Chapter 62: The Banquet at the Berlin City Palace
The distance from Hamburg to Berlin wasn't far—about 230 kilometers. If traveling by carriage, it might take more than ten hours.
Fortunately, automobiles had already been invented by this time. Although not yet widely adopted due to various reasons, they had become a symbol of luxury and a fashionable new means of transportation favored by nobles and wealthy individuals.
Though annual car production was still low—fewer than ten thousand vehicles across all of Europe and the Americas—Germany, as one of the world's strongest industrial powers and one of the earliest nations to invent the automobile, possessed the necessary manufacturing capabilities.
Thanks to these advantages, automobiles were accessible and practical transportation for German nobility. As a guest of Wilhelm II, Arthur had been specially provided with several brand-new cars for the journey to Berlin.
While the current automobile technology was still underdeveloped—with issues in speed, stability, and safety—compared to the slower carriages, cars at least offered better speed.
Carriages could reach around 20 kilometers per hour at most, but even that speed was rarely maintained for long, as it would overexert the horses, increase the chances of breakdowns, and reduce riding comfort.
Automobiles, however, could safely maintain a speed of around 30 kilometers per hour.
By around 6 p.m., Arthur and the diplomatic delegation officially arrived in Berlin.
The German royal residence was the Berlin City Palace, a grand palace with more than four centuries of history.
Formerly the royal palace of the Kingdom of Prussia and now of the German Empire, the Berlin City Palace stood at the heart of the city.
When the delegation arrived at the palace, a welcoming ceremony had already been prepared in the square outside.
Beneath the Neptune Fountain stood a neatly assembled honor guard, standing at full attention. Nearby, a military band was lined up and ready to play lively music.
The moment Arthur stepped out of the car, the honor guard saluted, and the band began to play.
"Honored Duke Arthur of Australia, on behalf of His Imperial Majesty, I welcome you to Berlin. A grand meal and banquet have been prepared inside the palace for Your Highness. Please, follow me," said an elderly gentleman politely, stepping forward with deference.
Crossing the large square, Arthur entered the Berlin City Palace. He found the interior far from dull or plain; after centuries of expansion by successive monarchs, the palace had become no less luxurious than Buckingham Palace.
Through the palace's inner gardens, they reached a vast reception area. Led by the gentleman, Arthur and his group arrived at a large dining hall, already filled with food and bustling with servants.
"Your Highnesses, gentlemen, this is the banquet hall. His Imperial Majesty will arrive shortly. Please wait just a moment," the gentleman said with courtesy after seating them.
Arthur nodded, briefly scanning the arrangement of the hall, then waited patiently.
Before long, Wilhelm II and Crown Prince Wilhelm arrived one after the other.
Having finished a day of busy affairs, Wilhelm II had changed into his casual attire and walked in with a cheerful expression.
"Your Imperial Majesty!" Arthur and the entire diplomatic delegation bowed respectfully.
Since this was a semi-public event, it was important to observe proper etiquette. Wilhelm II, as Emperor, was addressed accordingly.
"Arthur, gentlemen, please be seated. I know it's been a long trip from Britain and a full day on the road. Tonight's banquet is kept simple—no formalities. Please, sit down and enjoy Germany's cuisine," Wilhelm II said, patting Arthur on the shoulder before smiling at the group.
Once the emperor had taken his seat at the head of the table, everyone else sat down in turn. The massive rectangular table provided over a meter of space between each guest—enough to accommodate a lavish spread of food and drinks.
At Crown Prince Wilhelm's signal, maids stepped forward to pour red wine into everyone's glasses.
"Come now, taste some German wine. A toast—to the friendship between Germany and Australia!" Wilhelm II raised his glass and smiled at Arthur.
"To friendship!" Arthur echoed with a smile, lifting his own glass.
The others quickly followed suit, raising their glasses of red wine.
Arthur took a small sip and gently set his glass down. The wine served at the banquet came from Wilhelm II's private vineyard. Even the most basic bottles from that estate fetched high prices on the market.
And the wines chosen for this occasion, reserved for entertaining distinguished guests, were made from the best grape harvests, carefully aged and preserved. The flavor and texture were unquestionably excellent.
"Arthur, I've heard about the treaty you signed with Britain. The terms aren't bad, but the level of support is clearly lacking. Germany, on the other hand, lacks everything except industrial equipment and capital. Rest assured, Arthur, I've spoken with the government—every condition I promised you will be fulfilled. We see real potential in Australia and hope to establish a strong relationship," Wilhelm II said, smiling as he set down his glass.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Arthur replied with a polite smile.
"All right, no more state talk for now. Everyone, let's try the German cuisine. See how it compares to British or Australian flavors," Wilhelm II said, smiling as dishes were brought out one by one.
He wasn't wrong—this was very much German-style fare.
Germans are a nation known for hearty food and strong drink. Sausages and beer are among their most beloved staples.
While there was no beer at the banquet, a wide variety of authentic German sausages were served, along with Königsberg meatballs, cheese noodles, beef rolls, and vinegar-braised horse meat as the main courses.
The main staples included mashed potatoes and potato pancakes, with beef soup and roasted half-chicken as side dishes. The feast was rounded out with several desserts and cakes, making for a modest but rich culinary spread.
After their long journey, everyone was feeling quite hungry, so they wasted no time tasting the food as each dish was served.
Still, it was a formal setting, and with high-ranking nobles like Wilhelm II and Arthur present, everyone maintained proper manners. They ate slowly and carefully, determined not to embarrass themselves in such a setting.
(End of Chapter)
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