Chapter 62: Banquet at the Berlin City Palace
Translator: 549690339
The distance between Hamburg and Berlin is actually not far, about two hundred and thirty kilometers. If traveling by horse carriage, it might take more than ten hours.
Fortunately, at this time, automobiles had been invented, and although they had not been widely promoted for various reasons, they had become a new mode of luxury transportation favored by some aristocrats and wealthy people.
Although the current production of automobiles is not high, even if Europe and America combined, the annual production of cars is less than 10,000.
But as one of the most powerful industrial countries in the world, Germany not only has automobile production technology but is also one of the earliest countries to invent automobiles.
It is precisely because of this advantage that cars have become a more convenient means of transportation for German nobles. As a guest of William II, several brand new cars were specially prepared for Arthur on this trip to Berlin.
Although the current automobile technology is not mature, there are many problems, whether in terms of speed, stability, or safety.
But compared to the slower horse carriage, the car at least has a certain speed advantage.
For a horse carriage, reaching a speed of around 20 kilometers per hour is considered quite good, and even if it can reach speeds above 20 kilometers per hour, it would basically not choose to run this fast.
Because too fast a speed would make the horses more tired, the horse carriage would also have more problems due to the bumps, and it would greatly reduce the comfort of the ride.
However, with automobiles, this problem is somewhat reduced. Generally speaking, maintaining a speed of around 30 kilometers per hour is relatively safe and reassuring.
At around six o’clock in the evening, Arthur and the diplomatic visitation group officially arrived in Berlin.
The palace where the German royal family lived is the Berlin City Palace, a huge palace with a history of more than four hundred years.
The Berlin City Palace was the palace of the former Kingdom of Prussia and is now the palace of the German Empire, located in the center of Berlin.
When everyone arrived at the Berlin City Palace, a welcoming ceremony had already been prepared for Arthur in the square in front of the palace.
Under the Neptune Fountain Square, a well-ordered ceremonial team stood in strict array. Next to it, the military band had prepared joyful music.
The moment Arthur stepped out of the car, the ceremonial team saluted Arthur, and the military band began to play the music.
“His Royal Highness Duke Arthur of Australia, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, I welcome your arrival. His Majesty is already in the Berlin City Palace and has prepared a sumptuous feast and a welcome banquet for you, Your Highness. Please follow me.” An old gentleman stepped forward and humbly said.
Passing through the huge square and entering the interior of the Berlin City Palace, Arthur discovered that this palace was not as monotonous and simple as he had imagined. Over the centuries, with the expansion of many monarchs, the Berlin City Palace has become a luxurious palace no less than Buckingham Palace.
Passing through the garden inside the palace, they arrived at the huge reception hall area. Led by the old gentleman, Arthur and his party came to a huge dining room, which was already full of food, and many servants were bustling about.
“Your Highness, gentlemen. This is where the banquet will be held shortly. His Majesty the Emperor will be here soon, please be patient for a few moments.” The old gentleman said politely after bringing Arthur and his party to the place.
Arthur nodded, took a cursory look at the banquet arrangements, and then began to wait patiently.
Soon enough, William II and Crown Prince William arrived one after another.
At this point, William II had finished a busy day and changed into more casual attire, walking over with a smile on his face.
“Your Majesty the German Emperor!” Arthur and the members of the diplomatic visiting group bowed.
As this was a public occasion, they naturally had to follow protocol. According to Emperor William H’s status, he should be addressed as Your Majesty.
“Arthur, gentlemen, please sit. I know you’ve had a long journey from the United Kingdom and have been riding in cars all day. Today’s welcoming banquet is a bit simple, without too many formalities and customs. Please have a seat and taste the cuisine of Germania,” said William II after walking up to Arthur, patting his shoulder and smiling at everyone.
Only after William II took the main seat did everyone else sit. The enormous rectangular dining table was occupied by everyone, with more than a meter between each person, providing ample space for various dishes and drinks.
Following the Crown Prince William’s cue, the maids stepped forward and began to pour red wine into the cups of the guests.
“Come on, taste the German red wine. A toast to the friendship between the German Empire and Australia!” William II raised a glass of red wine and said, smiling at Arthur.
“To friendship, cheers!” Arthur also raised his glass of red wine and smiled.
Others followed suit and quickly raised their glasses in front of them.
Arthur took a small sip and then gently put down his wine glass. The red wine served at the banquet was all produced from William H’s private winery. Even the most ordinary bottle sold for a high price in the market.
Moreover, the red wine used to entertain guests by William II was naturally selected from the better grape products of that year, combined with meticulous brewing and preservation, the taste and texture were absolutely superb.
“Arthur, I’ve heard about the treaty you signed with the United Kingdom. Although the terms look good, the support it provides is somewhat lacking. Germania lacks many things, but definitely not industrial equipment and funds. Don’t worry, Arthur. I have already communicated with the government, and all the conditions previously agreed upon will be implemented. We sincerely recognize the potential of Australia and hope to establish a good relationship with Australia,” said William II, putting down his wine glass and smiling at Arthur.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Arthur said with a smile and appreciation.
“Enough of that, let’s not talk about those political affairs for now. Come, everyone, taste the cuisine of Germania and see how it differs from the taste of the United Kingdom and Australia,” William II looked at the servants as they brought out dish after dish, stopped talking, and smiled at everyone.
William II was right; it undoubtedly was cuisine in the German style.
German people generally have a taste for big meals with meat and wine, especially sausages and beer as their favorite food and drink.
Although there was no beer at the banquet, there were many traditional German sausages accompanied by Kdnigsberg meatballs, cheese noodles, beef rolls, and vinegar-braised horse meat, forming a simple but diverse range of main dishes.
The staple food was mashed potatoes and potato pancakes, with side dishes of beef soup and half a chicken. Paired with several desserts and numerous cakes, the banquet consisted of simple yet abundant dishes.
The long journey had made everyone feel hungry, so they wasted no time eating the dishes as the servants brought them out.
However, as this was someone else’s turf, and with high-ranking nobles like William II and Arthur present, everyone maintained a civilized composure while eating. They carefully chewed slowly and cautiously, lest they embarrass themselves in such a setting..