This street was once the bustling heart of Varna, frequented by a multitude of Bulgarian export merchants. These merchants lined the streets, offering goods from across the region. Traders in search of Bulgarian products found this area ideal for purchasing their desired items. However, the once lively street now lay deserted, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. The onset of the Second Balkan War had driven the merchants away, and following the signing of the Bucharest Treaty, many shops bore "For Sale" signs. Most of the Bulgarian businessmen had relocated, seeking better opportunities in Burgas to the south or the Mediterranean port city of Salonika. It was unlikely that they would ever return.
As Anderse strolled along the empty street, he spotted a familiar face and approached to greet him. "Hey, Bolkoff, how many residents have you managed to recruit who are willing to return to Bulgaria?"
Bolkoff, a young man with a delicate appearance, wore glasses that lent him an air of elegance. Dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and a sleeve adorned with a Bulgarian badge, he worked for the local government in Bulgaria. His job was to encourage residents to relocate to territories newly occupied by Bulgaria.
The reason Bolkoff knew Andrekos, a staff member of the Romanian government, traced back to the days of military management in Varna. During that period, public security was robust, as the army maintained strict control and dealt harshly with any criminal activity. However, once Romania dispatched civil officials and the military withdrew, some previously suppressed issues resurfaced. Bolkoff had fallen victim to such circumstances. He had been robbed and left in his underwear when he fortuitously met Andrekos, who swiftly involved the Romanian police. They rescued Bolkoff, retrieved his belongings, and from that incident, a strong friendship formed between the two.
Upon seeing Andrekos, Bolkoff smiled broadly, revealing his white teeth. "We've almost mobilized all the residents we can. Just yesterday, twenty families agreed to move to Macedonia."
Intrigued, Andrekos asked, "So, where will you move next to continue the mobilization?"
"Some of us will move on, but others will stay to keep working here. We're planning to extend our efforts to the countryside," Bolkoff explained, "but I've been assigned to stay in Varna a bit longer to see if more residents are willing to be mobilized."
"That's good news. I wish you success," Andrekos replied.
With a sigh, Bolkoff responded, "Thank you. If it weren't for this dreadful war, we wouldn't be in this situation. It's hard to know whether to be grateful for the opportunities it's presented or to curse it for the losses."
"Let's not dwell on the war then. Let's talk about something else," Andrekos suggested, changing the subject. "I heard that you've expelled the Ottomans and Greeks from the south?"
Speaking in a hushed tone, Bolkoff confided, "Yes, our captain mentioned that. To make space for the Bulgarians we've mobilized, we had no choice but to expel the Ottomans and Greeks."
Anderkos knew more than he could share. He was aware that Bulgaria had expelled approximately half a million Ottomans and Greeks from Macedonia and Thrace. The scale of these actions and the resettlement of Bulgarians in these territories were significant, yet he hesitated to disclose this to Bolkoff, knowing his friend's firm belief in Bulgaria's official stance.
Realizing it was better to leave, Andrekos excused himself. "You seem busy, and my boss needs me now. Let's catch up another day."
"Goodbye, Andrekos. I look forward to our next conversation," Bolkoff replied as Andrekos continued on his way.
Andrekos served as the secretary to Chaks, the mayor of the Varna region, a position he had held since their time in the Buzau region. When Chaks transferred to Varna, Andrekos followed, continuing his role. This position granted him access to sensitive information, which he knew better than to spread indiscriminately.
The Romanian government, following the Bucharest Treaty, had strategically appointed two mayors to manage newly acquired territories, including Chaks in Varna and another named Polquet in the Suman region. The Dobrich and Rousse areas were divided to dilute the concentration of ethnic Bulgarians, a tactic previously employed by a large Eastern country to manage regions with significant ethnic minority populations. This strategy aimed to integrate these areas more smoothly into Romania.
Upon reaching the city hall, a building that once belonged to a patriotic Bulgarian businessman and had been repurposed following its confiscation by Romania, Andrekos was met by a staff member. "The Lord Mayor wants you to see him in his office immediately," the staff member informed him anxiously.
With a nod, Andrekos prepared to meet the mayor, pondering the complex interplay of national interests and personal loyalties that defined his work and friendships in these turbulent times.
"I don't know, but it seems urgent," Miller had said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Prompted by this, Anders quickly made his way toward the mayor's office, situated on the right side of the third floor. The rhythmic tapping of his shoes echoed in the hallway as he approached. "Da~Da~Da."
"Come in," came the familiar voice from inside the office. Anders pushed the door open, and upon entering, he saw Mayor Chaks seated behind his desk, diligently signing documents. Chaks was a man of medium build, with thick eyebrows and large, expressive eyes, his face distinctly marked by strong, angular features that conveyed a natural aura of authority.
"Mayor, you wanted to see me?" Anders inquired softly as he stepped inside.
"Yes, I did," Mayor Chaks replied, setting his pen down and standing to stretch his neck, which had grown stiff from hours of paperwork. "You know Ponokov, don't you?"
Anders was well acquainted with the name. Nitzek Sergei Ponokov was a prominent figure in Varna, the bustling port city where Anders had arrived years ago. Born to a modest family, Ponokov's father owned a small grocery store. Understanding the importance of education, his father had sent him to school early, ensuring his son's future would not be hampered by financial constraints.
Ponokov had excelled in his studies and used the family business to gain valuable commercial experience. His significant leap in status came at the age of 21 when he married the daughter of a wealthy local businessman, securing a dowry of 50,000 levs which he used to kickstart his own ventures. Leveraging Varna's status as Bulgaria's largest port, Ponokov became a successful trader, dealing in Bulgarian goods with international merchants. His reputation for reliability helped him become the leading export trader in Varna, and he later expanded into manufacturing, opening factories that employed nearly a thousand workers.
"Who in Varna doesn't know him? There's talk of the Bulgarian government persuading him to move to Thessaloniki, and I heard he's agreed," Anders relayed his knowledge to the mayor.
Mayor Chaks, appearing satisfied with Anders' briefing, lit a cigar and took a puff. "There's a new development," he said, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"What's the situation?" Anders asked, curiosity piqued.
"Ponokov is now hesitant to move. He claims it's because he's attached to his birthplace," Chaks explained.
Anders, having served as the mayor's secretary and privy to many confidential matters, knew there was likely more to Ponokov's reluctance. "It's probably not just sentimental reasons. He wouldn't want to leave behind his substantial assets here," Anders speculated, aware of the darker aspects of Ponokov's business dealings, including alleged connections to several unsolved murders.
"So, what do you need me to do?" Anders asked, accustomed to the mayor's indirect ways of initiating action.
Chaks's expression turned serious. "I want you to send Mr. Ponokov a message. We don't want him here in Varna anymore."
"Consider it done," Anders responded, understanding the gravity of the task. He knew the Romanian government was keen on diluting Bulgarian influence in newly acquired territories to ease integration, and Ponokov, being a significant Bulgarian industrialist, was naturally a target.
Later, at Ponokov's luxurious manor on Nabis Avenue, the magnate sat deep in thought. The Bulgarian government had been pressuring him to sell his Varna properties and relocate to Macedonia for better opportunities, but the offers for his assets, including his profitable textile factory, were disappointingly low. His son Sardorf, upon entering the room and seeing his father's distress, suggested they refuse to sell and instead rally the workers to protest.
Before Ponokov could respond to his son's radical idea, the butler announced the arrival of Anders, the mayor's secretary. Telling his son to set aside his plans, Ponokov prepared to meet with Anders, curious about the purpose of his visit.
"Hello, Mr. Anders. What brings you here today?" Ponokov greeted him with a polite smile, aware of the influence the mayor's office held.
"There's a matter that requires your support," Anders began, his tone diplomatic. He spun a tale about the Romanian government planning to implement an eight-hour workday starting in Varna, hoping to gauge Ponokov's reaction.
Ponokov, initially puzzled, soon realized the underlying message. The mention of such a progressive labor reform was clearly a veiled threat, given the current ten-hour workdays that were the norm in the region. His face hardened as he asked Anders to confirm he wasn't joking.
"Absolutely not. The plans are being discussed as we speak," Anders lied smoothly, knowing well that the mayor could cover for him if needed.
"I understand," Ponokov said coldly, then abruptly turned and left the room. Anders, unfazed, departed soon after, his mission accomplished.
In the weeks that followed, Ponokov announced his decision to relocate to Thessaloniki, selling all his properties in Varna. His move prompted other Bulgarian businessmen to do the same, allowing the Romanian government to acquire these assets at low prices. This strategic emptying of Bulgarian commercial presence effectively bolstered Romanian economic interests in the region.
As for Anders, he returned to his duties, satisfied with the outcome and the role he played in the intricate political maneuverings of Varna.