Completion of the Three Branches

The future was arriving one machine at a time.

And then, before Ernest truly realized it, months had passed.

The construction reports that once filled his desk with progress updates were now being replaced by completion reports.

Northport.

Completed.

Ravenford.

Completed.

Eastgate.

Completed.

On a cool spring morning, Ernest sat inside the Helmarte Soap Works office staring at three separate documents spread across his desk.

Each carried the seal of a construction supervisor.

Each confirmed the same thing.

The factories were ready.

For several moments he simply looked at them.

Not because the information surprised him.

Because it felt unreal.

Less than two years ago he had been making soap in a borrowed corner of Hollen's forge.

Now Helmarte Soap Works operated four factories across the Kingdom of Belfast.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."