places for reasons that don't involve money or gains. What is the real reason?" He asked.
Now all of them were looking at me in curiosity.
Letting out a sigh, I took off my Top hat and swept my hair back before putting it back on.
"Let's just say I went there to take care of some 'business' with two very stupid individuals and decided the people there could use some help, which would help avoid certain things from happening later on." I said simply.
"Good evening,Gentlemen and miss." a deep voice said from our left.
Turning our heads, we all looked up at the large figure of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
Standing to our feet, we greeted him.
"Mister President, what a pleasure it is to meet you." Julius said in a refined English accent.
"Ah, Mister Menisus, it is an honor." Abraham said, as he and Julius shook hands.
Unlike previously in my old history, there was a notable lack of stress in his life.
Because unlike previously, there was no civil war that weighed heavily on his presidency.
Instead he was at the helm of a much smaller war, which was in the process of coming to an end after the US's numerous victorys.
"And this must be your wife." Abraham said, as he delicately took Jane's hand in a quick shake.
"Yes, this is my wife, jane."
"A pleasure." Abraham said.
"I must again thank you for your foundries and the steel they sent here for the creation of the Transcontinental Railroad." Abraham said.
"Not at all Mr president." Julius said with a wide smile.
"Adam, if I may have a word." Carlisle said from beside me, taking my attention away from the conversation Julius was having with one of the most significant presidents the US ever had.
I turned to look at him and saw a slight bit of worry in his eyes.
"Sure." I said as I followed him.
By this time, the sun was starting to fall over the horizon.
That added with a slight cloud overcast, we were able to walk out from under the canopy.
Stepping away from any groups of people, Carlisle started to talk.
"I have a question, Adam."
"what is it?" I asked.
"I wish to start my own coven." Carlisle said in a rush.
I took a moment at that.
'His own coven? Is this it? the creation of the Cullen coven?' I thought in wonder.
"Why do you wish to start your own coven?" I asked, playing the part of the unknowing.
"There is a longing in my heart." Carlisle said, before he paused to gather his thoughts.
"You, Julius, and Jane, are like family to me. You, Adam, are a well of wisdom and experience that is like an older brother to me. Julius is like the serious middle child who takes everything seriously." Carlisle said with a laugh.
"And Jane. She's the caring sister."
I nodded my head at his words.
"but I wish for more. A true family." Carlisle said.
I gave him a small smile.
"I understand, Carlisle." I said simply.
My response seemed to surprise him.
"really?" He asked.
I nodded.
"Yes, Carlisle. You wish to start your own family." I said, patting him on the shoulder.
"H-How did you~." he stammered.
I let out a laugh.
"Carlisle, you are hands down the most compassionate vampire I have ever met. It was only a matter of time before you made this decision."
"And I can't blame you for wanting more." I added.
"Me, you, Jane, and Julius might be as close as siblings, but we aren't exactly a coven. I tend to disappear for decades on end, Julius is too in love with running Gringotts to be interested in actually being part of a real coven, and Jane is simply content where she is with Julius.
"So I can see why you would want more." I said with a grin.
"I didn't think you would be so…receptive to this." Carlisle said.
I gave him a raised brow.
"Carlisle, when have I ever stopped you from doing something you wanted to do." I said, giving him a playful shove.
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