Chapter 195: A Visit
"Yes, Your Highness, you look just as energetic as before. This is Charlotte," Maximilian I said, introducing her to Constantin.
Charlotte greeted Prince Constantin, "Your Highness, hello! Thank you to the Heixingen royal family for all your help."
"Hahaha, no need for such formality; that rascal Ernst is only doing what he's supposed to," Constantin replied with a laugh.
After a bit of polite small talk between Constantin and the imperial couple, the officials of East Africa all came forward to pay their respects.
"Grandfather Constantin!" A young officer saluted Constantin in standard military fashion.
"And you are?"
"Hans Zhang, from Class Six of the second cohort at the Heixingen Military Academy. I'm currently the highest-ranking military officer in Dar es Salaam, under the Heixingen Royal Territory of East Africa. I've met you before, Grandfather Constantin—at that time, you spoke with us," Hans Zhang said.
Hans Zhang was one of those who, together with Felix, had commanded the operation against Zanzibar. Later, Felix was transferred elsewhere, and Hans Zhang remained as the military leader in Dar es Salaam.
"I see! Good—this is how a soldier should be!" Constantin said.
Hearing that Hans Zhang was a graduate of the Heixingen Military Academy, Constantin was no longer surprised at being addressed as "Grandfather." Back then, Ernst had founded the academy, but Constantin spent more time there than Ernst did, given that Ernst was often busy traveling around Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The students at the academy were half-grown kids—mostly orphans—and Constantin had them call him "Grandfather Constantin."
After chatting for a while, Constantin dismissed the crowd, as he was a bit tired from just disembarking.
"Your Highness the Archduke, I'll trouble you for a while," Constantin said to Maximilian I.
"My wife and I are truly the guests here in East Africa. We should be thanking you, the real master of this place. I do happen to have a few matters to discuss with you," Maximilian I replied.
Staff members had already informed Constantin of his accommodations in Dar es Salaam—namely, the former palace of the Zanzibar Sultanate in Dar es Salaam. Given Maximilian I's status, still retaining an imperial title, only the Dar es Salaam Palace could properly match him in East Africa. After major renovations by the East African government, that palace now had a bit of a German palace's cultural atmosphere.
Constantin was about to ask what advice Maximilian I had, when Maximilian I added, "But these are small matters. You must be tired after sailing all the way here from Europe, so it's best if you rest in your residence for a few days first. We can talk later."
"Very well. I did bring quite a few people with me, so I need to arrange accommodations for them," Constantin replied.
At that moment, an East African official who had stayed behind said, "Your Highness Prince, there's no need to worry about such small matters. His Highness Ernst already sent instructions by telegram. We've prepared quarters near the Dar es Salaam Palace for everyone, along with all the basic living necessities. Meals can be handled at the canteen."
"That rascal—he certainly made all the arrangements for me," Constantin said cheerfully.
…
May 23, 1869.
Sigmaringen.
Just a few days before Prince Constantin arrived in East Africa.
"Your Highness Ernst, welcome!" Butler Schneider said amiably as Ernst walked in.
"Mr. Schneider, is Uncle Karl at home?"
"His Highness the Prince is receiving a guest in the reception hall. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while, Your Highness. If there's something urgent, I can report it," Schneider said.
"No hurry. I'll walk around the castle a bit. When Uncle Karl is done, come find me," Ernst replied.
"Understood, Your Highness. Would you like me to arrange a servant to accompany you?" Schneider offered.
"I'm just wandering around; I know this place well enough. No need to bother. If you have work to do, please go ahead," Ernst told Schneider.
Hearing this, Schneider said no more; he didn't worry about Ernst doing anything inappropriate, since Ernst had come here often. Sigmaringen Castle, the residence of Prince Karl Anton, felt more ancient than the recently renovated Hohenzollern Castle. Inside were extensive collections of weaponry, hunting trophies, and murals, richly decorated to showcase the power and wealth of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family.
Strolling about the castle, Ernst gradually recaptured memories of his childhood. With the two families so close in both distance and kinship, they had visited each other frequently. Constantin often brought little Ernst here, back before Ernst's memories of a past life had awakened. Revisiting Sigmaringen Castle now, Ernst felt entirely different. In his childhood, he'd only focused on playing and never really noticed its scenery or culture.
He climbed the watchtower, from which all of Sigmaringen was visible. Unlike Hohenzollern Castle, which was set away from the town of Heixingen, Sigmaringen Castle stood in proximity to the local population. Built on the south bank of the Danube, the city of Sigmaringen was encircled on three sides by the river, much like how the Seine encloses Paris. In medieval Europe, such a location was prime for easy defense. He saw numerous fortifications—Sigmaringen Castle among them. Hohenzollern Castle, perched on a (modestly elevated) mount amidst forestland, was rather solitary, whereas Sigmaringen included a cluster of castles and was surrounded by residential areas.
He wasn't sure how long he spent wandering…
"Your Highness Ernst, the Prince has seen off his guest and is waiting for you in the reception hall," Schneider announced, having come to find him.
"Alright, I'm on my way," Ernst replied.
Descending the spiral staircase and crossing the corridor, Ernst entered the reception hall. Prince Karl sat on the sofa.
"Ernst, you sure don't come here often these days. Ever since you went to Berlin for your studies, your visits have really tapered off," Prince Karl said with a laugh.
"Uncle Karl, people have to grow up. Besides, I've been tied down by a mountain of work; believe me, I'd love to go back to those carefree childhood days," Ernst replied.
"It seems all of your generation is grown now. Leopold is serving in the military, Carol has become a king, and you've got your own plans for life," Prince Karl Anton mused.
"That's thanks to your excellent tutelage, Uncle Karl. Otherwise, my two cousins wouldn't be so successful," Ernst praised him.
"Hahaha, it was luck. Those two might be decent enough, but it's largely a matter of timing," Prince Karl Anton said with a grin. It was hardly untrue: he himself had been a de facto king at one point, served as Prussian prime minister and army chief—clearly a man of great ability.
"So tell me, what brings you here today? Need help with something?" Prince Karl asked.
"Uncle Karl, you saw through me right away!" Ernst said.
"Heh, from the moment you walked in, I sensed no good news. Out with it—what do you want me to take care of?" Prince Karl Anton asked.
Ever since Prince Constantin had entrusted Ernst to Prince Karl Anton's care, Karl Anton had done his best, but helping each other was routine between their two families. Ernst wasn't shy about it—no point in wasting a valuable connection.
"Uncle Karl, I know you have wide reach, so I came to ask you for details about how the railway business stands across all of Germany," Ernst said.
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