Plan Ahead

Constantine was visibly taken aback at the mere mention of Leopold's name.

In the unfolding chronicles, it was none other than King Leopold II of Belgium who had enlisted the services of Stanley to embark on an exploration of the Ganguo River Basin, following the pivotal Berlin International Conference of 1884. This conference had the consequence of designating the Congo as the exclusive domain of King Leopold II.

Notably, Leopold's ties to Greece added an intriguing layer to the historical narrative. Hailing from the distinguished Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family in Germany, Leopold II's lineage traced back to his father, Leopold I.

Delving into the historical backdrop of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, its prominence extended until the 21st century, with the British royal family proudly tracing its lineage to this familial heritage. However, the tides of World War I prompted a shift, necessitating the change of the family name to Windsor due to prevailing anti-German sentiments.

The historical intersections of Greece were not devoid of complexity either. Leopold I, briefly crowned the king of Greece in 1830, faced challenges owing to Greece's recent liberation from Ottoman Turkish rule. Belgium, on the other hand, strategically positioned in Europe, flourished industrially, even contributing to the Republic of China's railway infrastructure.

Intriguingly, Leopold I bequeathed a substantial inheritance of 15 million francs to his son, Leopold II. However, the challenges of managing such wealth were underscored by Belgium's low investment returns.

In an attempt to address these challenges, Leopold II spearheaded an ambitious initiative, founding the "International African Association" to further European interests in Africa. This initiative aimed at curbing the Arab slave trade and fostering new markets and raw material sources for European nations.

When Constantine enlisted Stanley for the Congo River Basin exploration, he strategically leveraged Leopold's influence. Driven by a sense of justice, Constantine established the "Congo Commission" under the guise of the "International African Association."

However, upon learning about a Belgian-supported Cameron expedition in Tanzania, Constantine and Stanley realized the potential complications.

Despite his youth, Constantine comprehended the need for strategic action. He pledged military support and additional funds to Stanley, signifying his unwavering commitment to the African project.

Stanley, who had initially underestimated Constantine, now found a newfound appreciation for the Crown Prince's determination. With 500 Royal Guards and an extra 1 million francs, the expedition received crucial support.

The mounting pressure on Stanley was palpable as he contemplated the weight of responsibility entrusted to him by Constantine.