African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 645 - 323 Heading to Europe

Having arranged the affairs in East Africa, Ernst prepared to depart for Europe. Before this, he carefully investigated any unstable factors. Currently, East Africa's internal affairs are stable and orderly, with the only noteworthy issue being the civil war in the Orange Free State.

Although the civil war in the Orange Free State does not affect East Africa, the Orange Free State is still a neighboring country. Based on past philosophies, neighborhood relations can be quite tricky, similar to the Far East, where surrounding countries are restless, creating constant disturbances, though they may not cause significant losses, their incessant annoyances can be overwhelming.

Russia also faces similar issues. Russia has always struggled or preferred to violently handle neighborhood relations. Force is indeed a simple and effective means, but Russia often faces setbacks. Fortunately, being a large power, its losses aren't too severe. If Russia showed any signs of weakness, those neighbors would probably have teamed up to devour it by now.

The handling of neighborhood relations in East Africa comes from two main directions: the north and the south.

The northern neighbors get along quite well with East Africa. The three colonial regimes (the Belgian Congo-Brazzaville colony, the Italian East Africa colony, including parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the Sigmaringen royal domain) have East Africa's backing, alongside two traditional countries (Egypt and the Abyssinian Empire).

Even though Egypt is a semi-colony of the British, it has some autonomy and dare not act recklessly for Britain, for East Africa indeed has the capability to wrest the Sultanate region from Egypt.

The southern part consists of the British and the Boer power, apart from the Orange, others are basically in a hostile state.

As for the east and west directions, the remaining Portuguese colonies, vastly annexed by East Africa, are now completely disregarded by East Africa, essentially ready to be devoured at any moment.

In regards to Portugal's large-scale military investment in Mozambique and Angola in recent years, Ernst is not worried and even welcomes it, because East Africa's army also needs a grindstone to keep sharp, especially after the military avoided expanding blindly to maintain combat effectiveness, requiring real battles for training.

"Ernst, when you reach Europe this time, make sure to give us a call and take good care of my granddaughter," said Constantine, holding Princess Jena reluctantly.

Little Friedrich stood by his grandfather, without crying or fussing, still oblivious to his parents leaving for a faraway land.

Austria is indeed far from East Africa. Even in a straight line, it's over three thousand kilometers away, and the nearest East African territory to Austria is the New Bavaria Province (east of the Azande Plateau).

If considering sea routes, the nearest European country to East Africa is Greece. As for Cyprus, it is Ottoman territory, though the Ottomans have leased it to Britain as a base, serving as an essential node in maintaining the sea route between Britain and India.

"Father, once I'm in Austria, we can discuss anything over the phone. Information transmission in Europe is quite advanced now, and this visit to Europe is mainly to see Empress Dowager Sophie and pay a visit to friendly countries. We won't be gone long."

Ernst doesn't plan to stay long in Europe, as there are many affairs in East Africa that require his attention, and being away for too long wouldn't be good.

"Enough with the excess words. While you're in Europe, check on Heixinggen. After all, that's our foundation."

Constantine feels a strong connection to the Principality of Heixinggen, having spent most of his life there. Moreover, Heixinggen is the Land of Dragon's Ascension for the entire Hohenzollern family. After the rise of the Prussian royal family, they even funded the renovation of Hohenzollern Castle. Naturally, Heixinggen holds great importance.

"Father, we're off then!"

"Go ahead."

Karina took the sleeping Princess Jena from Constantine's arms. Ernst knelt before his son, saying, "Friedrich, behave at home and listen to your grandfather."

It's unclear if the little boy understood, but Ernst savored the interaction between father and son. However, thinking about temporarily leaving his father and son made his nose tingle.

"Go, I will take good care of East Africa and Friedrich for you!" Constantine said.

"Goodbye, Father, take care of yourself."

Subsequently, Ernst, along with Karina and Jena, boarded the ship, first heading from the First Town City Port (a small Rhine River port) to Bajamojo City. Then, in Bajamojo City, they would transfer to navy-arranged warships to Europe.

There's a detail within this arrangement: the small Rhine River belongs to the Guard Division's jurisdiction, mainly the army's domain. Therefore, upon arrival in Bajamojo City, the navy takes over the safety of Ernst's party. Yet the naval unit under the Guard Division will also send personnel aboard.

The significant benefit of this arrangement is adding a safeguard to First Town City. Historically, military coups are numerous, mostly involving the army. However, after the rise of maritime power, some countries' navies have become quite formidable.

Especially in countries like Britain, Tsarist Russia, and Japan, which have their capitals located along the coast.

Although East Africa's capital is not far from the sea, there's the small Rhine River waterway connection, so control of the small Rhine River doesn't belong solely to the army or the navy.

Though formally designated as part of the army, the Guard Division is practically an independent royal force, possessing both army and navy units with a complete command and logistics system.

This setup prevents interference in Central Province's defense by the army or navy, forming a stable balance between them and the Guard Division.

...

"Your Highness, this time your flagship is the 'Friedrich,' along with 'Otto,' 'Archduke Ferdinand,' and other escort ships."

"Where's my father-in-law?" Ernst asked, as Ferdinand and Princess Charlotte were also returning to Europe this time.

"The Archduke Ferdinand couple is on the 'Archduke Ferdinand.' Archduke Ferdinand typically favors using it as a command ship, and this time is no different."

Compared to the last voyage from Europe to East Africa, this time Ernst's fleet is much smaller in scale but significantly higher in quality. The previous trip included many armed merchant ships, while this return to Europe features ironclad ships as the escort fleet, greatly enhancing security and reflecting East Africa's national strength development.

"Karina, pay more attention to the temperature changes. Our East African seas are tropical, so it's relatively hot. But Europe is just moving past winter, so it will certainly still be quite cold. Moreover, Europe is in a transition period, so the temperature will change after we arrive," Ernst reminded his wife.

"Got it, the clothes we brought this time are comprehensive, covering all four seasons without issues," said Karina.

This highlights the difference between East Africa and the Eurasian continent. During summer in the northern hemisphere, the journey from East Africa to the Eurasian continent is quite manageable, but it's a different story in winter, which is quite challenging. The current temperature at First Town City is over twenty degrees, nearing thirty, whereas the temperature in Vienna might only be in single digits.