Île du Pétrole – The Island of Black Gold
Patrolum, the main city and port of Île du Pétrole, is proof that even an industry as controversial for nature as oil can drive development and open new opportunities. Despite lingering public fears, rooted in memories of the Energy Crisis, Aimeric Chevalier—the CEO of the Oil Refinery Research Laboratory (LRRP) and newly appointed Baronet of Île du Pétrole—argues that ignoring these issues only entrenches them. He believes that addressing neglected sectors is the only way to improve them.
The LRRP oil port recently expanded, boosting export and transshipment operations for both domestic and international clients. The LRRP refinery complex has attracted capital, new residents, and trade partners to Patrolum, providing the city with a reliable and diligent workforce. This synergy is Chevalier’s main argument: the oil industry can be transformed with the right approach and persistence.
Business Sharks
When finance moguls from Crown Royal arrived in Patrolum, they encountered a simple, hardworking culture and functional city architecture. Wide, clean sidewalks lead through town, and buses run regularly. Buildings have minimalist facades—no elaborate balconies or luxurious shop windows. Newspaper vendors bring the latest news, workers relax in pubs with hearty meals and beer, and royal jazz echoes through the city, inspired by the music of the Grand Ducal Palace.
Although this business meeting involves the LRRP, it doesn’t take place at the refinery complex. Instead, Aimeric Chevalier, the newly appointed Baronet, welcomes guests at the Baronet Hall—an imposing neo-artesian building decorated with elegant columns and a broad pediment, dominating the town square as the island’s central administrative hub. Inside, tall windows cast natural light on marble floors.
Chevalier’s office sits on the top floor, with a panoramic view of Patrolum’s port. His workspace blends modernity with a nautical flair—a map of the two-island archipelago adorns the wall, along with a globe and models of old sailing ships on his desk. His dark mahogany desk is simple yet elegant, as are the shelves filled with books and documents, exuding professionalism that balances functionality with respect for the island’s traditions.
“Welcome—pardon the unusual meeting location, but my new responsibilities in local administration keep me here. Could you remind me of the topic of our discussion?”
Chevalier, with a slight smile, appears absorbed in his work. Although the city hall still needs additional staff to function smoothly, Chevalier prefers not to intertwine business and local administration—the best interests of the company don’t always align with those of the local community.
