Railway Charter Part 2

The Minister of Commerce looked around the long table before fixing his gaze on Ernest.

"Baron Teucher," the Minister began, listing off the Group's assets on his fingers. "Your subsidiaries already control primary iron deposits, coking coal reserves, copper mines, heavy machine foundries, civil construction firms, and regional freight fleets. You are currently erecting the largest integrated steelworks in the kingdom."

Ernest stood quietly beside the map. "That is correct."

"And now," the Commerce Minister continued, his tone turning grave, "you propose to construct, own, and operate the sole heavy railway network linking those exact industries to the capital."

Silence descended upon the Royal Council Chamber. Even King Edward sat back, observing the exchange without interfering.