Chapter 117: Family Joy
Konstantin nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Listen to me—there's no harm in it. As you gain more life experience, you'll come to understand these things."
He never imagined his son was secretly plotting to meddle in someone else's family affairs...
...
Soon, the carriage stopped at the school district gates—yes, the area was now referred to as a school district.
This year, Ernst had expanded the school zone to accommodate Paraguayan and German orphans.
He hadn't expected Germany to have so many orphans. By now, the Hohenzollern schools had essentially become orphanages.
The total number of orphans in Hohenzollern now neared 20,000, all of whom were taken in by several schools established by the Hohenzollern royal house.
Considering Hohenzollern's total population was only a few tens of thousands, it had effectively become the largest orphanage in all of Germany.
With the influx of Paraguayan orphans, Ernst planned to establish a separate school specifically to teach them German.
Far Eastern orphans at the Hohenzollern Military Academy were mostly older teens, trained primarily as future translators for the colony.
Younger ones attended regular German-language schools.
Currently, Hohenzollern had four schools under construction or expansion, comprising ten completed buildings—mainly classrooms and dormitories.
Older orphans studied at the Military Academy, while the younger ones attended the other three schools.
The Military Academy served as a fast-track secondary school; many of its less academically gifted graduates were directly sent to East Africa.
Earlier cohorts were mostly sixteen or seventeen—teenagers who already looked mature by the era's standards and integrated easily into society and the East African colony.
Now, however, the graduates were getting younger—many were only fifteen or sixteen.
The younger the age, the easier it was to shape their minds, but the longer the investment required. Some orphans were only five or six—Ernst would need to support them for at least ten years.
Younger children were instead placed with families in East Africa, under government stipends and supervision.
...
"Come on, little one. Call me Grandpa, and I'll give you this candy, alright?"
"Grandpa!"
"Ah, good boy!" Konstantin beamed, peeling open the wrapper and handing the treat to the child.
Other children looked on with envy, though some had a hint of nervousness in their eyes, quietly swallowing saliva.
Seeing this, Konstantin's heart melted.
"Kids! If you all call me Grandpa, I'll give you candy too, okay?"
But none dared approach.
Realizing the children were afraid of strangers, Konstantin gently pulled one child over.
"Do you like candy, little one?"
The child shyly nodded.
"If you like candy, then just call me Grandpa and I'll give it to you, okay?"
"Okay." The little one murmured, "Grandpa."
"Good boy!" Konstantin handed him the candy, then turned to the others.
"See? Grandpa keeps his word. If you all call me Grandpa, you'll each get one too!"
"Grandpa! Grandpa…"
Tempted by the sweets, the children finally gave in and chorused together.
Konstantin chuckled as he handed out candies.
This was the lower-grade class at Hohenzollern School—full of five- and six-year-olds.
"Ernst, don't just stand there grinning. Come give me a hand!" Konstantin called out.
"At your command, Father!" Ernst replied with a playful salute and began handing out candy.
...
Hohenzollern Military Academy
"Good morning, Headmaster!"
The Military Academy students were older—about fifteen or sixteen.
They couldn't be treated like the little ones.
"Morning, everyone! First of all, Merry Christmas. I didn't bring any fancy gifts—just some candy. Class leader, please distribute them."
"Thank you, Headmaster!" they replied in unison.
Politeness was a required subject at the Academy. Graciousness was expected.
"Mm," Ernst nodded, satisfied, and exited the classroom to visit the next one.
In reality, Ernst was only a year or two older than most of the students.
But his identity gave him natural authority.
When he taught the Academy's first class, some students were even older than him.
Yet his presence—shaped by two lifetimes and noble training—made him appear like a seasoned adult.
...
After distributing the gifts, the sky had darkened.
It was time for Konstantin and Ernst to return.
As the carriage rolled over cobbled roads, Konstantin said, "Seeing these adorable children reminds me of when you were young—so small, bouncing around like a little monkey.
Back then, I worried you'd be too restless to lead the Hohenzollern house.
But now, you're composed, bold in thought. I can see my worries were misplaced."
"Father, don't worry. I always put the family's interests first. The future of Hohenzollern is bright," Ernst replied.
"I know that. But still, you better give me some fat grandsons with Karina.
Only with strong lineage can a family truly thrive.
That's the lesson of Hohenzollern. Don't repeat our old mistakes.
Look at Europe's greatest houses—when their heirs vanish, they fade into history."
"I understand, Father. You can rest assured," Ernst said solemnly.
Seeing his son take the matter seriously, Konstantin nodded in approval.
At times, he found it hard to believe Ernst was so young.
His mindset was more traditional and rigid than most elders—but Konstantin himself had only become mature in middle age.
Ernst was different. He conversed with peers, but held himself with strict self-discipline and an overwhelming drive for success.
Most young men his age were still playing soldier.
Once off duty, they could be found drinking or dancing in taverns.
Ernst, by contrast, was already building a legacy.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10