Chapter 193
Chapter 193: The Arrival
As the Ping An ship approached the Port of Dar es Salaam in East Africa, anticipation filled the air. It had been a long and arduous journey, and Prince Constantine, a man seasoned by years, was eager to step onto solid ground once again.
On the ship's deck, Prince Constantine put away the book he had been reading, stretched his tired limbs, and let out a sigh of relief. He had endured a month of rough seas and was finally reaching their destination.
Keno, one of his trusted attendants, approached. "Sir, we've received word that the East African government has made preparations for our arrival. We can disembark soon."
"Excellent, Keno. I've had enough of this ship," Prince Constantine replied with a weary smile.
As the crew and passengers prepared to disembark, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of excitement and curiosity. This was East Africa, a land of promise and potential, and everyone on board was eager to see what the future held.
On the shore, a small crowd had gathered, including officials and residents of Dar es Salaam. Among them was Maximilian I, the Archduke of Austria and the father-in-law of Prince Constantine. He had come to welcome his daughter's husband to East Africa.
As the ship drew closer to the dock, a cacophonous blend of music filled the air. It was a curious combination of traditional Arabic and European instruments, played by a makeshift band of local military officers and government officials. The music was unpolished and disjointed, leaving both Prince Constantine and Maximilian I puzzled.
Maximilian I couldn't help but voice his dissatisfaction to Martin, the mayor of Dar es Salaam, who stood nearby. "Is this the best welcome ceremony they could arrange? The music is quite dissonant, and the rhythm is all wrong."
Martin, an Austrian himself, explained the situation. "Your Majesty, you must understand that East Africa is still a young colony, and we lack the infrastructure for cultural events. We had to borrow musicians and instruments from Zanzibar, and our resources are limited."
Maximilian I nodded, realizing the challenges of organizing such an event in a nascent colony. He hoped that in the future, cultural education in East Africa would improve.
While Maximilian I conversed with Martin, Prince Constantine observed the scene with curiosity. He couldn't help but wonder about the significance of this peculiar music and the people who had gathered to welcome him.
As the ship finally docked, Maximilian I approached Prince Constantine, greeting him warmly. "Your Excellency, you have finally arrived in East Africa!"
Prince Constantine, still puzzled by the music and the changes in Maximilian I's appearance and demeanor over the years, greeted him cautiously. "Are you Archduke Ferdinand?"
The history of Mexico, a painful chapter for Maximilian I, was left unspoken, allowing the two men to focus on the promising future of East Africa and their family ties.