Chapter 190: Farewells and Instructions
"Your Highness, this urgent report has arrived from East Africa!" a staff member from the telegraph office brought the latest dated telegram to Ernst's desk.
Ernst took it and read:
"March 1869, Mbeya City. Personnel official Becker and military commander Merck have traveled on a diplomatic mission… The Yeke Kingdom is essentially secured; some parts of it have been swallowed by nearby tribal forces. –Signed by your student, Chief of the General Staff of the East African Army, Siweite."
"Good, that's truly impressive! I didn't expect to see diplomatic talents surfacing so quickly. Tom, what do you think I should do to reward this Becker?" Ernst asked Tom.
"Your Highness, Mr. Becker was born in the Warthe region of Prussia. He served in the royal army and later retired to join your East African colonial ventures. To be frank, Mr. Becker isn't young anymore—he probably won't remain in East Africa for much longer. Perhaps it's best to award him and his family two substantial bonuses, divided into separate sums deposited in accounts at the Heixingen Bank," Tom suggested.
"Never mind that for now—why split them into two accounts?" Ernst asked, puzzled.
"Sir, people's circumstances vary. Mr. Becker has been serving East Africa for years, separated from his family; in truth, we know little about his family situation. So if we split the bonus into two separate accounts, it offers him some security in the future," Tom explained.
After listening, Ernst fell silent. He leaned back in his chair, gazing up at the light, blinking slowly.
"Good thinking, Tom. Family matters are complicated, and not everyone enjoys a harmonious home life. Back then, the first group of people who headed to East Africa might well have done so to escape their families or because they couldn't adjust to post-military life. Regardless, they've all risked their lives for the Heixingen royal family. We can't just ignore them in their old age.
So go ahead and gather some data on the first batch of mercenaries. Check whether anything's changed in their family circumstances. For those in difficult straits, note them down. I'll come up with a plan to help later," Ernst instructed.
"Yes, Your Highness," Tom replied.
…
"Father, this is the captain of your personal guard, Anderson. He and his men will be responsible for your safety on the journey.
Once you arrive in East Africa, you should stay in Dar es Salaam for a while to get used to the climate. My in-laws live there, so if you're inclined, you can pay them a visit.
When you've adapted to the local conditions, you can head to First Town. By that time, I expect construction on Wester Palace there will be finished. If there's anything you don't understand, you can send me a telegraph. The line from First Town can connect directly back here.
…"
Ernst rattled off instructions without pause.
"Alright, alright, I've got it. If there's something I'm unsure about, I'll just telegram you—no need to nag me with all these details," Prince Constantin said impatiently.
"Well, I'm only concerned about you…"
"Enough. Hurry up and load my things onto the ship. I've been through rough seas of all sorts in my life; I don't need you lecturing me," Constantin retorted.
Their vessel, named "Ping'an""Ping'an" ("Peace"), had a simple, unadorned title. At present, it was the largest ship under the Heixingen banner, exceptionally stable at sea and equipped with a steam engine system allowing it to maintain steady progress even when there was no wind. Originally intended as a merchant ship for carrying cargo, in practice it carried both passengers and freight. It was also the mainstay for transporting East African immigrants.
Ernst temporarily pulled "Ping'an" from service, and after about ten days of refitting, the ship's interior had been refurbished. Its facilities were now fully equipped. To improve maritime defenses and avert pirate raids, Ernst had hired a Dutch expert to upgrade the ship's defensive systems. In addition, three fully armed vessels would escort it.
As a merchant vessel typically used for immigrants and cargo, it offered ample space. This time, besides sailors and security personnel, only a small number of Prince Constantin's trusted retainers and servants would live on board.
"The accommodations on this ship aren't bad. If only we weren't adrift at sea, it might rival the estate where I usually reside," Constantin remarked, settling onto the sofa in his private cabin.
"Father, don't speak too soon. You'll be at sea for at least a month. Then you'll see how dull it can get," Ernst warned.
"A month will pass quickly enough. It won't be like you say," Constantin insisted.
"Fine. I've prepared plenty of drinks, beverages, and different foods for you. Because there aren't many people on board, the supplies of provisions and fresh water are quite ample.
In your study, there are five entire bookcases for you to pass the time. I also set up a game room. If you get bored, you can play cards or chess with the attendants…" Ernst enumerated the onboard amenities.
"Alright, I get it. You don't need to tell me every small detail. Keno will arrange whatever's necessary. You don't need to fret.
As for you—once I'm gone, you'll have your own duties. Keep close ties with the Prussian royal family. I won't be here to handle your connections myself. If you run into something you can't resolve, remember to see your Uncle Karl. He was once both Prime Minister of Prussia and the Kingdom's Army Chief Commander. Though he's since retired, he still wields great influence, and with his backing, even Wilhelm I and Bismarck will show you, a young fellow, some respect," Constantin concluded, effectively entrusting Ernst to Prince Karl Anton for the duration of his stay in Prussia.
After Sigmaringen merged into Prussia, Prince Karl Anton had initially worked in the foreign ministry. From 1858 to 1862, he served as Prussian Prime Minister and Army Chief Commander. When the old king died and Wilhelm I ascended the throne, Karl Prince stepped down. After all, "a new sovereign always brings new officials," and Wilhelm I, ambitious to strengthen Prussian military power, clashed with Karl Prince's conservative stance—particularly regarding opposition to expanding the Prussian army.
Another factor was that Karl Prince was a friend of Napoleon III, attaching great importance to Franco-Prussian relations. This was also why Napoleon III had supported Carol I's appointment as King of Romania. Heixingen and Sigmaringen had both been part of Napoleon's Confederation of the Rhine, sharing multiple ties to France. Sigmaringen, however, had far deeper connections to France than Heixingen, especially since Constantin had long since withdrawn from politics.
From today's vantage point, Wilhelm I and his new government had indeed brought immense change to Prussia. A series of wars allowed Prussia to swallow much of Northern Germany. Still, Wilhelm I continued to respect Prince Karl—partly because he'd been a major figure under Wilhelm's father, and partly because they belonged to the same extended family. The current prime minister, Bismarck, had once worked under Karl Prince, and Karl's influence in the army remained strong. Both of his sons had served in the Prussian forces, and Leopold still held a position of real power in the military. This reflected the standing of the Sigmaringen royal family within Prussia.
All these details showed that, despite controlling East Africa and Alaska, Heixingen could not compete with Sigmaringen in Europe. In the European mindset, a throne in Romania outweighed any potential overseas colony.
Ernst, for his part, had to admit that if there were an existing throne to inherit, he would likely choose Romania too. Its conditions were truly excellent. Looking at Romania's historical development, it had several windows of opportunity; used wisely, the country could have become a notable power, or at worst remained an important nation in Europe.
Africa, by contrast, offered immense potential but lacked any proven blueprint. Everything depended on Ernst's own efforts in this world—a path full of risks and opportunities. Nonetheless, Heixingen had staked its future on overseas colonial expansion, and whether that gamble would pay off remained uncertain. The fates of the two royal families were yet to be written.
Whatever their futures, it wouldn't change the fact that Heixingen and Sigmaringen shared close bonds. In Europe, they were not only near relatives but also tight political allies. With Prince Karl's support, Ernst could still hold his own in the Prussian kingdom.
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