Military Service

"This isn't a choice we can proactively make. As the disgraced, no matter our actions, we must strive harder for recognition."

"We need to be vigilant and consistently demonstrate our loyalty to the Empire before the Sultan."

Angelis conveyed a statement steeped in the sorrow of foreign rule, casting a silence over all those present.

Upon hearing these words, complex emotions filled the hearts of the listeners.

Under the dominion of Ottoman Turkey, the Greeks are the ones who bear the greatest pain.

Every aspect of past glory has transformed into a burdensome yoke under the rule of the Ottoman Turks.

The Greeks residing in Constantinople consider themselves "the last Romans," especially the affluent Fanar families. They maintain the customs of Eastern Rome in their lives, even as others contemptuously label them as "Greeks."

It's uncertain how many secretly mock these "Greeks," accused of indulging in historical glory and behaving "oddly," particularly in the eyes of European businesspeople and travelers.

Countless Greeks were compelled to convert to Islam to evade discrimination and reduce taxes.

"Let's not delve into these historical issues," Constantine noted, observing the somber atmosphere, and changed the subject.

"Mr. Angelis, you Greeks living abroad have the opportunity to become shareholders."

"In return, we hope for your cooperation with Prime Minister Trikupis to address the land issue in Thessaly and reduce grain tariffs," Constantine added.

Speaking of Thessaly, it's a convoluted tale. At the Berlin Conference in 1881, foreign powers allocated it to Greece as the most suitable area for agricultural development. However, prior to its handover to the Greek government, the original Ottoman landowner had sold all of Thessaly to a wealthy Greek businessman overseas at a discounted rate.

While Thessaly was intended to stimulate farmers' production, the land now owned by Greeks has led to an awkward situation for the Greek government.

The overseas Greek businessmen, who hold significant portions of Greece's land, wield influence in domestic politics, hindering the land's proper use and contributing to high grain tariffs.

This scenario, a far cry from the expected benefits for Greece, demonstrates a betrayal of national interests by those prioritizing personal gain.

Despite Angelis's patriotic-sounding words diminishing the hostility in the room, when profits are at stake, national interests take a back seat.

For individuals like Angel Heath, making money outweighs national and patriotic sentiments.

Without offering bargaining chips that pique Constantine's interest, expecting to gain benefits becomes a mere daydream.

"Your Excellency, we need to discuss this matter," Angelis hesitated upon Constantine's mention of the Thessaly land issue.

"In short, the Greek Education Foundation holds 30% of the shares in the Greek Congo General Corporation, and the Royal Family holds 20%. The rest is for you to divide," Constantine announced to those present.

"His Royal Highness, what is the Greek Education Foundation?" Gao Berry inquired.

"The Hellenic Education Foundation will oversee education in Greece in the future," Constantine clarified.

"Alright, the details can be discussed at the next meeting. Nina will preside over it," Constantine concluded, signaling the end of the current discussion.

The subsequent meeting promised fierce competition for interests, with the various parties wrangling, while Constantine had no intention of entangling himself in their disputes.

Exiting the conference room, he coincidentally met Cape Butler, who informed him of the summons from the king and queen.

Constantine entered the tea room, finding Queen Olga and King George engaged in conversation.

"Constantine, at seventeen, your mother and I have decided to send you to serve in the Legion of Thessaly," King George declared.

Military service is a tradition for European royal families' children, providing them with valuable military experience, and Constantine, having received comprehensive military education, was mentally prepared for this prospect. The Thessaly Legion, stationed in the north of Thessaly to guard against the Turks, would be his next assignment after concluding matters in the Congo.