Marriage!

"Don't fret about this; there will always be opportunities for them in the upcoming industrialization phase of Greece."

"Furthermore, educators with average capabilities cannot inspire exceptional students. Hence, you must also strive to enlist renowned European scholars and accomplished scientists from various fields to deliver lectures at the University of Athens. It would be ideal if we could secure professors from Greek universities."

Constantine shared his plans for the University of Athens with the two of them.

Indeed, enticing outstanding scholars to lecture in Greece is a formidable task. True talents might not find Greece appealing, and those intrigued by Greece may not be drawn to the University of Athens.

"Understandably, these are long-term goals for the foundation. In your future endeavors, remain persistent and diligent. Achieving this won't happen overnight," Tantin advised the two.

From Constantine's words, both excitement and pressure emanated, showcasing the duke's unwavering commitment to advancing Greek cultural education.

"In summary, I trust you two to collaborate in enhancing the cultural literacy of the entire Greek nation."

Afterward, he handed the fifty-thousand-pound cheque to Corradis.

This meant that the royal family's investment in Congo for the year didn't yield any returns.

Observing Constantine's generosity, Ichios found another question lingering in his mind.

"Your Royal Highness, what should be done about those Greek Muslim children? Will they also benefit from compulsory education?"

Religious matters have always been a sensitive topic in Greece.

During the lengthy rule of the Ottoman Empire, thousands of Greeks converted to Islam.

Some did so to evade the high poll tax, while others sought a more comfortable life. In essence, they either did so willingly or under duress. The exact number of Turks of Greek origin residing in Ottoman Turkey today is unknown.

As the Ottoman Empire rose in western Anatolia, the Eastern Roman Empire was already in decline. A diminishing empire marked by political corruption, military strife, and territorial annexation, it imposed high taxes on its impoverished citizens.

After the Fourth Crusade, which saw the dismemberment of the Eastern Roman Empire by the Latins, the restored Eastern Rome had long been weakened.

Towards the end of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Greeks (Romans) likely welcomed the rule of the Ottoman Turks. They found it easier to endure the stigma of pagan rule than under the Byzantine Empire, even though the Sultan imposed a poll tax (unlike for Muslims).

While the Ottoman Turks consider themselves descendants of the Turks, those living in the eastern core of Ottoman Anatolia are likely more closely related to the Greeks in terms of blood.

However, a disparity in religious beliefs directly determined that, upon gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1823, Greece viewed their "brothers" with disdain.

The Muslims in Greece find themselves in a delicate position, despite speaking Greek and residing in the country for generations.

Post the establishment of Greece, extensive debates arose about creating a new national identity, specifically, defining who qualifies as Greek. Eventually, religious belief became the criterion for determining Greekness.

Therefore, Koledis inquired about how to treat the Muslim children in the country, leaving even Constantine somewhat embarrassed.

In terms of lineage, they are Greeks, but concerning religion, they are Turks.

"For now, consider them as Greek children," replied Constantine.

Accepting the assigned task, the two hastily exited the conference room.

...

The following day, Constantine sailed to Germany accompanied by George I and Queen Olga.

At 19, Constantine was at the age to get married.

The family visited Sanssouci Palace in Prussia to meet the Hohenzollern royal family in Germany.

The elders of the two families exchanged greetings.

Prince William, the future brother-in-law, welcomed Constantine.

"William, it's been a while," Constantine greeted after a warm embrace.

They found a quiet spot in the garden. After the servants provided refreshments, only the two were left.

"Constantine, I must tell you, I don't entirely support Sophie's marriage to you," William expressed with a touch of gloom.

"Due to Germany's interests in Ottoman Turkey?" Constantine naturally grasped William's implication.

Since the Franco-Prussian War, the unified German Empire had emerged, witnessing rapid industrial and commercial development.

This increased Germany's need for colonies as it sought sources of industrial raw materials and commodity markets.

However, the world's most coveted territories had long been claimed by the earlier colonizing nations, dividing the spoils among them.

With the declining Ottoman Empire catching Germany's eye, the nations of Britain, France, and Russia continued vying for benefits from Turkey.

Russia, through wars, often played a significant role in the decline of the Ottoman Empire, sometimes in the form of Russian-Turkish wars.

Britain and France signed numerous unequal treaties with Ottoman Turkey, turning it into something akin to a colony for both nations.

This situation prompted Turkey to seek new European allies to counter the increasingly aggressive Britain, France, and Russia.

For instance, a German company secured the contract for the Anatolian Railway in the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman Sultan's army underwent reorganization under the training of the German officer corps.

Germany's industrialists were enticed by Turkey's commodity market and rich mineral resources.

Compared to Britain and France, which had already occupied substantial Ottoman territories, the rising Germany presented a more favorable outlook.

Naturally, the two nations drew closer.

However, Constantine and Sophie's marriage posed a hindrance to the amicable relations between Germany and the Ottomans.

The irreconcilable contradictions between Greece and Turkey, marked by a fierce territorial dispute, meant Germany would find itself in a precarious position during potential conflicts between the two. On one side would be Constantine's family, while on the other, Germany's interests would lie—a dilemma that William foresaw.

"That's the way it is, William. Turkey's interests are appealing, and Congo's interests don't show courtesy to you," retorted Constantine.

Since the completion of the railway from Matadi to Kinshasa, German goods had inundated Congo.

Despite Germany gaining several colonies during the Berlin Conference, these were mostly sparsely populated areas with minimal value.

Thus, Congo, with its open door and relatively dense population, naturally attracted a considerable number of German businessmen.