Breadwinner

Constantine, having risen early for breakfast, encountered Butler Capet strolling in the garden.

"Good morning, Your Excellency. Have you heard the news? Nina has completed her studies and graduated from the University of Athens," Butler Capet shared with a sense of relief.

"Ah? Nina has finished her studies?" Constantine expressed surprise. His recent focus on colonial matters had led him to overlook Nina's academic achievements.

"In addition, yesterday, Prime Minister Terry Kupis sent an invitation letter inviting you to attend a meeting today. It's said to involve discussions with business people," added Butler Capet, equally surprised by this political development.

Traveling in the royal carriage through the northern forest path to Athens, Constantine mulled over the upcoming meeting with Trikupis.

Previously, Constantine had distanced himself from politics, recognizing his limitations as a young individual. Additionally, with King George in his prime, there was little room for Constantine to intervene. Moreover, Greece's turbulent political scene, characterized by frequent changes in prime ministers, merely masked the deeper issue of economic downturn.

Constantine's disinterest in politics reflected in his past actions. However, the acquisition of the management rights of the Congo River Basin by the Congolese Commission marked a turning point. The sheer size of the territory, especially its lucrative ivory trade, forced Constantine to confront political realities.

Greece's economic challenges further complicated matters. With 65% of Greeks engaged in agriculture and the main export being raisins, Constantine understood the precariousness of the economic situation. The rise of raisin exports was a consequence of the 1860s phylloxera crisis that devastated European vineyards.

Phylloxera, originating in North America, wreaked havoc on European grapevines. France, in particular, faced significant losses. The world's first international treaty to prevent the spread of dangerous pests, the Grape Phylloxera Convention, emerged in 1881.

Greece, fortunate to escape the grape disaster, capitalized on the export of raisins, creating a profitable industry. However, the dependence on raisins faced challenges. As Europe found ways to combat phylloxera, high tariffs on foreign raisins threatened Greece's economic stability.

Greece's barren land and low wheat yields compounded the economic struggle. With grape cultivation taking years to yield results, the uncertainty of the raisin market could spell bankruptcy for grape growers, leading to a collapse of Greece's economic pillar.

Amidst these economic uncertainties, the royal carriage reached Athens' urban streets. A stop at a café marked the beginning of a pivotal meeting. Guarded by heavily armed knights, Constantine entered to find Prime Minister Terry Kupis and other distinguished guests already awaiting him in the box. As they rose to greet him, a sense of urgency filled the air.

The meeting promised to unravel new challenges and opportunities for Constantine in the intricate landscape of Greek politics. The prospect of navigating the intersection between colonial affairs, economic struggles, and political intricacies hinted at a journey filled with both trials and triumphs. Constantine's role in this evolving narrative would undoubtedly shape the future of Greece and its place on the global stage.