Chapter 188: Wester Palace
"Since your mind is made up, I won't try to stop you any longer. Still, if anything happens over there, send word to us as soon as possible. Here in Germany, I'll keep an eye on things for you," Prince Karl Anton said.
"Thank you, Karl," Constantin replied gratefully.
"Hmph, we've been close since childhood, our two families weathering hardships together, always aligned in strategy. To be honest, Karl has really distinguished himself—he's now King of Romania, and Leopold has a decent shot at the Spanish throne. Before long, Sigmaringen might truly flourish around here.
Though Ernst is still quite young, he's got an extensive enterprise; the younger generation is all out forging their paths. In time, once we grow old, Heixingen and Sigmaringen will likely both become mere place names of Prussia." Prince Karl Anton sighed.
"Yes, indeed. For young people, Heixingen and Sigmaringen feel too small. Europe is where their future lies," Constantin remarked.
…
First Town, city center.
In the reserved plaza, a construction site had sprung up. Fischer, who had performed excellently in the Dar es Salaam Port renovation project, was transferred by the First Town government from Dar es Salaam to work here.
At that moment, Fischer stood in the central plaza of First Town, directing the workers.
Ever since the Central District was established, First Town had, for the first time in official East African documents, been clearly designated as the political center of the East African Royal Territory.
Accordingly, a large number of East African government bodies were set up here. First Town became a political hub partly because it was the very first piece of the East African colony.
But Ernst had his own reasons for making First Town East Africa's political center. Strictly speaking, Dar es Salaam was better positioned for transportation—historically, German East Africa had headquartered in Dar es Salaam, a convenient location for contact with the motherland and with strong potential thanks to sea routes.
However, the real Heixingen was now part of Prussia, and Alaska—its icebound land—remained largely unused, while Ernst's East African colony had effectively become the true home of Heixingen.
Dar es Salaam, on the coast, had no navy to protect it, only a shore defense system of cannons. In other words, although they could prevent an enemy from landing, enemy ship cannons could still strike Dar es Salaam. By contrast, First Town's inland location offered a buffer from the sea—safer overall. East Africa might be weak at sea, but on land it was on home turf. First Town also connected Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo, so its transportation wasn't too bad.
"We've got one month to complete the main structure. His Highness places great importance on this. Don't be careless or fall behind schedule," Fischer told the workers.
"Mr. Fischer, does this mean His Highness will come to East Africa in person?" one worker asked.
Fischer shook his head. "I'm not sure. The document only says that an important member of the royal family will stay here, so we have to work around the clock to finish the palace."
"Mr. Fischer, do all European kings live in palaces like this? In my whole life, I've never seen a building so luxurious, with such a vast footprint and all these carvings, plus that fountain and garden…" asked an immigrant from the Far East.
"A palace, hmm! I have seen one, actually. My hometown is Stuttgart, the capital of the Kingdom of Württemberg. Even the mansions of the wealthy and nobility there are extremely lavish, and Stuttgart is much bigger than First Town. The royal palace is some distance from the city center.
Once, I had the good fortune to join an old architect to do renovation work on it. The palace we're building now is modest in comparison—like a novice compared to a master—and is merely grander than the typical city buildings," Fischer recalled.
The temporary palace Ernst planned in First Town could hardly compare to Ludwigsburg Palace in the Kingdom of Württemberg. First Town was relatively small in East Africa, more refined, and served administrative rather than economic purposes.
What's more, while First Town was East Africa's capital at present, that might change in the future. With East Africa's territory continuing to shift, even Ernst didn't know how far its reach might extend. Hence, First Town's status as capital was hardly secure.
Spending a fortune on a palace here wasn't very practical, but the Heixingen royal family had to maintain appearances; it couldn't be too shabby.
"Ah, Mr. Fischer, from what you're saying, the palace for Prince Constantin and His Highness Ernst is still no match for that Württemberg palace you speak of?"
The colonial immigrants all knew Heixingen and their homeland, but Württemberg, where Fischer hailed from, was completely foreign to them. Some even found it hard to believe that the palace they were building for the Heixingen royal family was smaller and less magnificent than the one in Württemberg.
In their eyes, East Africa was already the mightiest, wealthiest place they had ever seen, and so the Heixingen royal family must be strong and flawless—after all, they owned the entire East Africa.
"That's not quite it. I've heard from colleagues about the Heixingen palace, called Hohenzollern Castle. A few years back, some of them helped renovate it. Hohenzollern Castle ranks among the best in Europe, and it's supposedly a symbol of the entire Hohenzollern family," Fischer said.
"How does it compare with that Württemberg palace?" asked a worker innocently.
"It can't really be compared, at least in terms of status. The Hohenzollern family is the most powerful in the German region, and the Heixingen royal family is part of the Hohenzollerns," Fischer replied, reluctant to spoil the immigrant's illusions.
Ludwigsburg Palace and Hohenzollern Castle might differ in some ways but were roughly on par overall—each had its strengths. Yet many immigrants felt deep gratitude to the Heixingen royal family.
To most settlers, Ernst was practically a savior, especially for those who had teetered between hell and life on earth. Developing East Africa gave them a chance to survive.
"That's what I thought! The Heixingen royal family is so kind and compassionate, they deserve good fortune, and they truly ought to be Germany's foremost family," one immigrant commented.
"Still, Mr. Fischer, why don't Prince Constantin and His Highness Ernst build a big castle right here in First Town? Not too big—just like that Hohenzollern Castle you mentioned. This so-called Wester Palace doesn't seem grand enough for the Heixingen royal family," another worker said.
Fischer nearly lost his composure.
What do you mean "just enough"? Wester Palace might be smaller than some grand European palaces, but within East Africa, it was the height of opulence. It would far surpass the former Zanzibari palace at Dar es Salaam, and in Europe it would still eclipse the palaces of some minor states.
East African immigrants certainly dared to dream, but most of these workers were farmers turned temporary laborers, with little education or experience. Their comments were understandable.
So Fischer explained, "A palace isn't necessarily better for being larger, especially for the Heixingen royal family. Consider that they already have such a massive palace in the German lands— they've seen it all. You know how people around here say your former emperor used a golden hoe? Gold probably doesn't mean much to an emperor.
Perhaps the Heixingen royal family is just the same. Having lived in huge palaces, they might want something a bit smaller this time around. Wouldn't you say that makes sense?"
Fischer tried to keep his explanation simple and relatable. In fact, Ernst would have preferred something bigger, but the problem was a lack of funds. If he'd had sufficient resources, he would definitely make it bigger. When it came to material comforts, Ernst never shortchanged himself, especially since this newly planned Wester Palace would likely be the Heixingen royal family's main residence for quite some time.
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