Banquet

The United States and Europe are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, and New York serves as a vital commercial port for trade between North America and Europe.

In a carriage, Constantine and two others traveled along a straight, wide road, passing rows of shops on both sides. The shops displayed a dazzling array of neatly arranged products visible through their glass windows. Pedestrians moved along the sidewalks, creating a bustling scene, especially in the busy morning hours of a commercial city like New York.

The carriage halted in front of Sanford's three-story residence near Central Park in New York. Sanford, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, awaited their arrival, a monocle connected by a golden chain adorning his left eye.

"Long time no see, Sanford," Constantine greeted, embracing him.

"Nice to see you again, Your Excellency," Sanford replied.

After the exchange, they entered Sanford's residence.

"Your house has a fantastic location, Mr. Sanford, right next to Central Park in New York. The property value is sure to appreciate," Constantine remarked, admiring the view of the park through the rear window.

"Haha, ever since Central Park was completed a decade ago, I've been optimistic about the nearby real estate. I purchased two houses, and their value has increased rapidly recently," Sanford said with a smile.

Central Park in New York is the first city central park in the United States. Its establishment was a response to the increasing need for fresh air, sunshine, and public green space as the economy rapidly developed after the American Civil War.

Constantine inquired about a matter entrusted to Sanford earlier.

"Two years ago, when I reported back to Washington, I inquired with the president about his stance on the Congo River basin issue," Sanford explained. "However, since then, President James Garfield was assassinated, and Chester Alan Arthur assumed the presidency."

"His attitude doesn't matter anymore," Sanford continued, explaining that President Garfield's death rendered his stance irrelevant. The conversation shifted to a forthcoming banquet where Constantine could potentially meet the new president.

On October 24th, Constantine, Banning, and Sanford attended a banquet hosted by the oil magnate Rockefeller in upstate New York. The hall was filled with guests, enjoying food, chatting, and dancing to music played by a band.

Rockefeller welcomed them, and Constantine congratulated him on building an oil empire. The identity of the new president was yet to be revealed.

As Constantine observed the scene, a middle-aged lady approached and inquired about his noble status.

"Your Excellency Duke? Are you a distinguished noble gentleman from Europe?" she asked.

Surprised, Constantine replied, "I'm probably the noble gentleman you mentioned," trying to navigate the unexpected encounter.

The lady, named Chris Josh, continued to ask about Constantine's country of origin, expressing uncertainty about Greece's European status.

"Greece is at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe," Constantine patiently clarified.

Inwardly seeking help from Sanford, Constantine was dismayed when Sanford offered no assistance, instead, giving a subtle wink.