The eldest son needed tempering, and the second son could not be left idle either. As the times continued to change, the governor-based system for administering overseas colonies was increasingly unable to keep pace with the age.
One only had to look at the Spanish colonies. They were already ablaze with the fires of war. Although outside forces had played a role, their outdated system of rule was itself an important factor.
The Holy Roman Empire's colonies remained stable primarily because Franz had granted fiefs to a number of nobles. There was a group of people working for themselves, suppressing every kind of defiance.
Without question, this kind of feudal rule was even more backward. Its sole advantage was that it could stir the enthusiasm of those under its command and draw out each individual's potential to the fullest.
Bound by both the feudal vassal system and shared interests, there would certainly be no problems for one or two generations. For three or four generations, the Holy Roman Empire's strength would ensure that no major problems arose either.
Beyond that, no one could say for certain. Human loyalty could not withstand the erosion of time; the further things went, the more weight interests would carry.
At present, the overseas colonies were economically underdeveloped and had no choice but to rely on support from the homeland. Naturally, they were as close as one family.
But as the economy continued to develop, the future was uncertain. When the colonial economies grew strong enough that they no longer wished to remain sources of raw materials and markets for goods, conflict between the two sides would arise.
The palm and the back of the hand were both flesh. No matter how impartial the central government was, it would still lean one way when resolving