Chapter 163 - Steam train (3)

After my conversation with Henry about the steam train, about two months passed. The considerable time difference occurred because, even though I had previously told Henry that, if possible, the train should be in perfect working order the next day, we decided to postpone the inauguration so that both my family and Emi's could be present when the train was finally inaugurated.

These two months were necessary for the construction of two railway stations that would connect my territory to Solaris. Furthermore, the passenger cars, where only passengers would stay, were also completed, after all, it would be strange if passengers shared the space with the engineer.

In case you're wondering what the interior of the train where passengers will be staying is like, it's quite simple. It's basically a cubicle where five to six people can comfortably fit. A table is placed in front of the window to accommodate food if needed. Overall, the design is quite similar to what I had seen in a magazine in my previous life.

Of course, this entire process was kept a secret from Emi and Anna since, if both knew, it wouldn't be a surprise. My parents and Emi's family, excluding herself, were the only ones who knew about it. However, I must confess that it was an extremely challenging month, keeping this secret from Emi was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

Emi becomes strangely sensitive when I try to hide something, and although I almost let slip several times what I had been doing during our time apart, somehow, I managed to keep the secret until the day of the inauguration.

Additionally, I invited my classmates to participate in the inauguration because they also played important roles in the realization of the steam train project. Without their contribution, we would be stuck only in theory, so I thought it was fair to invite them to be part of this moment.

"And then, what do you think?"

I asked as soon as I removed the blindfold that was covering her eyes seconds ago. In response to my question, Emi remained silent, but even so, I could see the gleam in her eyes as she gazed at the steam train in front of her.

"This is..."

Emi murmured as she turned to me. Hearing her words, a smile spread across my face.

"Exactly what you're thinking, this is the final version of the prototype we created in school"

I explained to Emi as I reached out my hand toward hers.

"This is the result of everyone's effort, including yours, Emi. Without you and the others, we probably wouldn't be seeing this now"

Listening to my words, Emi nodded and looked deeply into my eyes.

"Even without our help, I'm sure you would have made it in the end, after all, it's you"

Upon hearing Emi's words, a laugh escaped my lips. Emi could be adorable when she said things like that with a serious look. Plus, whenever she showed how much she trusted me, it felt like my heart might stop at any moment.

"I'm really grateful for your trust, but it would be like ignoring all the hard work you and the others have done to say it would work even without you here. Do you understand that, right?"

I asked as I looked at Emi. Though I wasn't reprimanding, it might have sounded that way, because as soon as she heard my words, Emi's expression became a little sad.

"You're right, I'm sorry"

Hearing Emi's words, I let out a small sigh. Then, I embraced her body, causing her to give a small jump of surprise at my sudden action. Quickly, Emi also surrendered to the hug, hugging me back.

"It's okay, Emi. Sometimes, you tend to downplay yourself when I try to compliment you. I know it can be a bit difficult, but you can take pride in it. What you're seeing here and now, it's thanks to you"

I said as I pulled away from Emi's embrace.

"Besides, you know that almost everything I do is just drafts of the project itself, you helped build the steam train more than you imagine"

I explained to Emi with a smile. Listening to my words, Emi continued to stare into my eyes fixedly, almost as if she were hypnotized by something. Then, seeming to realize what she was doing, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She lowered her head slightly, put on a smile, and squeezed her chest tightly.

"You saying these things... you're really quite the praising husband, aren't you?"

Emi said in a whisper. Her eyes were shining with emotion as she spoke.

"Huh? Did you say something? Sorry, I didn't hear. Can you repeat?"

I asked Emi, leaning in a bit to better hear her whispered words. Hearing what I said, Emi put on a smile as she held my hand, and together, we walked toward the train.

"I just said that you're really the best husband in the world"

Emi said with a smile, which made me smile too.

"Really? That makes me very happy"

I said while blushing a bit. Honestly, this confession made me feel embarrassed but also very happy. Afterward, we got on the train and chatted with our colleagues who were distributed throughout the cabins. Everyone seemed excited, as the result of their efforts was in front of them.

Emi's king, queen, and siblings also came to greet us. Aria couldn't stop talking about the fundraising potential of the steam train, while Asia was extremely excited, eagerly looking forward to her first trip. Of course, I gave them all the instructions I had provided, but honestly, I don't believe they were really paying attention to it.

So, Emi and I headed to our private cabin. The cabin itself was basically the same as the others, but I had made some small modifications and prepared some snacks for this day. A few seconds later, the journey began, and a smile formed on my face as I watched Emi look outside the train with her eyes shining with excitement.