Chapter 1: Traveling
February 24, 1862, Germany.
Late at night, the inebriated stars cast a faint light upon the cold, black sky.
Our perspective shifts to the south of Germany. A brisk winter wind rustles the branches and leaves of the street trees in the ancient city of Heisingen. The street lamps, colored like weathered wood, cast their light and shadows, revealing the dark blue stone slabs beneath. Pedestrians on the streets seem solitary, and eerie echoes emanate from the obscure alleyways.
From the scattered houses' windows on both sides of the street, faint murmurs can be heard.
The inhabitants of Hexingen savor their evening meals. Candlelight dances within the dark, aged wooden window frames, akin to graceful, natural performers.
As we continue down the road, leaving the bustling streets behind, a path leading out of the city suddenly unfolds. Along this low incline, a lavishly adorned carriage makes its gradual exit from the city, embarking on the road that leads into the distance. Ascending the hill, an imposing castle stands resolute.
Soon, the carriage arrives at the castle gates. The guards, armed with muskets, open the city gate upon recognizing the visitor, allowing the carriage to pass through.
The person inside the carriage is none other than the ruler of the Hechingen region, Prince Constantine of the Kingdom of Prussia.
Hexingen, once a small southeastern German state and the birthplace of the Hohenzollern family, now falls under the jurisdiction of the Hohenzollern province within Prussia.
The proponent of Hexingen's union with the Kingdom of Prussia was Prince Constantine, whose full name was Constantine von Hohenzollern.
Fatigued after a long day, Prince Constantine has finally returned home and is on the verge of retiring to his chambers.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echo through the corridor, and it's the elderly housekeeper, Kano.
"Master, something dreadful has occurred!" Kano exclaims breathlessly upon entering.
"What's the matter, Kano? Calm down and tell me slowly," Constantine responds calmly.
"His Royal Highness collapsed while riding his horse today, and the doctor is currently assessing his condition, sir. You should come and see!" Kano explains urgently.
At the news of his son's condition, Constantine's facade of authority crumbles, overwhelmed by concern. Ignoring his own exhaustion, he promptly follows the butler to his son's bedroom.
Domestic servants stand waiting outside the door, their breaths held in anticipation of their master's arrival.
Constantine enters the room, his eyes fixed on his son, Ernst, who lies on the bed.
Upon seeing Ernst, who has regained consciousness, unharmed, Constantine breathes a sigh of relief. He turns to the attending doctor and inquires, "Doctor, what is the situation?"
The doctor, maintaining an air of respect, replies, "Your Excellency, at present, the prince appears to be in stable condition. However, the cause of his fainting remains uncertain, likely due to exhaustion. We should question His Royal Highness further."
Approaching the bedside, Constantine takes his son's young hand and asks, "Ernst, how are you feeling?"
Ernst, feeling somewhat disoriented and his mind a bit clouded, responds softly, "Father, I feel a bit confused in my head and still somewhat faint."
"Do you remember who I am?" Constantine inquires eagerly.
"Of course, Father. It might be the aftereffects of my fainting spell, but there should be no cause for concern," Ernst assures.
Constantine then looks to the doctor, who respectfully adds, "Your Excellency, please do not worry excessively. The prince has been in good health, and we have examined him thoroughly. He should rest now, and we will closely monitor his condition."
Observing the darkening sky outside the window, Constantine decides, "Very well, all of you may leave. Let the prince rest undisturbed."
With that, everyone quietly exits the room, and the old butler closes the door. Constantine, now alone with his thoughts, realizes that he is drenched in cold sweat. He clasps his hands together and whispers, "Thank you, Lord, for sheltering us."
Ernst, as the sole heir of the Heixing lineage of the Hohenzollern family, has held a special place in Constantine's heart since birth.
Constantine only became a father at the age of fifty, and shortly after Ernst's birth, his wife, Eugenie de Beauharnay, succumbed to illness, leaving Constantine to cherish his son dearly.
In history, Constantine had no heirs. However, with Ernst's birth, the course of history has been altered, and new branches have sprouted from the family tree.
In this moment, Ernst dare not breathe a word, lying in his bed as though hiding his head in the sand. Only he knows that he is, in fact, a time traveler. Today, his awakening of memories from a previous life caused him to faint. In his past life, he was a "homelander."
Ernst has spent twelve years in this place, only realizing today that he is a time traveler. Is this the commencement of a new life? It feels akin to Zhuang Zhou's dream of a butterfly.
Fortunately, the knowledge and common sense acquired in his past life cannot deceive him. Coupled with historical evidence, such as the demise of Napoleon the Great and the evolving German Confederation, the growing Prussian Empire, and the formidable Austrian Empire, along with his identity as a member of the Hohenzollern family.
Speaking of the Hohenzollern family, they are renowned, but the Ernst lineage differs slightly from the illustrious Hohenzollerns of Brandenburg, Prussia. Ernst's family represents a young branch of the Hohenzollern family, located in the southwest of Germany, much like the nearby Swabian branch, Sigmaringen. This historical lineage remains a vital part of Ernst's education.
Historically, this branch of the family was involved in schemes for the Spanish throne and would later become Romanian emperors. To the casual observer, Ernst's family, apart from their own lineage, was intertwined with prominent names that fill the pages of history books.
As for why there's no mention of Hexingen Hohenzollern in history, it's because, historically, the Hechingen line became extinct. However, Ernst's arrival has rewritten history.
While Ernst is still sorting through his memories, Constantine regains his composure and urgently inquires, "Are you feeling better, Ernst?"
"Yes, Father, I would like to rest and recover," Ernst responds, feigning calmness.
"It's a relief that you're well. You will inherit the title one day. Don't burden yourself with too much pressure. It's alright if you spend your life in leisure. I don't expect you to excel, but you must grow up healthy, rest well, eat wholesome meals, and avoid the extravagance of some prodigals and dandies..."
Constantine offers advice before surrendering to exhaustion. He tucks Ernst into his bed, instructs him to rest, and advises him to summon