Burst In Silence!
Greek wine, once a symbol of brilliance, had faced a tumultuous history since the 15th century when Ottoman Turks, adhering to religious beliefs, prohibited the consumption of alcohol. Many vineyards were outlawed and destroyed, leading to a downturn in Greece's wine industry. Although wine production was permitted, heavy taxes imposed by authorities stifled the industry, resulting in a lack of renowned wines.
"I know, I will instruct the cape steward to monitor the Greek wines in the market. The decision to purchase will depend on the quality of the wine. The royal family cannot indulge in inferior wines," Constantine assured.
Sensing Trikupis's genuine interest in the Greek wine industry, Constantine suggested, "If Your Highness is interested in wine, you can buy a vineyard. It can serve as a vacation spot, allowing you to experience the tranquil countryside. Moreover, you could produce exclusive brand wines for collection or as gifts."
Trikupis, seemingly intrigued, expressed his enthusiasm for the Greek wine industry. Constantine, in response, affirmed his willingness to consider such an endeavor when the opportunity arose.
Returning to the Tatoi Palace, Constantine ensured that all arrangements were in order. In the reception room, King George and Queen Olga observed their son, poised to serve in the army.
The ancient halls of the Tatoi Palace echoed with a sense of both anticipation and somber reflection. The impending departure of Crown Prince Constantine, now promoted to the distinguished rank of brigadier general, marked a significant juncture in the royal family's legacy. King George I, a sovereign with a lineage entwined with the tumultuous history of Greece, looked upon his son with a blend of paternal pride and apprehension.
"Constantine, my son, you've undergone rigorous military training and have amassed a wealth of experience. The fragrance of gunpowder in the Balkans is growing stronger," King George remarked, his gaze penetrating the very soul of the young heir.
The 19th-century geopolitical canvas of Europe was painted with a delicate balance of power, each stroke influenced by the decline of the once-mighty Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman rulers, navigating the intricate dance of European powers, continuously compromised and ceded territories, leaving a power vacuum and setting the stage for potential conflicts.
"The decline of the Ottomans has turned the Balkans into a powder keg. The weaker the Ottoman Empire becomes, the more likely war looms on the horizon," King George observed, his mind delving into the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and aspirations that characterized the European landscape.
The aspirations of the Balkan nations—Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece—further complicated the delicate balance. Each harbored dreams of territorial expansion, adding an element of restlessness to the region. Montenegro sought to merge with Serbia, sharing cultural and linguistic ties, while both harbored visions of territorial expansion. Bulgaria, too, dream of reclaiming lost territories.
"As the Crown Prince, your path is intertwined with the fate of Greece. The weight of wearing a crown is not merely symbolic; it carries the burden of securing the nation's future," King George articulated, recognizing the complex interplay of military strategy, political acumen, and fate that awaited his son.
The great ideal of Greece is almost to completely take over the Ottoman Turkey and restore the territory of the Eastern Roman Empire. Based on the analysis of these plans, the Balkan Peninsula in the next few decades is bound to be turbulent and wars are frequent. Therefore, if Constantine wanted to sit firmly on the throne, he had to lead the Greeks to victory again and again.
"I will try my best, father," Constantine said.
"Colonel Constantine," King George suddenly snapped.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Constantine raised his chest and respectfully said.
With a symbolic gesture, King George, the supreme commander of the Greek army, elevated Constantine to the esteemed rank of brigadier general. It was more than a military appointment; it was a mantle of responsibility to safeguard the aspirations and stability of a nation navigating the currents of a shifting era.
"May the gods guide you, General Constantine. Your journey now takes you to Larissa, where the Thessaly Legion awaits your command," King George proclaimed, the gravity of the moment resonating through the ancient halls.
As Constantine, flanked by attendants and a contingent of guards, departed the Tatoi Palace on horseback, his silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun mirrored the weight he now bore—the expectations of a nation and the echoes of history.
In the shadowed corridors of the palace, Queen Olga, her eyes reflecting both maternal concern and regal strength, whispered a prayer for her son. The gods, she hoped, would guide him through the crucible of war, forging not just a military commander but a sovereign destined to shape the destiny of Greece. The palace, steeped in history, held its breath, witnessing the unfolding of a chapter that would be etched into the annals of the Hellenic legacy.