Chapter 284

Chapter 284: Chain Meter

As the war in East Africa concluded, Ernst pondered the fate of the other students from the Hechingen Military Academy. He considered whether they should be sent to East Africa, especially since the army could now undergo reorganization with the conclusion of the East African campaign.

The ongoing war in Europe continued to unfold. Prussia made significant advancements in France, with one of the elite French armies surrendering without a fight after being besieged in Metz for 72 days on October 27, 1870.

On the Austro-Hungarian Empire's side, Lieutenant General Karl led his army through northern Italy, causing disruptions in the Lombardy area and forcing the Lombardy frontline defenders to split their forces to prevent being outflanked.

This presented an opportunity for Grand Duke Albrecht to cut off the connection between the Lombard army and the Venetian army. Venice found itself encircled by the Austro-Hungarian army. Grand Duke Albrecht's imperial forces gradually wore down the Venetian defenders through a blockade, pushing Venice and its inhabitants to the brink.

Fulton and Lisa, residents of Venice, faced the grim reality of dwindling food supplies. The war had led to a thirteenfold increase in food prices and severe shortages, leaving many families in dire straits. Even the Ailaiyi family had to sell their home, and if they couldn't raise enough money, they too would face starvation.

Fulton sighed in frustration at the devastating effects of war and considered seeking an advance on his wages from his employer, Mr. Martin, who ran a textile factory.

Meanwhile, Murray arrived at Fulton's house late in the evening, announcing his impending departure from Venice.

Fulton was surprised and asked how Murray could leave Venice during martial law, given that it was surrounded by the Austro-Hungarian army on land and sea.

Murray explained that he received the information from Mr. Winston, his former boss, who was leaving Venice for Paraguay and then to the United States for opportunities. Mr. Winston had revealed that there were still ships at sea that could travel, but only vessels belonging to the Hechingen Ocean Trading Company were allowed free passage in and out of Venice due to their connections with Prussian capital.

Fulton expressed astonishment that the Hechingen Ocean Trading Company, which had recruited people in Venice before the war, was still in operation.

Murray elaborated that these ships were docked in the Hechingen shipyard, part of the company's factory area, making it less known to the public. He also revealed that residents could board these ships for free to relocate to East Africa or Paraguay, though the destination wasn't up to them.

This led to a discussion about why the Hechingen Consortium was assisting Paraguay in transporting its population, particularly the Italians from Venice. It was a result of the Paraguay War, which had left Paraguay with a severe population shortage.

East Africa, having already absorbed many immigrants from Venice, was now helping Paraguay by selecting individuals who didn't meet East African standards and sending them to South America.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was also involved in this population transfer, relocating people from the Venice area to South America. Grand Duke Albrecht was actively organizing agricultural populations from the occupied territories, sending them to various South American countries.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire agreed to bear some of the financial costs associated with transporting these populations in exchange for a share of Paraguay's economic interests, including land and mineral resource development rights.

Despite the expenses involved, the Austro-Hungarian Empire's motivation was partly to secure the support of Hungary by promising to allocate land in Lombardy to Hungary, as long as no Italians remained on that land.

This move was strategic, as it aimed to weaken the Italian presence in the region, even if it meant using ruthless methods to displace the Italian population.

The Kingdom of Sardinia, on the other hand, had citizens fleeing Italy to France and America to avoid the war. These Italian refugees were organized by the French Republican government and used as cannon fodder to hinder Prussia's advance on the front lines, a grim consequence of the ongoing conflict in Europe.