Continuous Investment

"Your Majesty, I truly don't comprehend your inquiry," Constantine uttered, his countenance marked by bewilderment.

Venturing into such an expedition on a foreign continent inherently carries substantial risks.

Leopold harbored mere suspicions regarding the Congolese committee's strategic decisions. Nevertheless, as numerous Cameron expeditions traversed the Congo River basin from Africa's Indian Ocean side, they seemed akin to mud cows entering the sea—no news ensued.

Therefore, Leopold remained devoid of concrete proof.

"Your Excellency, the Duke, while you have indeed triumphed in securing the Congo, the matter at hand is..." Leopold teased as he broached the topic.

"Where shall you procure the finances required for Congo's development? From my understanding, a sizable section of the Congo River's lower reaches is unnavigable, necessitating the construction of a railway linking Matadi and Kinshasa—a railway spanning almost 400 kilometers. How do you propose to fund such an endeavor?" A faint smile played upon Leopold's lips.

Constantine, taken aback by the unexpected turn in conversation, hadn't anticipated the other party bringing up the railway.

"Your Majesty, what are your intentions?"

"I am aware that even the royal family, after covering the initial expenses, finds itself financially strained, correct?"

It wasn't merely a matter of hesitancy; investing a substantial amount to support the project proved unfeasible, given the exorbitant expenses the royal family already incurred in the province.

"Your Majesty, please be direct," Constantine implored, avoiding any circumlocution.

"In truth, the Ma-Kim railway (Matadi to Kinshasa) is to be entrusted to Belgium for construction and operation. Thus, you need not worry about amassing vast sums of money."

Constantine lowered his head to ponder Leopold's proposition.

Undoubtedly, Constantine himself encountered fewer complications by directly entrusting the railway to the Belgians.

However, for a newcomer, this railway held paramount strategic importance.

Serving as the sole conduit for the outside world to communicate with the Congo, the railway played a crucial role in the importation of European and American industrial products into the Congo, as well as the shipment of raw materials from the Congo. Holding this railway was tantamount to controlling Congo's lifeline, particularly given Congo's inherent "international" nature, affording all nations a significant right to speak.

Emotionally, Leopold seemed to be contemplating this move!

"Your Majesty, I appreciate your kindness, but entrusting the construction of the Congo railway entirely to others is not feasible," Constantine declared with an indifferent expression.

Upon hearing this, Leopold halted his gaze on the stage, turned to face Constantine, and sighed inwardly. Truly, worthy is Constantine, surrounded by wolves, having successfully secured the Congo, immediately discerning Leopold's calculations.

"In that case, Belgium can always invest a portion, and you will need to raise funds regardless," Leopold remarked with a hint of helplessness.

Up until this point, Constantine remained oblivious to Leopold's true intentions. It seemed Leopold was optimistic about Congo's future, strategically planning to take the lead.

Despite being a small country, Belgium boasted wealth—its advantageous geographical location facing the United Kingdom across the English Channel positioned it as the world's second industrialized country after the United Kingdom completed industrialization. Capitalists accumulated substantial wealth as industrial production efficiency increased.

With a small, saturated domestic market offering low investment profits, Belgium cast its gaze abroad.

Belgian bankers, recognizing the strategic importance of the Ma-Kim railway, saw a lucrative opportunity. Repairing the railway would ensure effortless wealth accumulation in the future.

Thus, Leopold sought Constantine's assistance to gauge his stance.

Upon their initial encounter, Leopold begrudgingly observed Constantine's youth. As an industrialized nation, Belgium urgently required a market to absorb its massive domestic production capacity.

Capitalizing on this opportunity to assess the potential for a turnaround—seizing control of the Majin Railway to bolster Belgium's future influence in the Republic of Congo—promised substantial benefits.

However, Constantine afforded him no such opportunity.

"This railway hasn't been surveyed by professionals yet. I'm uncertain about the funds required for its construction until the survey is completed. A portion of the shares will be allocated to the Belgian financial industry once the costs are estimated."

Upon receiving Constantine's affirmative response, Leopold turned back to watch the dance performance.

With the Congo matter resolved, the purpose of Constantine's European journey concluded. He boarded a train from Belgium to Paris and subsequently traveled from Paris to Marseille Port, returning to Greece.

On August 12, 1884, Constantine reached Athens.

As for Banning, he continued attending the Berlin conference.

In the garden of the Tatoi Palace, Constantine, savoring a rare tranquil afternoon tea, pondered his father George I's decision to have him serve in the Thessaly Legion.

Having undergone a comprehensive military course in Germany and Athens, royal rules dictated his next step—service in the army.

"Mr. Costerbloom of Alpha Bank is here to visit, Your Excellency," Butler Capet informed.

"Invite him in."

Constantine and Costerbloom hadn't crossed paths since their last hunting excursion.

Reflecting on the £500,000 cheque from Costerbloom—euphemistically termed support for the African development plan—Constantine surmised that news of the Congolese Commission gaining the rights to manage the Congo River Basin at the Berlin meeting had already spread.

As such, Constantine anticipated the purpose behind Costerbloom's visit.

"Your Excellency the Duke, it's been a while, and your demeanor remains unchanged," Costerbloom greeted, holding the Civilization Staff in his left hand and tipping his hat in salute with his right.

Standing to greet him, Constantine said, "Long time no see, Costerbloom. What brings you here this time?"

Costerbloom retrieved a cheque from his pocket and handed it to Constantine.

For a moment, Constantine was at a loss for words.

The Coster family's banking acumen was apparent—they issued a cheque in lieu of disagreement.

Having met only twice before, each time involving a cheque of £500,000, Constantine wondered if they were being overly self-assured.

"Costerbloom, what does this mean?" Constantine inquired, holding the cheque in his hand.

"I heard that His Royal Highness has obtained the management rights of Congo. Congratulations."

"As for the £500,000, Your Excellency the Duke, the colossal Congo, at the inception of your administration, undoubtedly incurred substantial expenses. I've heard that the construction of the Ma-Kim railway is imperative in the Congo region. My father has tasked me with coming to your aid to the best of my abilities."

In this moment, Costerbloom's father, Jon, earned Constantine's genuine admiration.

The elder Costerbloom's unique investment vision, boldness, and resolute attitude left Constantine in awe.

The previous £500,000 cheque, sent without any stipulations, was akin to venture capital investment. This time, the £500,000 served to assist Constantine formally, investing in the Majin Railway in advance to alleviate his financial constraints.

Undoubtedly, Costerbloom recognized the