Chapter 122

Chapter 122: Abduction

On February 1, 1868

Ernst found himself in the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Over the past year, he had been shuttling between Hechingen, Berlin, and Vienna, where he had residences and properties. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a significant market for the Hechingen Consortium, and Ernst paid personal attention to its affairs.

In Vienna, Ernst had acquired a small property not far from Schönbrunn Palace. During his stays in Vienna, he often visited the Austrian Imperial Palace, and this day was no different.

Queen Sophie inquired about the well-being of Ernst's father-in-law and mother-in-law, Maximilian I and Charlotte, who were in East Africa. Ernst reassured her, explaining that they were safe and that he arranged for daily news updates to be sent from East Africa to Europe via telegrams.

This revelation surprised Queen Sophie, who was unaware of the telegraph line connecting Europe to Africa. Ernst explained that he had set up a telegraph line connecting East Africa to Europe via Egypt, allowing daily news to reach Europe quickly.

Queen Sophie expressed her gratitude and asked if Ernst could send someone to deliver daily news updates about Maximilian I and Charlotte to Vienna. Ernst agreed to arrange for the news to be sent to Schönbrunn Palace starting the next day.

The conversation then turned to Ernst's relationship with Rudolph, the future emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Ernst proposed that Rudolph spend some time in Prussia to broaden his horizons and experience the rapidly changing world. He argued that as a future emperor, Rudolph needed exposure to different perspectives and the latest developments in industry and technology.

While Queen Sophie initially resisted the idea, Ernst provided compelling arguments. He pointed out that Prussia's industrial and technological advancements were noteworthy and that it would be beneficial for Rudolph to interact with the young Prussian monarchs, such as Crown Prince Frederick and Prince William. Ernst believed that this exposure would enhance Rudolph's abilities as a future emperor.

Ernst also emphasized that the role of a monarch extended beyond academic studies and that firsthand experience was crucial. He likened the experience to appreciating the difference between viewing a painting of Schönbrunn Palace and actually living there.

Ultimately, Queen Sophie was swayed by Ernst's reasoning and agreed in principle to let Rudolph accompany him to Prussia, with the condition that she would discuss it with Franz, Rudolph's father.

Ernst's persuasive arguments had won over Queen Sophie, opening the possibility of Rudolph gaining valuable experiences beyond traditional education.