The Tatoi Palace, nestled amidst lush greenery and rich history, stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Greek monarchy. Inside its hallowed halls, Constantine, adorned in the regal attire befitting his role, received a telegram from Sanford. The contents of the message brought a mixture of relief and anticipation, for it carried news of a distinguished guest set to arrive in Athens.
Passing the telegram to Schmidt, Constantine issued instructions, "In a few days, a distinguished guest will come to Athens from New York, via London. Inform Butler Capet to arrange a proper reception and have Cape Steward scout for financial talents, especially those with banking expertise."
Schmidt, always vigilant and efficient, absorbed the orders with a nod. However, the matter at hand extended beyond the arrival of a guest—it was entwined with the intricate tapestry of diplomacy, industry, and progress for Greece.
A sense of urgency enveloped Constantine, a realization that the threads of fate were being woven with every decision. The upcoming guest, an American engineer named Tesla, carried the promise of transformative advancements in electrical power. As the Duke of Greece, Constantine saw the potential for Tesla's innovations to propel the nation into a new era of industrialization.
Within the walls of Tatoi Palace, Constantine gathered his advisors, including King George and Prime Minister Trikupis, to deliberate on the recent developments in the Balkans. The unexpected triumph of Bulgaria over Serbia had shifted the balance of power, creating ripples of uncertainty across the region.
"I can't believe that Serbia lost, and Bulgaria became the winner," sighed Chief of Staff Emmanuel, reflecting the general sentiment of surprise and concern among the gathered leaders.
Trikupis, ever the astute statesman, voiced his apprehension, "This situation is not favorable for us. Bulgaria's success may embolden them to pursue more aggressive policies. We need to tread carefully in our dealings with them."
King George, nodding in agreement, emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts, "We should strengthen our ties and ensure stability in the region. Constantine, I entrust you with this task. Use your influence to engage in diplomatic talks with Bulgaria and maintain the balance of power in the Balkans."
Constantine acknowledged the responsibility bestowed upon him, "I will utilize my diplomatic channels to engage with Bulgaria and safeguard our nation's interests. We must navigate these shifting tides with prudence."
As the discussion unfolded, the conversation seamlessly transitioned to the impending visit of Tesla. Constantine seized the opportunity to advocate for the integration of modern technologies, especially in the realm of electrical power, to propel Greece into an era of industrial growth.
"I believe Mr. Tesla's expertise can greatly benefit our country," Constantine asserted. "His inventions and innovations can contribute significantly to our industrialization efforts. We must embrace modern technologies to ensure the progress and prosperity of Greece."
Trikupis, recognizing the potential, concurred, "It's a wise move. We need to advance with the times, and Tesla's contributions can accelerate our economic growth."
King George, a patron of progress, added his voice, "Ensure a warm welcome for Mr. Tesla. Let him know that we value his contributions to our nation's advancement."
With the meeting concluded, Constantine left the conference room with a resolute gaze. The path ahead was fraught with challenges and opportunities, and the fate of Greece hung in the delicate balance of diplomacy and technological advancement.
In the days that followed, preparations for Tesla's arrival were set in motion, intertwining with the unfolding diplomatic negotiations with Bulgaria. The sprawling narrative of Greece's history in the early 20th century was being written, and Constantine, as the orchestrator of change, strove to navigate the intricate dance of politics, technology, and diplomacy.