Chapter 84: Message
The ship carrying Maximilian I and the Hechingen Military Academy students passed through the Far East and eventually arrived at the port of Mombasa in East Africa.
Through telegrams sent from East Africa to Europe, Ernst received the news of Maximilian I's successful rescue. However, to everyone's surprise, Maximilian I refused to return to Europe and insisted on staying in the East African colonies. He even sent a telegram to Ernst, urging him not to disclose his whereabouts to the Habsburg family.
Ernst, grateful for Maximilian I's safety, promptly notified Queen Sophie of the good news. In Europe, many royal leaders had requested that Juarez spare Maximilian I's life, but despite international appeals, Juarez remained determined to execute him.
Ernst had managed to extract Maximilian I from the turbulent quagmire of Mexico using a straightforward approach. Given the chaotic state of Mexico, its low administrative efficiency, and the presence of various warlords, the rescue operation was conducted swiftly and effectively.
Queen Sophie was relieved upon learning of her son's safety, but the Mexican government had kept the kidnapping a secret, and no other country was aware that Maximilian I had been abducted before he arrived in East Africa.
Franz expressed regret for not thinking of using mercenaries to rescue Maximilian I. However, Ernst explained that mercenaries wouldn't have been suitable for such a critical mission, as they could easily be swayed when things went wrong. Loyalty and unwavering commitment were essential, which was why Hechingen Military Academy students were chosen for the operation.
Ernst had personally selected and trained a group of students for several months, ensuring their loyalty and patriotism. With their unwavering loyalty to him and the Hechingen royal family, the students successfully carried out the rescue mission at the last moment.
Ernst and his advisors discussed how rigid both Juarez and Maximilian I had been. Juarez was willing to execute a monarch regardless of international opinion, while Maximilian I would rather die than rule over a problematic and terminally ill Mexico. It was a situation where both sides were inflexible.
Ernst believed that Juarez had made a grave mistake by disregarding the intervention of European countries and alienating European monarchs. He also considered the United States a significant factor, as they had always been wary of Mexico and had sent aid to Juarez during the civil war.
The group pondered Maximilian I's motivation for accepting the role of Emperor in Mexico, considering the country's weaknesses and the threat posed by the United States. However, Maximilian I's liberal ideals seemed at odds with his decision to rule in Mexico.
Ernst couldn't help but draw a parallel between Maximilian I and Crown Prince Rudolf, who had also held liberal beliefs and was disinterested in the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was a reminder of the complexities within royal families and the importance of education.
As Ernst looked at young Princess Karina, he hoped that her upbringing would be different from that of Rudolf and Maximilian I, thanks to Queen Mother Sophie's guidance.
(End of Chapter 84)