Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 242: A Challenge

March 5, 1897.

Amsterdam City, Amerathia

The streets of Amsterdam were alive with energy. Massive banners hung from buildings, red and gold flags waving in the cold breeze. People packed the city square outside the grand Metropolitan Hall, eager to hear from the man who promised to lead Amerathia into a new era of power and dominance.

Charles Alden Royce had arrived.

The crowd stretched as far as the eye could see, a mix of industrialists, factory workers, military officers, and political elites. They had come to hear a speech, but in truth, this was more than a campaign rally.

This was the opening salvo in a war against Matthew Hesh.

Royce stepped onto the grand stage, adjusting the cuffs of his coat. His posture was relaxed, his expression calm, yet confident. He scanned the crowd, taking his time, making them wait.

Then, he approached the podium.

The cheers were deafening.

"The Future of Amerathia"

"Ladies and gentlemen," Royce began, his deep voice cutting through the air, powerful and unwavering. "Amerathia is a great nation. But under our current leadership, we have been forced to accept a lie."

The crowd fell silent.

"A lie that tells us that we must be afraid of conflict. That we must be cautious in the face of opportunity. That we must let our enemies dictate our fate."

Royce paused, his sharp gaze scanning the faces before him.

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"Our current President, Matthew Hesh, claims he ’saved’ Amerathia from war."

He let the words hang.

"But I ask you, my fellow Amerathians—did he save us? Or did he rob us of our destiny?"

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

Royce’s tone hardened. "The truth is this—while the rest of the world moves forward, while nations grow, expand, and dominate, Hesh has kept Amerathia on its knees. He has weakened our military, slowed our industry, and tied our hands when we should be reaching for greatness!"

A wave of applause erupted.

Royce smirked, letting the energy build. He knew exactly what he was doing.

"Let’s talk about Hesh’s so-called ’achievements,’" Royce continued, turning toward a massive banner that was unveiled behind him. It read: "Hesh’s America: Failure or Fraud?"

"He says he fought corruption? Then why is Washington still filled with backroom deals?"

"He claims he strengthened the economy? Then why are industries struggling under heavy regulation?"

"He says he prevented a war? Then why are foreign nations testing our borders, seeing Amerathia as weak?"

The crowd roared in approval.

"My friends," Royce declared, gripping the podium, "Hesh didn’t stop a war—he stopped Amerathia from taking its rightful place as the most powerful force in the world."

He let that statement sink in.

"Strength is not found in hesitation," Royce continued. "It is found in action. It is found in power. It is found in a leader who is not afraid to seize opportunity when it presents itself."

A deafening chant broke out.

"Royce! Royce! Royce!"

As Royce’s speech echoed across the city, the full weight of the Order’s influence went to work. Within hours, newspapers across the country carried headlines:

"Has Hesh Kept Amerathia Weak?"

"Did Hesh Surrender the Nation’s Future?"

"Charles Royce: A Leader for the Future?"

Political cartoons flooded the presses, mocking Hesh as indecisive and weak, depicting him as a leader who bowed to foreign pressure instead of taking bold action.

The radio waves followed suit. Pundits questioned Hesh’s leadership, presenting "expert opinions" that suggested Amerathia’s economy was faltering under his administration.

In Washington, Hesh’s allies were feeling the pressure.

"The narrative is shifting," Collins muttered as he threw down a newspaper onto the President’s desk. "They’re painting you as the man who let Amerathia fall behind."

Matthew sat in silence, his jaw clenched.

Amber, seated across from him, picked up the newspaper and read one of the editorials.

"Hesh speaks of peace, but peace without strength is surrender. What kind of leader refuses to seize opportunity? What kind of President leaves Amerathia stagnant?"

She slammed the paper down.

"This is war, Matt," she said.

Matthew leaned forward, hands clasped. "I expected this."

Collins sighed. "They’re flooding the country with this messaging, and it’s working. Royce’s numbers are climbing. His speech in Amsterdam reached millions, and the opposition is starting to rally around him."

Matthew exhaled slowly. "So, he’s challenging me?"

Collins nodded. "More than that—he’s demanding a debate."

The next day, Royce addressed another rally in Chicago, standing before an audience of tens of thousands.

"If Matthew Hesh truly believes in his leadership, then I challenge him—to a public debate."

The crowd erupted.

"Let the people see the difference between us! Let them decide who has the vision to lead Amerathia into the future!"

He spread his arms, as if welcoming the fight.

"I am ready, President Hesh. Are you?"

The challenge was sent.

The trap was set.

And now, the entire nation waited for Hesh’s response.

At the White House.

Collins placed the telegram onto Matthew’s desk. "It’s official. Royce has called you out. The debate is set—if you accept."

Matthew picked up the telegram, reading Royce’s bold words. Explore more at novelbuddy

"Are you ready to fight for Amerathia’s future, Mr. President?"

Amber sat beside him, arms crossed. "This is their moment to strike, Matt. They want to put you in a corner. To make you defend yourself while they push Royce as the bold new leader."

Matthew set the telegram down and smirked.

"They made a mistake."

Collins raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Matthew looked up, his blue eyes burning with determination.

"They assume they can control the narrative in a debate," he said. "But they forgot one thing."

Amber leaned forward. "What’s that?"

Matthew smiled.

"I’m at my best when I’m standing in front of the people."

He picked up his pen and signed the official acceptance letter.

"Tell Royce I’ll see him on the debate stage. He will be the one who will choose what topic we should debate on. I’ll give myself a handicap on this one."

"Feeling confident sir, I like it. Very well, we will reach out to his team at once."