Constantin was not surprised by Ernst's words. After all, his son had always thought differently from ordinary people since childhood; otherwise, he could never have carved out such a foundation.
"Ernst, what you say does make some sense, but without recognition from the international community, East Africa's so-called imperial throne may be like the British queen's Indian imperial throne—something people whisper about behind their backs."
Ernst smiled and teased his father. "If Britain's Queen Victoria moved her capital to Mumbai, then her imperial title would truly live up to its name! Besides, East Africa is completely different from Britain. East Africa is now more powerful than the vast majority of kingdoms, so an empire better suits East Africa's current state of development."
"As for Europe's gossip, if we were competing for the title of Emperor of Europe, then naturally we would make ourselves a laughingstock. But this is East Africa. The empire we are establishing is an unprecedentedly vast state in African history, so naturally it should be called the East African Empire."
The Kingdom of Hechingen belonged to Europe's political system after all, so it could not possibly bear the title of empire. Hechingen had originally been nothing more than a small state beneath the Holy Roman Empire.
Of course, Ernst coveted the name Holy Roman Empire as well, but the other German states would never agree—especially Germany. If East Africa called itself the Holy Roman Empire, then what would that make Germany?
Naturally, Constantin was dissatisfied with Ernst's idea. "East African Empire is not a good name. Although we are indeed in Africa, Africa's name has long been stigmatized. The moment I hear Africa, I think of poverty, backwardness, and savagery."
What Constantin said was true. Although East Africa was now developing at high speed, European countries' stereotypes