Chapter 299: Prediction
In Zanzibar Island, more than a month after the East African government requested the abolition of slavery, an unexpected group of visitors arrived. A British steam merchant ship docked on the island, which wasn't surprising given Zanzibar's strategic location in the Indian Ocean. However, these visitors had a different purpose than trade.
The group disembarked from the British merchant ship and proceeded directly to the port's management site. They inquired if Aimeni, an official of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, was present. Aimeni confirmed his identity, and the group revealed themselves as special envoys of the British Empire, expressing their desire to visit the Sultan of Zanzibar.
Aimeni, realizing the importance of this visit, promptly arranged to inform the Sultan and prepare for the envoys' audience.
Meanwhile, Edward, one of the British envoys, took a keen interest in the surroundings of Zanzibar's port. He noticed changes compared to his previous visit a decade ago, particularly the presence of European flags alongside the Zanzibari flag. Ekaramu, the deputy manager of Zanzibar Port Sudan, explained that these flags represented the Kingdom of East Africa, a friendly state of Zanzibar, and mentioned that Prince Constantine of the Hohenzollern family in Europe ruled this kingdom.
Edward was somewhat amused by the Germans' interest in agriculture, especially given reports of their farming activities in America. He was not particularly interested in the East African kingdom, viewing it as a small and insignificant nation.
Edward also remarked on the improved organization and regularity of the Sultanate of Zanzibar's army, which appeared to have adopted European characteristics. He noted the presence of a well-built fort, contrasting with its previous dilapidated state, and Ekaramu explained that the fort was constructed by the Kingdom of East Africa.
Edward commented sarcastically on Zanzibar's relationship with East Africa, suggesting that Zanzibar had subordinated itself to its "friends." He pointed out that Zanzibar had even entrusted its port's defense to the East Africans.
Ekaramu had no choice but to acknowledge this situation, explaining that Zanzibar had limited options and had to cooperate with East Africa. Any resistance could lead to unfavorable consequences.
Edward further commented on the East African kingdom, expressing his lack of interest and implying that it was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.
Aimeni returned with news of the British envoys' visit and invited them to the Zanzibar Palace. Edward introduced himself and, in a morally righteous tone, criticized the Sultanate of Zanzibar for its involvement in the slave trade. He demanded an immediate end to this practice, claiming it was inhumane and violated freedom.
Little Said, the Sultan of Zanzibar, attempted to clarify the situation, insisting that Zanzibar had already taken steps to abolish slavery and had banned the slave trade a month earlier. He claimed that Zanzibar had actively promoted the abolition of slavery in recent years.
Edward, taken aback by this information, expressed doubt and questioned the sincerity of Zanzibar's efforts.
Little Said assured Edward that Zanzibar had indeed abolished slavery, even offering to show him the legal notices posted around the country. He emphasized that Zanzibar had taken decisive steps to end the slave trade.
As the discussion continued, a commotion at the palace's entrance interrupted their conversation. An individual outside loudly protested, claiming that they would face consequences if they were not allowed to enter. Little Said and Edward were both surprised by the disturbance.
Little Said went to investigate and found Lemons, the East African Minister, at the door. Lemons requested entry to the palace and explained the situation to the guards, who had mistakenly prevented him from entering.
Lemons and Little Said exchanged pleasantries, and Lemons offered to help resolve the situation. Little Said used this opportunity to explain the misunderstanding to Edward.
Lemons suggested that the misunderstanding had arisen due to Edward's good intentions and lack of information about recent developments in Zanzibar. He recommended that Edward accept Zanzibar's commitment to ending the slave trade.
Ultimately, under Lemons' mediation, Edward received a substantial payment in exchange for his information, and the matter was resolved. Edward expressed concerns about Zanzibar's compliance with anti-slavery efforts at sea, to which Little Said assured him that Zanzibar would handle such matters internally.
The situation concluded with Little Said's assurance that Zanzibar had taken significant steps to abolish slavery and the slave trade.