Chapter 203

Chapter 203: "Exile"? "Run"!

After conversing with Ernst, Prince Constantine realized that it was no longer appropriate to refer to the East African colony as the "Count of Hechingen" or simply East Africa. In reality, the millions of laborers toiling on East African soil were essentially international workers contributing to the construction of East Africa. The ownership of this land now resided with the Hexingen royal family.

While the original Hexingen territory had become part of Prussia, the Hexingen royal family retained claims and interests in various industries. In the future, the Principality of Hechingen could potentially be restored as part of the Kingdom of Prussia. After all, East Africa was not a Prussian vassal state; Hexingen represented the root of the country and needed to be distinguished from East Africa.

Back at his residence, Ernst received information regarding the railway industry sent by Prince Karl. Ernst had recently returned from Trieste, where the construction of a new food factory was progressing well. However, the limited availability of land along the Austro-Hungarian Empire's narrow coastline had posed challenges, leading to the factory's location in the suburbs of Trieste.

Ernst perused the data and noticed Prince Karl's recommendation regarding the Ronce Railway Company, which piqued his interest. This company was situated in the Grand Duchy of Baden and had modern equipment and staff. Unfortunately, it had fallen into disarray after the death of its founder, Ronce Sr., with his son Ronce Jr. proving inept at management.

Originally, the Ronce Railway Company had thrived under Ronce Sr.'s leadership, even expanding into the French market through outsourcing agreements. However, under Ronce Jr.'s careless control, the company had faced difficulties, losing orders and teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

Ernst acknowledged the company's potential but expressed doubts about its long-term viability given the complexities of the railway industry. He explained that the railway industry was approaching a saturation point, and many regions lacked the necessary population and logistics to support the extensive rail networks being developed.

Despite this, Ernst intended to secure the company, not for immediate expansion but to prepare for East Africa's future needs. He recognized that East Africa would require railways down the line and was planning ahead.

Ernst instructed his butler, Mr. Notting, to initiate contact with Ronce Jr. and acquire the company, emphasizing the importance of negotiating a favorable price.

Meanwhile, in Karlsruhe, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Baden, employees of the Ronce Railway Company received news of the company's acquisition by Hechingen Bank. Their immediate concern was whether their delayed salaries would be paid now that the company had new owners.

Mr. Nuoding, the chief engineer, reassured them that the salaries would be paid but revealed that the company's future lay in East Africa. He explained that the German railway market had become saturated, making it challenging to secure orders. Consequently, the company was relocating to East Africa, where it would continue its operations.

This announcement raised concerns among the employees about leaving their families and relocating to Africa, with some expressing fears about wild beasts and cannibal tribes. However, Mr. Nuoding assured them that the company would cover travel expenses and provide housing upon their arrival in East Africa, mitigating some of their worries.

The employees likened the move to exile but acknowledged that it was a necessary step, considering their need for salaries to sustain their families. Ernst's decision to pay higher wages in East Africa further incentivized their move.

Ernst realized that he might appear ruthless in this endeavor, but he believed it was a necessary step to ensure the success of his ventures in East Africa. He understood that the railway industry in Germany was facing challenges and believed that moving experienced workers to East Africa would benefit both parties. While he empathized with the workers, he saw this as an opportunity to address their immediate financial concerns while advancing his goals in East Africa.