Chapter 187: West Palace
Prince Karl Anton of Sigmaringen had accepted Prince Constantine's decision to go to East Africa and offered his support. The two families had shared close ties for generations, and they both saw opportunities in their respective territories.
Prince Constantine emphasized that Hechingen and Sigmaringen, though small, had the potential for greatness in Europe. He also believed that young leaders like his son Ernst would need to make their mark on the European stage.
In the first town, construction was in full swing, led by Fisher, who had been transferred from Dar es Salaam due to his excellent work on the port reconstruction project. The first town was becoming the political center of East Africa, housing numerous government agencies. It was designated as the official capital of the colony.
The construction work in the central square of the first town was underway. Fisher and the workers were busy erecting buildings and other structures. The goal was to complete the main body of the construction within a month, as it was expected to be the residence for important members of the Hexingen royal family.
Workers, many of whom were colonial immigrants, were amazed by the luxurious scale of the construction. They marveled at the intricate architectural details, gardens, and fountains, which were unlike anything they had seen before.
One worker inquired if all European kings lived in such palatial residences. Fisher explained that the size and grandeur of palaces varied, and he shared his experience visiting the Palace of Württemberg in Stuttgart, emphasizing its opulence.
The workers were incredulous, assuming that the Hexingen royal family's palace would be grander than anything else. Fisher clarified that while the palace in the first town would be impressive, it wouldn't compare to some European palaces.
One worker asked how the Hexingen royal family's palace compared to the Palace of Württemberg. Fisher explained that the Palace of Württemberg was indeed grand, but that each palace had its own unique characteristics. He didn't want to burst their illusion of the Hexingen royal family's splendor.
Most immigrants regarded East Africa and the Hexingen royal family with gratitude, as Ernst's development of the region had provided them with opportunities and a means of survival. They admired the royal family and considered them benevolent leaders.
One worker suggested that Prince Constantine and Prince Ernst should build a larger palace in the first town, similar to Hohenzollern Castle. Fisher was surprised by the suggestion, as the West Palace they were constructing was already significant for East Africa.
Fisher tried to explain that the larger and more magnificent the palace, the better, especially for the Hexingen royal family. He compared it to the Emperor using a golden shovel to dig the ground, signifying the abundance of resources at his disposal.
Fisher's explanations aimed to help the immigrant workers understand the significance of the West Palace. In reality, Ernst would have loved to build a larger palace, but budget constraints were a limiting factor. He desired a grand palace as a symbolic foothold for the Hexingen royal family in East Africa.