"Mr. Afonso, why did more than half of your people leave?" Merke asked.
Just yesterday, Santos had led many people away from the capital of the Yeke Kingdom.
"They chose to leave and head south to the Kingdom of Kazembe. What a pity!" Afonso said it was a pity, yet a fleeting smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, unnoticed by anyone.
The hesitant Prince Constantin ultimately sent Maximilian I's suggestion to Ernst by telegraph from Dar es Salaam.
After staying in Dar es Salaam for several days, people from the East African Central Government had arrived.
"Your Highness, how have you been staying these past few days? Have you grown accustomed to East Africa's weather?" Von der Leyen, an East African Central Government official, asked respectfully.
"Not bad. Are we leaving for First Town today?" Prince Constantin asked.
"Yes. His Highness has instructed us to receive you. Dar es Salaam is not too far from First Town, but the journey will still take two days," Von der Leyen said.
The road from First Town to Dar es Salaam had undergone two rounds of repairs and renovations and was exceptionally level, having advanced to a brick-and-stone surface. At the same time, most roads in East Africa were still rammed-earth roads.
In truth, if they spared no effort with the horses, they could arrive in a single day. But Prince Constantin was of noble status, so they could not travel too quickly.
"Archduke Ferdinand, I will be leaving today. If there is any news, I will send someone to inform you," Prince Constantin said to Maximilian I.
"Of course, Your Highness. If this succeeds, I would be more than willing to serve," Maximilian I replied.
Prince Constantin spoke with Maximilian I several more times and discovered that Maximilian I