African Entrepreneurship Record

In the morning, the coronation ceremony officially began. After simplifying procedures, this East African coronation was quite rushed, as Constantine was too old, and both Constantine and Ernst did not want the ceremony to be overly complicated.

Amid the East African national anthem, Constantine sat on the temporary throne set up in Rhine Palace, while the announcer read below:

”On May 1, 1900, our Emperor Constantine the Great established an unprecedented empire in Africa, a merit recorded in history, creating a great achievement for eternity. God endowed the Heixinggen Kingdom with the newly ascended Rhine Empire, and His Majesty Constantine should be the emperor of the new empire…”

After a lengthy speech praising the Rhine Empire and the great accomplishments of Constantine, Constantine personally placed the crown upon his own head.

The East African coronation ceremony opened the eyes of attendees, especially diplomatic personnel from European countries. It was no wonder no heads of state were invited, it was too unconventional, or rather, heretical.

Even East African religious forces were puppets of the Heixinggen Royal Family and played no role in the ceremony, merely as spectators.

Of course, it was easy to understand from the perspective of Far East Empire Ambassador Zhang Heng and other non-European diplomats, as none of them believe in Christianity, East Africa could play as it wishes with no effect on them.

”Welcome everyone to the founding ceremony of our Rhine Empire and my own coronation. One of the purposes of this ceremony is frugality, so where hospitality falls short, I hope for your understanding.” No matter what, Constantine used a pretext to placate everyone, ”After the coronation ceremony concludes, at three in the afternoon, a review ceremony will be held in Rhein City. We welcome everyone to view it at the Central Government Building.”

The military parade was undoubtedly the focus today, after all, East Africa was established by force. Despite discontent, anyone displeased could only remain silent in face of hard power.

Even though much of the East African Defense Army’s core technology was not displayed, this parade would still leave a deep impression, since 19th-century warfare was a matter of who had more men, guns, cannons, and whose troops fought bravely, East Africa met the standards of a world power.

Although the East African Defense Army currently has less than thirty thousand active soldiers, in all of Europe, only Tsarist Russia, Germany, France, and Austria-Hungary surpass it.

Three o’clock in the afternoon.

At the Central Government Building grandstand, invited guests gradually took their places, while the National Avenue had already been meticulously arranged by the East African Government.

Though the parade had not yet started, the ready East African Defense Army and academy student formations on the roadside already exuded a rich atmosphere of aggression.

Due to a limited viewpoint, diplomats from various countries could not see the specifics, but the atmosphere was well set, and though the parade comprised only over eight thousand troops, it was considered a magnificent spectacle in the 19th century.

”East Africa put considerable effort into preparing this review ceremony; their King Avenue is constructed with distinctive style. This should be asphalt-paved, and the road surface distinctly reflects East African characteristics, notably outperforming Europe and the United States in road construction.” Brielon spoke in an appreciative tone.

”That’s certainly true. In First Town City and Dar es Salaam City, East Africa’s roads are broader than those in Europe, and the asphalt surface is quite enjoyable. However, East Africa is also a colonial nation, their land is not as valuable as Europe’s, allowing for grand road building.” Bulls spoke frankly.

The value of European land is indeed indisputable, especially in capitals like London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, all considered invaluable. If East Africa faced similar land scarcity as Europe and America, evidently, land acquisition would be more challenging.

Of course, East Africa’s short history and city planning precede urban development, further reasons why. Currently, East Africa remains an agricultural nation, with the population mainly in vast rural areas, many cities already belong to future planning.

”I think these roads lack historical significance. Although asphalt roads have many advantages, they reduce the dynamism in East African city planning.” Tsarist Russian Ambassador Maxim commented.

The Far East Empire Ambassador Zhang Heng, unable to fully agree with European and American diplomats, instead praised the construction of Rhein City in a corner, believing Rhein City expresses grandeur lacking in many European and American cities. Although non-monarchial countries like France and the United States are exceptions.

Moreover, the involvement of Far East Empire court garden designers in creating Rhein City was also a plus, leading Zhang Heng to appreciate the Heixinggen Royal Family’s European ”rustic” foresight.

Most diplomats held positive views on East African city construction, considering in aspects of transportation, sanitation, and environment, East African cities are leading globally. Even critical individuals could not deny these merits.

For example, Ambassador Thomson says London’s industrial beauty with its overpopulation, poor public safety, low air quality, and serious river pollution...

This mirrors the reality of most industrial capitals now, whereas Rhein City inherited First Town City’s characteristics; extremely polluted industries cannot feasibly be built locally. Although Rhein City offers some changes compared to First Town City, Ernst considered this while selecting the location for Rhine Palace, keeping the city administrative area distant from the industrial zone.

As time passed, the parade formally began, and first a convertible car came into view. East African Chief of Staff General Merk stood aboard as the car came before the grandstand.

”Chief of Staff Merk of the Rhine Empire’s Defense Army reports to His Majesty the Emperor, the parade troops are ready and await your command!” Merk stood steadily, reporting to Constantine.

Constantine solemnly spoke into the microphone, ”I announce the Rhine Empire’s first national parade ceremony formally begins.”

Afterward, Merk’s vehicle began to turn around, while another already prepared vehicle emerged from the Central Government Building, carrying Ernst, the Rhine Empire’s Crown Prince.

Merk saluted Ernst, who nodded in acknowledgment. Merk’s vehicle then followed Ernst’s car, heading toward the parade formations down National Avenue.

”Soldiers…”

”Friends” from various countries in the grandstand watched the scene in wonder, it was a spectacle they hadn’t witnessed before, leading to much discussion.

Meanwhile, East African news media continually recorded valuable historical footage, which would be widely publicized nationwide the next day.

After Ernst’s car completed a circuit without incident, allowing Ernst to breathe a sigh of relief, Ernst joined the grandstand, standing beside Constantine.

Next, the East African artillery unit began performing; in chorus, the three services honor guard entered, escorting the national flag toward the flag podium with resolute steps.

”What is the three services honor guard?” Diplomats present were puzzled by the East African narrator’s explanation.

The three services naturally refer to sea, land, and air forces. East African air force presently has only a framework, but the three services honor guard prepared uniforms, blue for air force, gray for army, white for navy.

”Can be understood as the airship unit!” So explained high-level East African government officials.

Airship unit? Then that’s fine, although airships are novel, comparing them equivalently to sea and land forces, diplomats from various countries could only comprehend it as an East African peculiarity.