Empire Rising: Spain

In early June 1874, Expedition Commander Medino set foot on the port of Spain, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia.

Although he was Italian, he greatly missed his residence in Spain after nearly four years of exploration in Africa.

Upon reaching Madrid by train, Medino didn’t have much time to return to his house, nor did he have time to catch up with his younger brother Giotto.

He went straight into the Madrid Royal Palace to report to Carlo the achievements and various discoveries of the past four years of exploration.

Carlo was quite delighted to see Medino after four years. “Medino, welcome back to Spain. Your exploration over these years has been quite laborious. I will never forget your contributions; you and Anthony are both contributors to this discovery of new lands.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Medino nodded respectfully, reporting to Carlo the exploration data of the past four years, along with more detailed maps and everything he had seen, heard, and acquired.

The materials personally transported by Medino were certainly more detailed and accurate. There was no alternative; after all, only by personally delivering them to Carlo could it be ensured that the data would not leak on its way back to Spain.

Although the previous materials were also correct, certain parts were vaguely processed to ensure they weren’t entirely accurate, so that when other countries and cities discovered these materials, they could be stalled for a longer time.

“Your Majesty, along the journey upriver on the Congo River, we discovered many mineral deposits. However, to prevent suspicion and hostility from the local African natives, we did not conduct detailed investigations.

But what is certain is that the Congo River Basin has relatively rich mineral resources. We found numerous copper and iron ores, and there might even be diamond mines.” Medino continued to report.

The exploration of Africa was surely not just about determining whether the Congo River Basin had fertile land, but also about confirming whether this region had abundant mineral resources.

From the exploration results thus far, it is clear the Congo River Basin possesses relatively rich mineral resources. Although it’s still uncertain whether there are precious minerals like gold and silver, the value of copper and iron ores is also significant.

Carlo nodded. Although he knew how rich the mineral resources in the Congo River Basin were, such things were obviously not to be disclosed.

Medino being able to comprehend the mineral resources in the Congo River Basin proved his expedition was practical, rather than merely completing the task while ignoring the purpose of exploration.

Looking at the noticeably thinner Medino, Carlo stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and smiled as he said, “Alright, the matters of the Congo River Basin have been handed over to the government; colonial development will soon commence.

Your most important task now is to have a good rest and enjoy life. Life in Africa these four years must have been tough, right? Don’t worry, once colonial development in the Congo River Basin is on track, I will recognize the contributions of you and all expedition members one by one.

This time, you will be credited as the chief. I have decided to confer upon you the title of Earl. The mission of the expedition team is over; what are your plans for your subsequent work?”

Medino was the elder son of Garibaldi, clearly showing his devotion by accompanying Carlo to Spain.

Carlo already felt enough guilt for sending Medino to Africa for exploration; since the mission was successfully completed, it was time to reutilize Medino and commend his merits.

Upon hearing the news of being soon granted an Earl’s title, Medino respectfully smiled without a hint of modesty.

He also knew well the magnitude of his achievements in this exploration; excessive modesty was unnecessary. More importantly, his identity as Carlo’s confidant made it odd not to be reutilized and richly rewarded.

However, when it came to his future plans, Medino didn’t have many. After over four years in Africa, Spain had undergone considerable changes. He was unfamiliar with the current situation in Spain and was naturally unaware of which department he should work in or what position he should hold.

“Your Majesty, I have yet to consider future plans. If Your Majesty has instructions, I am willing to go to any position as long as I can serve Your Majesty loyally.” Medino said indifferently.

Having successfully completed such a dangerous task as exploring in Africa, Medino truly wasn’t worried about other positions.

It should be noted that African exploration in this era was extremely perilous. The danger did not pertain only to the indigenous tribes inland, but also to the unknown diseases and viruses within Africa’s primitive forests.

The primary reason why European Powers’ colonial development in Africa remained on the coast was because Africa’s inland primitive forests harbored various terrifying diseases.

This African expedition intended to delve deep into the Congo River Basin, facing unknown African natives and unknown diseases. Medino’s ability to discover the plains of the Congo River Basin was a testament to both his capability and a lot of luck, as those lacking fortune had long died without graves along the path of exploration.

Upon hearing Medino speak like this, Carlo smiled and nodded, having his own plans: “Since you have no specific plan, take a position at the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau.

Temporarily be appointed as Deputy Director of the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau; your work for the future is still something I plan. I have only one requirement for you, which is to learn the intelligence work capabilities of the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau during your tenure there, becoming as familiar and proficient as possible with its various departments.”