Port Bagamoyo.
Two imposing sailing warships were completing their handover.
"Your Highness, these are warships drawn from active service, provided in support of your cause."
Colonel Blair of the Austro-Hungarian Navy was in charge of this delivery. With a broad smile plastered across his face, he introduced the warships before them to Archduke Ferdinand (Maximilian I).
"All right. I'm afraid I know them better than you do." Ferdinand, Commander-in-Chief of the East African Navy, cut Blair off without ceremony.
"When I took office, they were serving in the Austrian Navy. Now that they've come to East Africa, it counts as a good destination. They can continue putting their remaining warmth to use."
As he spoke, Ferdinand boarded one of them, with Blair following behind.
"After all these years, there haven't been any major changes. But this paint is fresh?"
"Yes. Before leaving port, both ships underwent careful inspection. Their overall performance remained sound, though they had accumulated a few minor problems over the years. They were then taken to the Trieste shipyard for maintenance, and some modern facilities were installed as well."
"Franz has done well. When you report back, deliver this letter to him." Ferdinand took a letter from his breast pocket and handed it to Blair.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will certainly deliver it."
The letter naturally contained words of thanks. This time, Ferdinand sincerely felt that having a good elder brother was truly wonderful.
After suffering the Mexicans' vicious beating, Archduke Ferdinand had gone from one extreme to the other.
Back in Mexico, Ferdinand had stubbornly refused to ask the Austrian royal family for any help. Now, Ferdinand could only say: It really is wonderful!
With Franz's assistance, the East African Navy had acquired two warships retired from the Austro-Hungarian Navy, together with the Sultanate of Zanzibar's