Banquet (2)

Following the sumptuous banquet, Constantine set aside his utensils and addressed the assembled guests with a sense of intrigue, "Gentlemen and ladies, let us seize this moment of conviviality to unveil a novelty."

With a wave of his hand, Constantine signaled the accompanying servants, prompting those familiar with the routine to retrieve several silver candlesticks from the tablecloth.

The guests looked on in curiosity, their speculation evident through hushed conversations. As the lights dimmed in the dining room, a faint moonlight filtering through the window offered only a blurry view of the surroundings.

Abruptly, two crisp claps resonated, breaking the hushed anticipation, and the room was transformed into a spectacle of brilliance. Above the dining table hung a crystal chandelier, its golden brass skeleton adorned with an array of colorful crystals. The radiance emitted by the meticulously crafted chandelier dispelled the darkness, captivating every onlooker.

This unique creation was a gift from Constantine to the Tesla team in France. Ingeniously, it housed a tungsten filament light bulb within polished crystals of various hues, producing a spectacular play of colors that captivated the observers.

As the guests marveled at this rare item, Angel Heath, a seasoned European businessman, couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, what makes this crystal chandelier so special?"

Rising from his seat, Constantine elucidated, "This is no ordinary light bulb; it utilizes alternating current, distinguishing it from the common direct current light bulbs."

Quick-witted guests connected the dots, understanding the underlying purpose of Constantine's elaborate banquet. Angelis, another attendee, voiced his knowledge of the recent DC-AC debate, acknowledging the perceived challenges associated with the application of alternating current.

In response, Constantine, standing behind Tesla, introduced the man behind the breakthrough, "Thanks to the remarkable efforts of Mr. Tesla and his team, the hurdles associated with using alternating current have been largely overcome."

With this revelation, the banquet reached its conclusion. Subsequently, the guests split into two groups: the female attendees, led by Sophie, ventured to the flower hall to appreciate the garden crafted by Crown Princess Sophie, while the men, guided by Constantine, convened in the parlour for more serious discussions.

In the male gathering, discussions ranged from economic matters to political concerns. Angelis, born in Constantinople, expressed his worries about the plight of Christians in the Ottoman Empire, citing incidents of attacks on Christians and the perceived decline of the once-tolerant empire.

Constantine inquired about internal discord within the Ottoman Empire, to which Angelis responded with a resigned acknowledgment of the chaotic state of affairs.

Taking a historical perspective, Constantine reflected on the former glory of the Ottoman Empire, once the greatest empire spanning three continents. However, he lamented its present state of decline, citing the loss of crucial territories like Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia, alluding to the empire's diminishing ability to sustain its vast expanse.

The conversation delved into geopolitical analysis, emphasizing the significant impact of the empire's territorial losses on its agricultural production capacity. As the discussion unfolded, it became evident that the fate of the Ottoman Empire was inexorably tied to its ability to adapt and weather the challenges of a changing world.