Meeting

As Constantine entered the room, the atmosphere shifted. Trikupis, the Prime Minister of Greece, stepped forward to greet him.

"Your Excellency the Duke, you are welcome to today's meeting," Trikupis said with a sense of formality.

It marked Constantine's first foray into a meeting with business magnates. Surveying the room, he observed a gathering of distinguished individuals seated around a long table. The men, clad in suits, were accompanied by elegantly dressed women in brightly colored long dresses. Familiar faces included Gian Goldberry and George Steve from the National Bank of Greece, as well as Costerbloom of Alpha Bank. The assembly of these Greek financial giants hinted at the significance of the occasion.

"It's a pleasure to be among you, gentlemen and ladies," Constantine greeted warmly, aiming to establish a cordial atmosphere.

Once everyone had settled back into their seats, Constantine took his place at the opposite end of the table. Trikupis, facing him, began, "His Excellency, according to the Greek Ambassador to Berlin, the Congo Commission, which you funded, was awarded management of the Congo at the Berlin Conference."

Mentions of the colony prompted all eyes to turn towards Constantine. The tales of European nations amassing wealth through colonization were widely known among the merchant class. The news of Greece venturing into colonial endeavors had undoubtedly piqued their interest.

"Indeed," Constantine affirmed, aware of the underlying reason for his presence at this business meeting.

The shrewd businessmen, sensing an opportunity for financial gain, had gathered to seek advantageous deals in the wake of Greece acquiring a colony.

"Prince Constantine, have you considered handing over control of the Congo to the Greek government? European countries typically entrust colonies to their suzerain's government, and managing the Congo River through the Congo Commission might be inconvenient," Trikupis suggested.

"Mr. Prime Minister, what efforts has the Greek government made concerning the Congo colony?" Constantine countered rhetorically.

He harbored no illusions about the Greek government's capabilities. From the exploration of Africa to diplomatic negotiations, all expenses related to the Congo colony had been borne by the royal family, not the Greek government. Entrusting the colony to an unstable and unreliable government was out of the question.

Trikupis, acknowledging the deficiencies of the Greek government, responded, "Your Excellency, even if you insist on managing the Congo, would you consider supporting Greek merchants conducting trade in the region?"

Handing over control to the Greek government was not Constantine's plan. Instead, he aimed to support Greek businessmen directly in their endeavors. The chaotic state of Greek politics and the lack of a stable civil service system made it clear that entrusting the colony to the government would lead to disaster.

"Dear Duke, the Greek business community is inviting you to share insights about Congo. Can you enlighten us about its current state?" Trikupis, familiar with Constantine, posed the question on behalf of the eager businessmen present.

As everyone's eyes focused on Constantine, he began to describe the Congo—its tropical climate, suitability for agriculture, and abundant natural resources. However, he chose not to divulge detailed information about mineral resources, realizing the potential risks of doing so.

The businessmen, though lacking specifics, envisioned opportunities in commodities like ivory and sugar cane, realizing the potential for economic growth and reduced reliance on foreign imports.

Seizing the moment, Constantine declared, "To further develop the Congolese colony, I propose the establishment of a Greek headquarters. Its primary focus will be investing in the Congo and harnessing its abundant resources. If any of you have ideas, consider taking a stake in this endeavor."

The room fell silent as Constantine's announcement hung in the air, leaving the Greek business elite contemplating the potential benefits and risks of venturing into the uncharted territories of the Congo.