Flexible Means

In the grand tapestry of destiny, Queen Olga, after deliberation with Constantine's mother, proposed an alliance that transcended nations—an engagement with Princess Sophie of Germany. The prospect of this union, one that Constantine did not object to, stirred echoes of a Greek legend in his mind.

As Queen Olga shared her vision, she revealed that Princess Sophie, daughter of Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess of Germany, had already been in Constantine's orbit during his two years of study in Germany. The gentle and kind nature of Princess Sophie had left a positive impression on Constantine, fostering a sense of amicability.

Amidst the familial discussions, Constantine smiled, invoking a Greek legend that foretold an auspicious future. According to this tale, if a king named Constantine and a queen named Sophie ruled Greece, the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople would once again fall into the hands of the Greeks. King George I, unfamiliar with Greek folklore, found the legend to be a good omen.

Sophia, symbolizing wisdom in Greek, hinted at a deeper meaning. The legend underscored the Greeks' latent nostalgia for Constantinople, the city founded by Emperor Constantine in 330, which later fell to Ottoman Turkey in 1453 under another Constantine.

Constantine explained the legend's significance, shedding light on the Greek people's profound connection to Constantinople. The birth of Constantine had sparked a petition to name the future king after their cherished emperor, highlighting the high expectations vested in him.

Acknowledging the weight of these expectations, Constantine reassured his commitment to handling the Congo affairs diligently. As for the engagement with Princess Sophie, he expressed his willingness, having had previous contact with her.

Three days later, Constantine consented to the division of shares in the Greek Congolese Corporation, presided over by Nina. The intricate distribution included the royal family and the Greek Education Foundation holding 50%, the National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank each holding 10%, while other interested families and individuals jointly held 10%. The remaining 20% went to overseas Greeks.

The ensuing departure of Banning and Costebro for Africa marked a pivotal moment. Standing on the port of Piraeus, Constantine conveyed his aspirations for an effective government agency in Congo and urged caution against the encroachment of other nations' colonies.

Surprisingly, Costebro, a scion of a wealthy family, volunteered for this perilous expedition. The hazardous journey to Africa in the late 19th century, plagued by diseases and navigation risks, defied expectations. Costebro's commitment, driven by family expectations, promised potential ascendancy within his lineage.

As parting instructions, Constantine emphasized the acquisition of lands with strategic significance for the Greek Congo Corporation, particularly those boasting wild rubber forests. His foresight into the burgeoning rubber market and the need to secure economic benefits marked him as a visionary leader.

Constantine also addressed Banning, emphasizing the paramount importance of economic success in Africa. He underscored the need for a flexible and gentle governance approach, drawing from the colonial experiences of the Netherlands and Portugal. His concern lay in avoiding continuous rebellions and unrest among the indigenous people, which could jeopardize the stability of the Congolese government.

In cautioning against a heavy-handed approach akin to the Germans in Southwest Africa, Constantine sought a balance between economic prosperity and social stability. His strategic vision, grounded in both economic pragmatism and humane governance, reflected the complexity of colonial ambitions in the late 19th century. As the Greek Congo Corporation embarked on its African venture, Constantine's dual commitment to economic prosperity and diplomatic finesse set the stage for a dynamic chapter in Greek colonial history.