Chapter 238

Chapter 238: Three "Blades"

"Quickly construct the iron chain bridges during the dry season. We need at least five of them across this river to ensure smooth transportation."

"These iron bridges will connect the north and south banks, allowing our army to move directly southward. Fortunately, East Africa mainly consists of light infantry, so the bridge requirements aren't too high."

"Remember, the importance of these chain bridges goes beyond just facilitating traffic; they will serve as vital hubs in the region for some time to come."

Two engineers discussed their work while standing on the north bank of the Zambezi River. The framework of a bridge was already taking shape, waiting for wooden boards to be laid across the iron cables.

The Zambezi River, once the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is Africa's fourth-largest river, spanning 2,660 kilometers with a basin area of 1.35 million square kilometers. Its flow ranks only behind the Congo and Niger Rivers on the continent.

The Zambezi River is known for its steepness, featuring numerous canyons, rapids, and waterfalls, making it prone to flooding downstream in Mozambique. To bridge this natural barrier, constructing sturdy bridges is essential. However, due to the Zambezi's remote location from the economically developed regions of East Africa, transporting construction materials from the rear is impractical. Hence, building chain bridges is the most efficient solution.

"When all the bridges are completed on this river, our southwestern provinces should be entirely stable," one engineer remarked.

The saying "soldiers and horses have not moved, food and grass go first" holds true in East Africa's plans. While roads in Zambia are under development, the region's native populations already have established trails. East Africa's road-building efforts primarily consist of expanding these existing routes.

Unlike the Tanganyika region, where modern hardened roads exist, the rest of East Africa primarily relies on dirt roads, with some areas yet untouched by development. The focus is on enhancing drainage systems during road construction, which is the most expensive part of the process.

Simultaneously, the East African government plans to establish a telegraph line running from Mbeya in South Salzburg Province to Lusaka, the capital of the Southern Frontier Province. This telegraph line aims to facilitate direct communication between the central government and the southwestern region.

While East Africa has not fully integrated Zambia, it is already setting its sights on regions like Zimbabwe. This urgency to build bridges across the Zambezi River arises from their broader expansion plans. Furthermore, East Africa is actively expanding its military and intends to reach a force of around 200,000 troops.

The role of the military is crucial, given the empire's vast size. The East African government has also planned to develop a slave-based economy, necessitating a strong military presence to maintain control.

...

In Rome, Italy, more than a hundred people had gathered in a remote courtyard.

"Pastor, where did you find this place? While it can accommodate many people, the conditions are quite basic!"

"We are fortunate to have shelter, but let's not forget our purpose here. Our ability to gather here is more important for our mission. This location is far enough from the suburbs to avoid drawing attention from the Italians."

"True, but going abroad with empty hands is the most challenging part for me. Can a soldier truly be a soldier without a weapon?"

"Mr. Bryce, please refrain from complaining. As the empire's elite, we must uphold our military integrity. The fact that we have been sent to Italy indicates the importance of this operation. If it succeeds, we will return as heroes of the empire," the pastor reminded.

As "devout believers" from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was crucial to have a genuine priest accompany them to avoid arousing suspicion. It would have been a disaster if these disguised Austrian army believers acted independently.

A message arrived, and a messenger knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" the pastor inquired as he opened the door to check.

"Sir, would you like an Italian pizza?"

"What kind?"

"Pineapple."

"I prefer pasta with tomato sauce."

This exchange served as code confirmation.

"Major General Karl is leading this operation and should have passed through Ostia by now, en route to Rome. In two days, at 3:00 pm, district heads will convene at the specified address."

Upon receiving the note, the pastor glanced at the location and said, "I understand, but are we really proceeding unarmed?"

"You need not worry about weapons; the empire will handle that. Be prepared to receive them when the time comes."

This location served as one of the strongholds for military personnel from the Austro-Hungarian Empire infiltrating the Papal State. Over 4,700 soldiers were sent in this operation, most of whom were elite troops, including the two imperial guards under the royal family.

Furthermore, Franz followed Ernst's advice and dispatched a diplomatic team to Rome, but it exceeded the standard. Many team members entered the Papal State posing as diplomats.

Meanwhile, troops within the Austro-Hungarian Empire were also mobilized. To avoid drawing attention, they posed as forces changing stations. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire appeared to be enhancing its defenses in Italy, it made subtle military equipment improvements.

...

In June, the Spanish cabinet decided to search for a suitable heir to the Spanish throne.

Prince Leopold of the Hohenzollern family, a distant relative of Prussia's King William I, seemed like a promising candidate. However, news of this potential choice leaked by the end of June 1870.

French Foreign Minister Duke Gramont swiftly pressured Prussia to withdraw support for Leopold. He also demanded that Prussia promise not to interfere in Spanish affairs. King William I refused.

As East Africa prepared its forces in Zambia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire clandestinely gathered strength in the south. Prussia had been planning to reshape the European landscape for over a decade. With the Prussian army's increasing might and growing tensions between Prussia and France, all parties were anticipating the next move. Prussia was poised to become the central figure in the unfolding drama. Should the Franco-Prussian War break out, East Africa and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were also primed for action