Chapter 50: The Dot‑Com Boom – 1998–1999
While Asia recovered, another revolution was taking place in the digital world. The internet was no longer a curiosity; it was a phenomenon. Stock prices of technology companies soared to unimaginable heights. Zeelandia, with its advanced infrastructure and tech‑savvy population, was at the center of the boom.
In March 1998, OmniSoft became the first Zeelandian company to reach a market capitalization of $500 billion. Pieter van Dijk and Hendrik de Wit, the co‑founders, rang the opening bell at the Koningstad International Exchange (KIX). Helena de Vries, the KIX chair, watched with satisfaction.
"We have created something extraordinary," she said.
But not everyone was celebrating. Cornelis van der Berg VII, the central bank governor, warned of a bubble. "These valuations are based on dreams, not profits. When the dreams end, there will be a crash."
Adrian, now ninety‑eight, invited the young technology leaders to the palace for a private dinner. The guest list included Pieter van Dijk, Hendrik de Wit, Lucas van der Heijden (founder of StreamSphere), Thomas Berg (founder of Starlight Interactive), and Dr. Sarah van Dijk (inventor of the OmniWeb browser).
"You have built companies that are changing the world," Adrian said. "But I have seen booms and busts before. Be careful. Do not confuse luck with genius."
Pieter van Dijk smiled. "Your Majesty, we are not lucky. We are good."
Hendrik de Wit added, "And we are not going anywhere. Zeelandia is our home. We will build for the long term."
The dinner was cordial, but Adrian's warning lingered. In the summer of 1999, the KIX index reached its peak. Then, in March 2000, the bubble burst. Technology stocks collapsed. Zeelandian companies lost trillions in market value.
But the kingdom weathered the storm. The Future Trust had diversified its holdings, avoiding the worst losses. OmniSoft, StreamSphere, and Starlight Interactive had real revenues and profits; they survived while many American startups failed.
In December 1999, Adrian celebrated his ninety‑ninth birthday. The world was preparing for the new millennium. Zeelandia was hosting the largest New Year's Eve celebration in its history.
Princess Ingrid sat beside her father as the fireworks lit up the sky over Koningstad. "You have seen so much," she said. "Two world wars, the nuclear age, the digital revolution. What will the next century bring?"
Adrian looked out over the city. "I do not know, Ingrid. But Zeelandia will be ready."
The new millennium arrived with hope and uncertainty. The kingdom that Cornelius Van der Berg had bought for a handful of guilders was now a superpower, respected and feared. And its king, now a century old, prepared to enter his final years.