Cutthroat competition was bound to happen. During an economic crisis, such things were commonplace—not even worth calling a problem. Some countries, upon encountering an economic downturn, had long since begun mustering troops for war. As for exactly which ones, Ernst would not name names.
From 1870 onward, East Africa had begun shifting away from its former emphasis on food crops and vigorously supporting the development of cash crops instead. At its core, East African food production was already sufficient to sustain national development, while continually falling grain prices truly left little profit to squeeze out. Food security was especially important to a country, which was why East Africa had previously thrown its weight behind food production while curbing support for cash crops.
Aside from monarchs lending their presence, many countries beyond Europe also attended this exposition. For instance, King Nasr al-Din of Persia had traveled thousands of miles to attend, using the "Vienna World Expo" as an excuse when his real purpose was merely to see Princess Sisi. It quickly became a laughingstock among the monarchs.
A world exposition was a fine occasion to show one's face, but Ernst had no interest in attending, chiefly because cholera had suddenly erupted in Vienna.
Ernst naturally knew that cholera spread mainly through water sources and bacteria, but there was no need for him to shout it to the entire world. He did not understand such things himself, and few would believe him if he said so. Spreading the word within the company and across the East African mainland was enough.
Facts proved that this cholera outbreak was no isolated case. India, Southeast Asia, the Far East, the United States, and Europe were all severely afflicted. For example, Gorky's father had died of cholera that very year.
East Africa, meanwhile, seemed utterly out