Chapter 192: Conversation between Husband and Wife
In Dar es Salaam, a rare gathering of the garrison had attracted the attention of the locals. Residents like Miller and Schultz were curious about the unusual military presence.
Inside a beer hall, Miller and Schultz speculated about the reason behind the organized gathering of the garrison. Miller believed that important people or events might be taking place in East Africa, while Schultz noted the absence of immigrant ships that day.
As they discussed this, a luxurious carriage passed by on the stone road, drawing their attention. This carriage, guarded by special personnel, belonged to Maximilian I and Queen Carlotta, who had settled in Dar es Salaam. Maximilian I had initially planned to travel around East Africa but had delayed his journey indefinitely after Queen Carlotta arrived.
Queen Carlotta asked her husband about Prince Constantine's visit to East Africa and how he could endure the rough sea at his age. Maximilian I explained that Prince Constantine was in East Africa to support the development of the Hexingen royal family's overseas colonies, as their opportunities for advancement in Europe were limited. He admired Ernst's vision and the potential of East Africa, contrasting it with his experiences governing Mexico.
Maximilian I wondered why Africa had not developed any civilization despite its potential, especially when compared to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. He couldn't understand why African natives hadn't achieved more, given the favorable conditions in East Africa.
Their conversation touched on factors like geographical location, climate, diseases, and wars that might have hindered development in Africa, but Ernst's success in East Africa demonstrated that these factors could be overcome. The East African colony had shown that the region's geography was advantageous, and immigrants from Europe and the Far East had adapted to the climate and environment. Despite the challenges of diseases and wars, East Africa was thriving and constantly expanding.