May 7, 1873.
The Crown Prince, who had barely had time to settle into East Africa, was about to return to Europe. This time, Ernst traveled aboard the merchant vessel Lion, and the entire fleet had been converted from armed merchant ships.
He also brought a battalion from the Royal Guard Division to Austria. This battalion would serve much the same role as a ceremonial guard. They had been selected from the Guard Division's finest, all of them striking figures.
Never mind their military competence—their looks and physiques were the very best. A fine horse deserved a fine saddle, and East Africa had specially provided them with its finest tailors to handcraft high-quality uniforms.
The battalion dispatched by the Guard Division actually numbered three thousand men, mainly infantry and cavalry. However, there was no need for Ernst to take horses all the way to Austria; he only needed to discuss the matter with the Austrian Army and borrow their horses.
Before the departure, Constantin said somewhat regretfully, "I will not be going to Vienna this time, but the Hechingen Royal Family cannot lose face. This is also a fine opportunity to promote East Africa. At the very least, the Austrians must know that East Africa is no weak country. Spending a little more money cannot be avoided, so do not pinch pennies."
"Rest assured, Father! Aside from business negotiations, the most important matter in Vienna this time is marrying Karina. Since it is a major event of marriage, I certainly will not muddle through it," Ernst readily agreed.
Ernst had always had sound reasons for spending money—or rather, he did not care for pomp and extravagance, preferring practicality. This was precisely what worried Constantin.
Under normal circumstances, there was naturally nothing wrong with that. Between a thrifty heir and a