Chapter-12 A Journey to Nafpilon

2th January, 1932

Munich, Bavaria.

In the magnificent royal room, Otto woke up from his slumber. When he sat on his bed, his well-defined physique revealed under the tousled sheets. Rubbing his eyes, he rose from the regal bed. As he made his way towards the window, the room seemed to come alive with his commanding presence. With every step, his confidence and magnetism radiated, which could be captivating. After he opened the window, his striking features flared by the morning light. Otto took a deep breath, his chiselled jawline accentuated by a knowing smile as he gazed out towards the world that awaited his irresistible presence.

"Time really flies, huh. Today is the day for me to leave Bavaria. But I have somehow become attached to them."

Otto whispered; his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. Standing by the window, he allowed the memories of his time in this enchanting land to wash over him.

Otto silently stood there for sometimes.

Then he mumbles,

"Well, everything has an end. Goodbye, Bavaria."

With a sigh, he turned his back and left to become ready for his travel. He beckoned his butler Michael to make himself ready for travel.

After that, Otto made his way to his father's office. As he stepped inside, there he saw that his father, mother and his brothers were waiting for him. He noticed the somber atmosphere that permeated the room.

His father, mother, and brothers were gathered, their eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and worry. Otto's heart sank, realizing that this departure meant more to them than he had anticipated.

His mother, with a hint of tears in her eyes, approached him and embraced him tightly. Her voice trembled with a mix of emotions as she spoke,

"Are you sure you want to go, Otto? Greek lands are not a safe place for anyone."

Her words were filled with a mother's love and worry for her son's well-being.

She again spoke,

"If you want, you can reject it. We will not force you to take the throne."

Otto took a moment to collect his thoughts, understanding the weight of his decision. He looked into his mother's eyes properly and replied with determination,

"I've thought long and hard about this, Mother. I believe it's an opportunity I cannot let slip away. Greece holds so much promise and please trust me. I can do it."

His father, a man of few words stepped forward. Placing a supportive hand on Otto's shoulder, he spoke in a steady tone,

"Son, we understand your yearning for adventure and growth. It is natural for a young man like you. Just remember, family is always here for you. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask us."

Otto's little brother Luitpold , who had been silent up until now, embraced him and chimed in with sadness.

"We're going to miss you, Brother! Make sure to take care of yourself."

A bittersweet smile graced Otto's face as he listened to his family's words. He was grateful for their support, yet he couldn't deny the tug in his heart, torn between the familiarity of home and the allure of the unknown.

Taking a deep breath, Otto mustered his resolve and said,

"Thank you, everyone. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me. I promise to stay in touch. This is a chance for me to grow and discover myself, and I believe it's a journey worth taking."

Then he released his little brother and went to his elder brother Maximilian and told him to take care of family in his absence to which Maximilian told him not to worry and to take care of himself properly.

The room fell into a moment of silence, each family member reflecting on their own thoughts. As they shared one final embrace, Otto knew that this departure marked not only a physical separation but also a transformative chapter in his life.

Leaving his father's office, Otto's heart brimmed with a mix of anticipation and apprehension for his new journey. He knew that while he would miss his own family dearly but he also needed to go there.

His father gave him 4000 royals guards with Sebastian Von Fischer as their commander. These guards would accompany him to Greece and became his royal guards permanently. He already informed

Ioannis Kapodistrias about this and ordered him to arrange accommodation for these soldiers and their families so that they could settle there.

Otto asked Michael,

"Is John ready?"

Michael answered,

"Yes, Mr. John is also coming along with us with his family."

Otto pondered with a smile on his face that John Stuart Mill was one of the best economists in 19th century. It was really his blessing that he got John as his advisor. Otto needed to make an economic research institute for him as promised. Then Otto exclaimed,

"That is good. Then, let's go to Austria, first, Michael."

Journey to Greece through land route was dangerous for him. So, first Otto had to go through Austria to seaport Cattaro to catch a British frigrate George.

After reaching seaport Cattaro, he met with John Stuart Mill and exchange greetings with him. After that he met with British fleet Admiral Simon Lombard and asked him about Frigate George. They had a pleasant conversation for a long time. Then he ate his dinner and went for sleep inside his cabin.

With this, one day was gone.

The following day ,as the first rays of dawn gently illuminated the cabin, he was greeted by seagull's melodic chorus in dawn. He woke up from his slumber. The calls of seagulls beckoned him to venture outside.

He saw a nice sunrise through the window of his cabin. Eager to immerse himself in the tranquil ambiance, he donned his attire and stepped out onto the ship's deck. Inhaling deeply, he revelled in the nice scent of the sea mingling with the crisp morning breeze.He saw a lot of seagulls flying in the sky. The sea was also calm and peaceful. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, he met with the Admiral Simon and asked him estimated time of arrival at their destination, the seaport of Nafplion. Simon reassured him that they would reach there before midday.

Then, he resumed his leisurely stroll along the ship's deck. As the gulls continued their graceful dance overhead, he couldn't help but feel a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, the symphony of seagulls and sea harmonizing to create an unforgettable melody of tranquility. He let himself lost in it for some time as he thought that he would never get leisure time like this, since he would be busy in his work.

Like this time went on and it was midday. At last, the ship reached the seaport of Nafpilon in Greece.

Otto stood on the deck of the ship with his Butler Michael and others and amazed by seeing the gathering of Greek people who were cheering on him happily.

-----

---