August 7, 1929.
Stuttgart.
This time, Ernst had remained in Europe for a long while. After leaving the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he had gone on to visit Germany, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries.
The Rhine Emperor's visit had made all of Europe bustle with excitement, but Ernst ultimately returned to Southern Germany.
His final destination was the Principality of Hechingen. In theory, Ernst was still the Prince of Hechingen and the ruler of the Principality of Hechingen.
Because the course of World War I had changed, Germany's monarchy still existed, as did its local nobles and princely states, large and small. During his previous travels in Germany, Ernst had spent much of his time visiting these princes and great nobles of Southern Germany.
Although the Rhine Royal Family had left Germany decades ago, it had remained in frequent contact with these nobles. When East Africa had once drawn immigrants from Germany, these nobles had contributed no small amount.
At the Stuttgart Palace.
King Albrecht of Württemberg had long been waiting for Ernst.
"Albrecht, it has been several months. How have you been lately?" Ernst asked proactively upon seeing him.
Albrecht did not dare show the slightest neglect toward Emperor Ernst. Smiling, he said, "Your Majesty Ernst, your arrival in Stuttgart has made even today's weather far better. As for me, thanks to your blessings, life has been fairly good. The last time we met was in Vienna, at His Majesty Rudolf's coronation ceremony."
"Actually, I saw you several times in Vienna even earlier than that, though those were at Vienna's aristocratic gatherings. At the time, I was still just a nobody."
Albrecht and Ernst were genuine relatives. This new King of Württemberg had been born in Vienna, while his late wife had been Princess Margarethe Sophie,