African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 215: Chapter 203: Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance!

By mid-July, the reform of the military and government had nearly concluded, and through this reform, East Africa finally resembled a nation.

The new government looked like the ”Black Hohenzollern Marquisate” in every way, with the East African colony’s full name being Black Hohenzollern East African Royal Territory, and the monarch also being a legitimate former Black Hohenzollern Marquisate ruler.

Some of Constantine’s old subordinates had completed their transitions to new employment, mainly in some newly established but not very critical departments, after all, others came first!

The Black Hohenzollern royal guard was also reorganized on a large scale, responsible for the defense of First Town.

This is a new ”old country” that blends styles from Black Hohenzollern, Prussia, Austria, and the colonies.

Emphasizing ”Black Hohenzollern Marquisate” rather than ”Black Hohenzollern Principality,” this is an important signal, for the principality means it’s forever the Prussian Principality, while the Black Hohenzollern Marquisate was once an independent European nation.

Though small, Black Hohenzollern may not be without its destiny. After all, it’s mixed among Germans, so it can also vie for the Holy Roman legitimacy, since many nations are ”flirting” with Rome; why not ”flirt” with the Holy Roman Empire too!

Of course, this is just joking; Constantine and Ernst wouldn’t be so foolish, as keeping a low profile is the strategy of the Black Hohenzollern royal family, and this area in East Africa definitely doesn’t need to provoke ”Rome”; German influence is sufficient.

This time, the new East African government has seen the emergence of many new institutions, notably the navy.

Without surprise, the East African Navy Commander, bearing the former title of Mexican Emperor, Austrian Grand Duke, among others, is Maximilian I.

His visibility is less about his identity but rather the entire East African navy, excluding the newly assembled eight hundred sailors and two half-century-old Zanzibar wreck ships—he’s the only commander.

Without discussing political capability, Maximilian I, who served as the Austrian Navy Commander in 1854, was indeed the only and best choice for the East African Navy. (There will be a free Chapter dedicated to this—referring to an encyclopedia.)

Within the East African army, the one with overall strategic capabilities is undoubtedly Prince Constantine, considering that he was among the top echelons in the Prussian army.

Now all that’s needed is for Navy Commander Maximilian I to replicate his Austrian Navy strategies in East Africa, and the title ”Father of the East African Navy” will surely follow in the future.

This is a favorable situation for both East Africa and Maximilian I—if successful, he could at least redeem half of his reputation.

Future evaluations might change from ”fool” to ”he might not be a good emperor, but naturally suited for navy work.”

Thus, Ernst ”provided ample” opportunity to his father-in-law—it’s up to him to seize it.

...

”Ferdinand, the fate of East Africa’s navy is entrusted to you; I trust it will shine brightly under your guidance,” Constantine said cheerfully to Maximilian I.

But Maximilian I was not pleased; he frowned and said to Constantine, ”Your Highness the Prince, I greatly appreciate your trust, but this challenge is exceptionally difficult for me. East Africa’s foundation is too weak!”

It’s not just a weak foundation; it’s virtually no foundation at all. Other nations’ navies are impoverished yet still exist; the East African Navy doesn’t even have a stitch of clothing.

Two weathered wooden sailboats, aged and worn, patched up just a month ago to barely sail—Maximilian I worries they could sink at any moment, leading East Africa’s navy to its demise.

”Hehehe, to the capable go more work! Just as the East African colony grew from nothing to its current scale, I believe your ability can develop the navy as well.

Consider the Austrian navy of the past; without your efficient leadership, how could Tegelhoff (commander at the Battle of Lissa) have gained international renown?” Constantine praised eagerly.

”Your Highness the Prince, although I also wish to demonstrate my skills in East Africa and contribute to the navy, there should still be some support!

While I made some achievements with the Austrian navy, Austria had the foundation there. Even before reform, the old fleet was still a formidable force in Europe.

Moreover, I sought help throughout Austria, ultimately gaining some support from the royal family and government to build the current Austrian navy.

I can’t possibly build up East Africa’s navy from two dilapidated ships and eight hundred inexperienced sailors through sheer wishful thinking!

In my view, even a casual merchant ship from the Black Hohenzollern consortium could easily sink this so-called ”East African Navy.”

Among the ocean-going vessels of the Black Hohenzollern consortium, even the least capable were former warships left behind by the Sultanate of Zanzibar, yet those operational and without major issues were repurposed as immigrant ships, leaving only the two remaining wrecks now constituting East Africa’s navy, making the outcome of a real confrontation unpredictable.

”I certainly understand your difficulty, but East Africa is in a tough spot too! Ernst mentioned he has many urgent financial matters to address recently, and even gunboats would have to wait until next year.

So don’t be anxious; things will improve in time. Despite East Africa’s navy being impoverished, for you, this offers greater significance.

Think! Even if you contributed greatly to the Austrian navy, who remembers you now? Unless specifically brought up, it’s likely Austrians have almost forgotten your involvement in the navy.

If anyone remembers, they’ll first think, ”Oh! Maximilian I went to Mexico to become emperor; who knows where he is now!” rather than recognizing you as ”Grand Duke Ferdinand, Austrian Navy Commander.”

Thus, cleansing the shame begins anew in East Africa. Although remote, East Africa has its benefits—it’s beyond public attention, and once you achieve success, you’ll surely be admired, with Grand Duke Friedrich (considered the father of Austria’s modern navy, previously the Venetian navy) as your role model.

A country’s ”Father of the Navy” is a fine title; with greater capability, you could elevate the East African navy to European standards, thus earning a place in naval history.” Constantine tried to incite through unethical means.

”Enough talk, in the end, there’s no support!”

”Ernst and I are supporting you in spirit, but rest assured, with East Africa’s rate of development, within fifty years, support for your goals will become feasible. You’re still young; things will surely get better.”

”Landing the role of East African Navy Commander perhaps forewarns my second major life mistake, but so be it; I currently have no alternative!

However, let me clarify: I dare not dream of warships, but I must take stringent management actions regarding personnel, considering East Africa’s weak foundation. I plan first to cultivate the personnel.

Please have Ernst select promising candidates for me to send to the Austrian Royal Navy Academy for training, and I must oversee next year’s selection of gunboats—surely that’s not too much to ask!”

”Certainly, that’s no problem!” said Constantine, strong and poised.

Waiting for Maximilian I to say this—his value lies primarily in his identity and secondly in his influence in Austria.

As long as Maximilian I approached Austria, Franz couldn’t possibly refuse, as it’s certainly better than his brother risking life as an emperor.

Moreover, a first request leads to a second; in case of future deficiencies in the East African navy, Maximilian I would naturally step forth to coordinate with Austria.

While the army looks to Prussia, the navy must adopt ”thick-skinned” tactics, shamelessly acquiring resources. Maximilian I is perfect for such work; for instance, contacting the Austrian Royal Navy Academy—if Ernst or Prince Constantine approached, even a positive response might lack genuine effort.

But for Maximilian I, it’s different; most of the high-ranking officials in the Austrian navy were his former subordinates, now pillars of the Austrian navy. When Maximilian I asks them to do something, it’s undeniably easy.

If they exert even a bit of pressure on the Austrian Royal Navy Academy, no one would dare ignore it, as graduates inevitably find employment within the navy.

Of course, this is a bit exaggerated; in reality, many teachers within the Austrian Royal Navy were also veterans of the Austrian navy, closely connected to Maximilian I, so none would act foolishly.