Fanar

Three days later, the Tatoi Palace buzzed with activity as elegantly dressed gentlemen gathered to discuss the establishment of the Greek headquarters. Nina, taking charge, led everyone into the conference room when the time came.

Constantine, meticulously groomed, made his way to the conference room. This marked his first public encounter with the upper echelons of Greece. Until now, Constantine had deliberately avoided close associations with the Greek political and merchant class.

Upon Constantine's entrance, the assembled gentlemen respectfully bowed and saluted. Constantine signaled for everyone to take their seats after he settled into the main chair. The room quieted down as everyone positioned themselves around the long conference table.

"Nina, why have we gathered here today?" Alexandros inquired, seeking clarification on the business scope of the Greek Congolese Company and the safeguards for potential shareholders' interests.

Nina, as the meeting host, promptly addressed Alexandros's question. "The purpose of this meeting, as proposed by Duke Constantine, is to discuss the Greek Congo Corporation."

Alexandros, hailing from the prestigious Mavrokozatos family, sought further information. The Fanar people, originating from the remnants of the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople, played a crucial role in the Ottoman Empire. Alexandros's family had contributed significantly to the Greek War of Independence, and he belonged to a lineage with deep roots.

He raised a pertinent query about the business scope and the protection of interests for potential shareholders. The room fell silent, awaiting Nina's response.

"The Greek Congolese Corporation has a singular goal — to procure from Congo what Greece needs. It aims to directly manage the importation of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, ivory, and cane sugar, which were previously sourced from other countries," Nina explained with poise.

Costeblu, seizing the opportunity to commend Constantine, interjected, "These commodities, which we previously imported, resulted in a substantial outflow of precious metals from Greece. Now, thanks to the Duke of Constantine, we can manage these commodities ourselves."

Amidst discussions, another gentleman, Angelis Styach, stood up, expressing the desire of overseas Greeks to take a stake in the corporation. Before Constantine could respond, an outburst of anger erupted from Alexandros, condemning those he considered traitors.

Angelis, a Fanar who rose through Ottoman promotions, sought fairness for overseas Greeks. However, his plea faced criticism from those who viewed the Fanars as betrayers of the country.

"Your Excellency, I hope you can treat us overseas Greeks fairly," Angelis implored Constantine.

The tension in the room escalated, and Angelis defended his position emotionally, detailing the challenges faced by Fanars born in Turkey and emphasizing their commitment to serving the country and nation. He pleaded for fair treatment and understanding.

Despite the turmoil, Angelis concluded with a poignant analogy, drawing parallels between their situation and the hypothetical struggles of the Duke of Wellington in a non-Christian environment.