The Preliminary Data

Four days later, the office of Helmarte Soap Works had become significantly busier.

The steam engine had created a problem that neither Ernest nor Hollen had anticipated. It wasn't manufacturing. It wasn't financing. It wasn't even competition.

It was paperwork.

The large table in the office was covered in maps, ledgers, sheets of paper, and rough sketches. Several clerks moved in and out of the room carrying additional documents while a kettle of tea sat forgotten in one corner, having gone cold hours ago.

Hollen looked around the office and sighed.

"I miss soap."

Ernest didn't even look up from the papers he was reading.

"You say that every time we start a new business."

"Because every new business gives me more paperwork."