African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 233: Chapter 221: Trip to Sweden

”Gentlemen, the partition of the Kingdom of Malawi should use Kampambalet along the shores of Lake Malawi as the boundary. This way, both parties can each obtain half of the Kingdom of Malawi’s territory. Are you satisfied with this proposal?”

The leaders of the Portuguese delegation, Platini, and Everton exchanged a glance. Platini then nodded, and Everton also had no objections to this division.

”Mr. Martin, we agree to this partition plan!”

”Pleasure to cooperate!”

”Pleasure to cooperate!”

Martin, the mayor of Dar es Salaam, finally concluded the arduous negotiations, following the demands of the East African government.

In previous days, Martin had been making ambitious demands. The initial proposal was to use Nkhotakota, south of Lake Malawi, as the boundary, which would be about one-third of the Kingdom of Malawi.

The Portuguese naturally did not agree, but to keep them engaged, Martin suggested that everything could be discussed. Since both parties had interests in the Kingdom of Malawi, wasn’t it reasonable for East Africa to want a bit more?

Moreover, wasn’t your purpose in coming to East Africa precisely for this matter? Present your proposal, and let’s discuss it; mutual compromise would be beneficial.

Initially thinking the East African government was not sincere, the Portuguese were about to leave, but they continued the negotiations after hearing this.

East Africa’s stalling tactics seemed idle but were actually intentional delays in the negotiation process to postpone Mozambique’s annexation of the southern Kingdom of Malawi.

While Mozambique appeared idle, East Africa, in contrast, had Zambia and the Gledi Sultanate in the bag.

...

March 11, 1870.

Kingdom of Sweden.

”Ernst, you have grown over these years. If your sister were still alive, she would be very pleased,” said the aged former Queen Josephine Maximilian Eugenie Napoleon to Ernst while holding his hand.

”You see, we are like people from two different eras. How is your father doing lately?”

”Aunt, my father’s health is good.”

”Alas, many of my relatives and old friends have left. Your mother also passed away young, leaving you as just a child. Prince Constantine had quite a tough time raising you alone.”

”Yes, my father treats me very well.”

”Hmm, is there anything you wish to discuss on this visit to Sweden?”

Ernst recounted the founding plan of East Africa to his great aunt in detail.

”I didn’t expect Prince Constantine to manage to become a king even in his old age. You should discuss this with Karl later! It should not be a difficult matter; he will agree.”

Karl XV is the reigning king of Sweden and Norway. Ernst’s visit to Sweden was precisely to prepare for diplomatic relations after the founding of East Africa.

Sweden was one stop on this journey, and with his aunt’s assistance, the Swedish visit was not difficult. Ernst couldn’t help but appreciate how important it is to have a good mother.

Ernst’s maternal grandfather, Eugen, and grandmother, Augusta (daughter of King Maximilian I of Bavaria), had six children who all married into European noble families.

One son was the prince-consort of Queen Maria II of Portugal (who died two months after their marriage), and another son was the son-in-law of Emperor Nikola I of the Russian Empire. Their daughter, Emily, even crossed the ocean to South America to become Queen of Brazil.

Their eldest daughter was named Josephine after Eugen’s mother (Queen Josephine of France, first wife of Napoleon I), with the full name Josephine Maximilian Eugenie Napoleon (1807~1876). In 1823, she traveled to Sweden to marry Oscar I, who was about to ascend the throne, and was affectionately called Josephina by the Swedish people. The current ruler of the Kingdom of Sweden, Karl XV, is her son, making him Ernst’s cousin.

Ernst’s mother married Prince Constantine, and when adding Prince Constantine’s relatives, they could practically connect all the European royal families, as they were all relatives.

When Ernst and Karina married, the Bavarian royal family played matchmaker, as everyone was family.

Nonetheless, European nobility prioritizes interests; marrying into each other’s families doesn’t prevent them from engaging in conflicts.

”Ernst, cousin, are you really establishing a kingdom in Africa?” Karl XV inquired curiously.

”Yes, cousin. Establishing a kingdom overseas is much simpler than in Europe. Conquering the natives there is essentially enough.”

”Africa, tsk, tsk. I don’t quite know what to say. The climate there must be the opposite of Sweden!” Karl XV remarked.

”When do you plan to announce the establishment of the kingdom?”

”Around May this year.”

”That’s about two months away. Is there any assistance you require?” Karl XV asked.

”As long as the Kingdom of Sweden announces its recognition of the establishment of the Kingdom of East Africa at that time, we will send diplomatic personnel to Sweden.”

”Hmm, alright. Just have someone notify me in advance. You’ve carried out similar work with other countries, right?”

”Indeed, mainly with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prussia, and other German states like Bavaria, as well as Romania, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.”

”What about major powers like Britain and France?”

”We can only strive to work with them. After all, Britain and France are colonial powers, and East Africa is conveniently overseas, so...”

”Hmm, you don’t need to worry about that. I can handle it. Sweden maintains pretty good relations with both Britain and France.”

”Thank you so much, cousin!”

”I can’t guarantee it, but in that region of Africa, besides the Suez Canal and Cape Town, there doesn’t seem to be much of value. They probably won’t pay much attention and might tacitly allow East Africa to become an independent state.”

...

The trip to Sweden went smoothly. Ernst’s next destination was Saint Petersburg, where Alexandria II took the time to meet with him.

Alexandria II readily agreed, as Africa was too far from Tsarist Russia to have any vested interests. Doing a favor would always have its benefits.

Following that, Ernst made rounds across the European continent, informing countries with good relations with the Heixinggen royal family and contacting Alfonso XII, who was still in France.

The Heixinggen royal family had been funding Alfonso XII. The future King of Spain expressed willingness to make a statement on behalf of Spain.

Although Alfonso XII represented a Spanish government-in-exile established by Elizabeth II in France, Elizabeth II had only fled and never claimed to renounce the Spanish throne.

Alfonso XII himself could also leverage the establishment of the Kingdom of East Africa to expand his influence within Spain.