Chapter 97: Journey
Maximiliano I, who had been residing in East Africa, was not inclined to live a leisurely life. Despite his family's concerns in Europe and the possibility of being called back, Maximilian I had a stubborn nature, and he refused to return until he felt that enough time had passed to erase the memory of his return to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Maximilian's current state of mind was akin to Xiang Yu, the ancient Chinese general who chose to commit suicide rather than face his enemies in defeat. He had initially disregarded the advice of his family and decided to pursue his ambitions and values in Mexico, a decision that ultimately led to his imprisonment.
Now, Maximilian I was determined to stay in East Africa for three to five years, or even indefinitely if circumstances permitted. However, he did not wish to cause undue distress to his mother and felt obliged to visit her in Europe eventually.
Despite his recent setbacks and feelings of decadence, Maximilian I remained connected to his family. He regularly sent reassuring letters to his mother and conveyed his regards to his father and brother through Queen Mother Sophie.
In one of his letters to his mother, he wrote, "My dearest daughter, Maximilian I, cannot bring you along at this moment. When I embarked on my journey to Mexico, I had concerns about the conditions and environment there, which were unsuitable for a young child like you. I chose to leave you in Austria, where living conditions and educational opportunities are excellent. Now, as I find myself in exile in East Africa, I cannot impose further hardships on you."
Meanwhile, Queen Carlotta, who was seeking help from European countries, learned of her husband's escape from Mexico and his presence in East Africa. She harbored mixed feelings upon hearing that Queen Mother Sophie had arranged a marriage for their daughter without their consent.
Queen Carlotta was still indignant about this decision, even though she understood that as parents, they had the right to determine their daughter's fate. She remembered that her relationship with Maximilian I had started as a political marriage, but it had evolved into a genuine and passionate love. Queen Carlotta was still Charlotte of Belgium when she first met Maximilian I, and although he was not extraordinary, she had fallen deeply in love with him.
Their union had been unobstructed due to the prominence of the Belgian royal family, and it had been viewed as a perfect marriage in the context of European royalty. However, their shared ambition and high ideals had ultimately entangled them in the quagmire of Mexican politics.
Upon learning that her future son-in-law, Ernst, had played a crucial role in saving Maximilian I, Queen Carlotta's opinion of him improved significantly. She recognized Ernst's exceptional abilities, political acumen, and unwavering dedication to his responsibilities.
Ernst's daring mission to rescue Maximilian I from Mexico, without alerting the Mexican government, was a testament to his courage, wisdom, and sense of responsibility. Queen Carlotta began to appreciate Ernst for his accomplishments and his commitment to her family.
Queen Carlotta was determined to reunite with her husband in East Africa. Despite rumors of East Africa's challenging environment, she believed it would not pose a significant hardship, as she had previously lived in Mexico, which shared similar climatic conditions with East Africa.
In Tanga Port, Maximilian I visited a sisal processing factory and observed the operations with keen interest. He questioned the factory's manager about the scale of the operation, the composition of the workforce, and working conditions.
Maximilian I noted the predominantly Chinese workforce and inquired about the presence of Austro-Hungarian immigrants in the factory. The manager explained that many Austro-Hungarian immigrants preferred farming over industrial work, and therefore, the majority of the workforce consisted of Chinese immigrants.
Maximilian I lamented the absence of Austro-Hungarian immigrants in industrial settings, emphasizing the importance of industrial development for civilization. He believed that all European nations were actively pursuing industrialization, and East Africa should not underestimate its significance.
The manager reassured Maximilian I, explaining that Prince Ernst also recognized the importance of industry and was prioritizing agricultural development as a foundation for future industrial growth. The sisal processing plant in Tanga was specifically established to support the sisal planting industry in East Africa. The manager emphasized the need to lay a solid agricultural foundation before expanding into industry, and he conveyed that the East African government was focused on sisal planting as a key agricultural initiative.