Date night

"I'm very satisfied with Carust's report," Edel remarked to the chief guard. Romania had never undertaken such detailed statistics before, and this time, it was a statistical report personally commissioned by the Crown Prince at his own expense. Edel thought to himself that it wasn't always feasible to expect the royal family to engage in such tasks. He planned to delegate future statistical work to the government, which would also provide them with a better understanding of the domestic situation. The cost was a mere 1 million lei, after all. However, he would have to wait until the general election of the new government in February, as the new prime minister would need the royal family's approval.

Edel was also preparing for a trip to Austria-Hungary, as he was scheduled to board a train to Vienna in a week. His primary aim was to purchase four 305MM shore guns from the Skoda Company and to acquire some other items while there. The strategic importance of Constanta to Romania was growing, and the navy alone could not ensure its safety. Additionally, the existing turrets, built around 1890, were aging and poorly equipped to defend against modern dreadnoughts. Although the classic 350MM shore artillery from Skoda had not yet been developed, the 305MM models would suffice for now.

On January 24, 1911, Edel boarded the special train to Vienna. Officially, it was a state visit to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but unofficially, it was also a chance for a blind date.

The train arrived in Vienna on the morning of the third day. The chief guard approached the elegantly dressed Crown Prince. "Your Royal Highness, Grand Duke Otto Franz of the Habsburgs is here to greet you."

Upon hearing that his future father-in-law was there to welcome him, Edel quickly prepared to disembark.

Grand Duke Otto Franz, who was on the platform to receive his future son-in-law, found the situation somewhat unusual, primarily due to the arrangements made by the Habsburg royal family. Since the visit was arranged under the guise of a blind date, it was inappropriate for his brother, Crown Prince Ferdinand, to receive him, and the others were considered too junior. Only Grand Duke Otto Franz, who would be his father-in-law, seemed fitting for the role.

"It's nice to meet you, Grand Duke Otto Franz," Edel greeted him as he stepped off the train. The Grand Duke, a notorious figure in the Austro-Hungarian royal family for his licentious behavior and reluctance to assume any formal duties, had a complex reputation. Despite his marriage to Princess Josepha of Saxony in 1886, his lifestyle had led to his estrangement from many family duties and ultimately his renunciation of the throne.

Grand Duke Otto Franz, relieved to see his future son-in-law so cordial, responded warmly. "Your Royal Highness, I'm delighted you could come to Vienna." He then embraced Edel.

After exchanging pleasantries, Grand Duke Otto Franz escorted Edel to his accommodation, pausing at the door to inform him, "We have prepared a welcome dinner for you this evening. Please be sure to attend."

"Your Excellency, I will be there on time," Edel assured him with a smile.

After the Grand Duke departed, Edel entered his room with the chief guard and his entourage.

"Carust, I need to prepare for the welcome dinner," the Crown Prince told Carust, who was directing the guards in setting up a salute.

"Very well, Your Highness," the chief guard responded, then turned to one of the guards and instructed, "Pick, fetch the third white suitcase from the clothes cart."

"Right away," replied the guard named Piccolo, setting aside his current task to retrieve the Crown Prince's attire.

European aristocratic etiquette demanded a vast wardrobe, especially for the royals. For this trip, Edel had packed over twenty sets of outfits for various occasions including dinners, lunches, afternoon teas, travels, and hunting expeditions. Each outfit, crafted by renowned designers, cost thousands of pounds—a testament to the luxurious lifestyles of the aristocracy.

Edel rested until four in the afternoon, then arose to dine and dress in his black evening attire.

"Carust, does this look acceptable?" Edel inquired, examining his reflection in the mirror.

"Perfect, Your Highness," replied the attendant, an expert in royal dress.

Looking at his reflection, Edel, dressed in a style reminiscent of a bygone era, felt an odd mix of amusement and discomfort. It was a stark contrast to the simpler styles he was accustomed to.

In the evening, Edel rode a carriage to the Hofburg Palace. The streets were bustling with traffic, filled with Model T cars and workers riding classic two-eight bar bicycles. Observing this, Edel thought fondly of Bielski's successful management of the bicycle factory, a detail he usually only noted in financial reports.

"Your Highness, we have arrived at the Hofburg Palace," the chief guard announced, snapping Edel from his reverie.

"Let's proceed," Edel responded, stepping out of the carriage to behold the grandeur of the historic palace. The Hofburg Palace, with its myriad architectural styles—Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and neoclassical—was a testament to the empire's rich history and the various rulers who had shaped it.

As they approached, Grand Duke Otto Franz joined them, asking, "Edel, are you impressed by the palace?"

"Yes, Your Excellency, its grandeur and history are truly breathtaking," Edel replied.

"Very well, let's go inside. Tonight, you are the guest of honor."

Leading Edel through Heroes' Square and into the ceremonial hall, Grand Duke Otto Franz pointed out statues of historical figures like Prince Eugen and Grand Duke Karl, heroes who had defended the empire against formidable foes.

Upon entering the hall, the assembled guests recognized the arrival of the evening's protagonist. Grand Duke Otto Franz, with a teasing smile, told Edel, "Enjoy yourself tonight; this celebration is in your honor."

As Edel was about to respond, an officer announced the arrival of another dignitary, prompting everyone to rise. Emperor Franz Joseph I, advanced in age but still commanding respect, entered the room. Everyone, including Edel, bowed deeply.

"I came mainly to see my niece's future husband. It's clear you are a capable and promising leader. Mary will be in good hands," the Emperor stated, offering Edel a mix of personal approval and royal endorsement.

Flattered yet humble, Edel responded, "Your Majesty, you flatter me. Any success Romania enjoys is due to the efforts of my father and our people."

Franz Joseph I, recognizing Edel's modesty, didn't press further. Instead, he led him to the front of the hall, announcing to the guests, "Tonight, we welcome Crown Prince Edel of Romania to Vienna. Let us show him our hospitality."

The guests raised their glasses, toasting, "Welcome, Prince Edel."

Edel reciprocated, sipping his drink as the Emperor, citing fatigue, excused himself for the evening.

With the formalities out of the way, Grand Duke Otto Franz reappeared, offering to introduce Edel to several key figures. After a few introductions, he led Edel to a young woman, his primary reason for the visit—Princess Mary. Though Edel recognized her immediately, he awaited the formal introduction.

"Edel, this is my daughter, Sophie Marie," Grand Duke Otto Franz announced.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Sophie Marie," Edel greeted her warmly.

Sophie Marie, equally pleased, responded, "I'm delighted to meet you too, Your Highness Edel."

As the evening progressed, Edel and Sophie Marie engaged in light conversation, quickly finding common ground and enjoying each other's company. Grand Duke Otto Franz, observing their rapport, excused himself, confident in the match he had facilitated.

The dinner concluded on a high note, with both Edel and Sophie Marie expressing a desire to meet again. "It's been wonderful spending time with you," Sophie Marie said as they parted.

"Likewise, Princess. I only wish we had more time," Edel replied, the beginnings of affection evident in their exchange.

As they said their goodbyes, Sophie Marie returned to her quarters, her maid, Anna, immediately noticing her high spirits. "Princess, what do you think of Prince Edel?"

Blushing, Sophie Marie confided, "He's charming, witty, and treats everyone with kindness."

Anna, seeing her mistress so smitten, smiled knowingly.

Meanwhile, Edel, reflecting on the evening, felt optimistic about this new connection. "It's been a good start," he told his chief guard as they departed the palace.

Exhausted but content, Edel settled into his carriage, ready to rest and eager for what the next day in Vienna might bring.