"Small Meetings" Get Big Things Done

"Let's end today's meeting here. I declare the session adjourned. I hope everyone enjoys their time in Venice," Count Allen Tal declared, bringing the matter down with one final hammer blow.

The attendees then began to leave, but Allen Tal kept behind the representatives of East Africa and Britain, the two protagonists of the affair.

"Gentlemen, please stay. Although nothing was decided at the conference, I have gained a rough understanding of both sides' circumstances. Would you be interested in gathering at my estate tonight?" Allen Tal invited the East African and British representatives.

Hermann and Von der Leyen had originally intended to ask Allen Tal about the matter after the meeting. Now that Allen Tal intended to bring Britain into it, it was obvious that he had something in mind.

The two exchanged a glance. After Von der Leyen gave a firm nod, Hermann said, "Of course. It would be an honor."

Salisbury also said, "Very well. For your sake, I will attend."

From beginning to end, Allen Tal had not invited Portugal or the Boers, because neither country was a leading player in the South African War. Or rather, their strength did not merit Allen Tal's attention. Had this been Portugal of the previous century, Allen Tal might have been interested in drawing it over. Now, East Africa had stripped Portugal so bare that even its underclothes were gone.

Thus, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was filled with contempt for Portugal, though Allen Tal, as a diplomat, did not show it. Most of those attending the conference felt the same way.

Of course, the one consolation was that Britain was also at a disadvantage against East Africa, making Portugal appear to possess at least a little strength. After all, Britain, the World's Number One Power, could not always find all