Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 298: Iron Web

April 2, 1899 — Shanghai, China

The clamor of cranes and clanking of steel echoed across the Shanghai docks. The air was thick with the smell of coal smoke and salt water as steamships bearing the bold insignia of the Hesh Corporation unloaded their cargo. Dozens of crates marked "Precision Agricultural Equipment," "Telegraph Components," and "Hydraulic Survey Tools" were hoisted carefully onto waiting carts. Few outside the supply teams knew the true contents: bolt-action rifles, breech-loading field guns, and advanced wireless telegraphs—state-of-the-art military equipment for a region rapidly embracing modern warfare.

Inside the Astor House Hotel, nestled behind dark oak walls and velvet drapes, Minister Zhang Mingyuan of the China sat across from Daniel Reaves, the Executive Director of Hesh Corporation's East Asia Division. Reaves was a tall, serious man in his mid-forties, with pale blond hair swept neatly to the side and a deep crease permanently fixed between his brows from years of negotiating supply contracts across volatile borders.

Minister Zhang sipped his oolong tea slowly. "Mr. Reaves, your company's shipments have proven invaluable to our modernization efforts. Our New Army now drills with rifles that rival the European powers. But I must caution—your deliveries have not gone unnoticed. The British and the Russians grow increasingly wary of our rapid growth."

Reaves offered a polite, neutral smile. "Minister Zhang, Hesh Corporation is a commercial entity. We don't influence foreign policy—we respond to need. And your government has been a very consistent client."

Zhang raised an eyebrow but said nothing, swirling his tea again.

"We are aware of the international sensitivities," Reaves continued, "and President Hesh has instructed us to ensure that our partnerships remain balanced. China is not alone in receiving our support. The Koreans and Japanese also benefit."

Zhang sighed. "Yes, I know. Which is precisely the problem."

April 10, 1899 — Seoul, Korean Empire

In Gyeongseong's central parade grounds, the Korean Imperial Army conducted drills with renewed strength. Rows of soldiers moved with synchronized precision, their uniforms spotless and their formation crisp. The crack of rifle fire echoed cleanly in the morning air as the men practiced volley fire using new Hesh-supplied bolt-action rifles.

From the shade of a decorated pavilion, General Lee Sang-hoon observed silently. His sharp eyes followed every movement, noting discipline, formation, and morale. Standing beside him was Colonel James Whitaker, a military liaison from Hesh Corporation's training division.

"Your troops have made remarkable progress, General," Whitaker said, folding his arms. "The integration of wireless signals and modern artillery has completely changed your strategic profile."

Lee nodded. "We owe much to Amerathian support. But we walk a narrow road. Modernization brings strength—but also scrutiny."

Whitaker nodded in agreement. "Peace through strength, sir. That's the Hesh Corporation motto. And we believe that a strong Korea is key to balance in the region."

Lee narrowed his eyes slightly. "Let's hope the others see it the same way."

April 18, 1899 — Tokyo, Imperial War Ministry

Inside the grand council chamber of the War Ministry, tension simmered beneath ceremonial calm. Maps covered the central table, adorned with red flags, deployment diagrams, and dotted railway lines extending from Tokyo to Kyushu, and further across the sea.

General Haruto Okada stood at the head of the room, his voice measured but firm. "The Korean and Chinese militaries have advanced significantly over the past year. Hesh Corporation has played a major role in that. Their wireless technology has improved battlefield coordination by nearly fifty percent."

Admiral Saito spoke up. "Our naval development is sufficient. But we are falling behind in battlefield communications and rapid-deploy artillery. If we wish to maintain regional parity, we must respond."

Okada nodded. "I will initiate formal procurement talks with Hesh Corporation. We need their latest systems."

Minister Tanaka of War Affairs added, "We must also begin internal research programs. We cannot rely solely on foreign suppliers—no matter how friendly."

Okada's eyes hardened slightly. "Agreed. But for now, Hesh remains the best partner we have."

April 25, 1899 — Washington, D.C., Presidential Office

President Matthew Hesh stood at his tall office window, arms crossed, as Collins read from a thick intelligence dossier.

"British consulates in Shanghai and Gyeongseong have raised concerns. They say Hesh Corporation's arms shipments are destabilizing the regional balance. The Russians, meanwhile, claim the China's modernization could threaten Vladivostok."

Matthew turned away from the window, his jaw tight. "We never intended to spark an arms race. The idea was to ensure security through mutual capability. That was the premise behind all our contracts."

Collins hesitated. "It might be time to reassess. Set boundaries. Or at least facilitate dialogue."

Matthew nodded slowly. "Arrange a summit. Neutral ground. Invite China, Korea, and Japan. If we're going to be the ones arming the region, we have a responsibility to keep the peace, too."

May 5, 1899 — Geneva, International Summit freёnovelkiss.com

Inside the Palais des Nations, beneath a high-domed ceiling and walls of gold leaf, representatives from the China, Korean Empire, and Japan sat across from each other at a long, polished table. President Matthew Hesh sat at the head, flanked by Collins and two senior trade envoys.

Matthew stood, clearing his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've gathered not to point fingers, but to understand one another. Each of your nations has turned to modernization in the wake of a brutal war. But if modernization becomes militarization without diplomacy, we risk repeating that horror."

Minister Zhang responded first. "China seeks only to defend itself. We will not apologize for protecting our sovereignty."

General Lee Sang-hoon added, "We support a non-aggression pact. Our forces are defensive. Korea has no interest in expansion."

General Okada, representing Japan, sat still for a long moment before speaking. "We are open to dialogue. But Japan will maintain strategic readiness. History has taught us not to lower our guard."

Discussions stretched late into the night. Though no treaties were signed, all parties agreed to a series of transparency measures and further summits.

May 12, 1899 — Washington, D.C., Hesh Residence

Back home, Matthew sat at the garden table with Amber as their children played nearby. Arthur chased butterflies; Sophia sang to herself while drawing shapes in the dirt.

Amber poured tea. "How was Geneva?"

Matthew let out a sigh. "Progress, not peace. But at least they're talking."

"You've done what you could," she said softly.

He smiled at her. "It's not enough. But maybe it's the beginning."

May 20, 1899 — Tokyo, Imperial Palace

Emperor Yoshihito reviewed the Geneva documents with silent intensity. "We shall maintain military readiness," he said at last. "But we must also lead by example."

He looked to General Okada. "Begin cultural exchanges. Schools. Science partnerships. Let Japan not only stand as a sword—but as a beacon."

Okada bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

May 28, 1899 — Seoul, Royal Palace

King Gojong met with his ministers to discuss the summit.

"We shall pursue regional partnerships—education, railways, medical exchange," he said. "Our sovereignty was preserved through war. Now, it must be affirmed through progress."

June 5, 1899 — Beijing, Forbidden City

The Qing Court met beneath the crimson banners of the Dragon Throne. Minister Zhang stood before the Empress Dowager.

"We must continue reforms. The summit has shown we have a voice. Let's use it wisely."

She nodded. "Then let reform be our revolution."

June 15, 1899 — Washington, D.C., Presidential Office

Collins entered with a file. "Sir, the Hesh Corporation has submitted a new initiative—the East Asia Cooperative Development Program. A shift from arms to infrastructure."

Matthew reviewed it carefully. "This is what we need. Sign it. Let's build tracks instead of trenches."

June 25, 1899 — Shanghai, Groundbreaking Site

Under a blue summer sky, dignitaries from China, Korea, and Japan gathered to witness the first spike of the East Asia Railway driven into the earth.

Reaves stood beside them, now dressed in a modest suit rather than a corporate uniform.

"This is what Hesh Corporation stands for now," he said quietly. "Not just weapons—but connections."