Chapter 458: The "Jewel" of the Pacific
In East Asia, Archduke Ferdinand received an enthusiastic welcome. This was not surprising, as his most significant identity was still that of an Austrian Archduke—Emperor Franz's younger brother. Even without the prestige of the East African fleet, such a status would have earned him honors throughout the Far East.
The East African Navy also successfully fulfilled its mission, making its presence known in East Asia and reminding the region that the Kingdom of East Africa existed. In this era, only a handful of nations could sail ironclads all the way to East Asia.
With the diplomatic voyage completed, the East African Navy could now return home. However, Archduke Ferdinand believed they should visit Alaska before heading back. After resupplying in East Asia, the fleet set course for the royal domain in Alaska.
…
Alaska Royal Territory
As the most remote holding of the Hechingen royal family, the Alaska Royal Territory had a total population of over 90,000—of which 30,000 were soldiers. It was a region essentially controlled by the military. This situation would likely persist until the East African Navy gained the capacity for transoceanic enforcement.
Most of the population lived in the southern maritime climate zones, similar in type to Western Europe, though significantly colder and wetter. Annual rainfall exceeded 1,500 mm. The reason: Alaska's mountainous terrain, unlike the wide plains of Europe, caused moist air to condense more readily and fall as rain.
"A few years ago, I passed through here on my way to East Africa. Returning now brings back so many memories."
Ferdinand would never forget the day he was stuffed into a sack, tied to a horse, and jolted unconscious on the road—only to awaken aboard a ship bound for Alaska. This place had been the turning point of his life.
August temperatures in Alaska hovered around the teens (Celsius)—cool but comfortable. The coastal regions teemed with life.
Alaska's agriculture focused on potatoes and wheat, and many developed farmlands could be seen near the settlements. Compared to East Africa, development was harder—since Alaska had no cheap "labor force." Its primary residents were immigrants, and there was no equivalent to East Africa's laborers.
There were a few Eskimos, but their numbers were negligible, and they lived in frozen regions, rarely interacting with settlers.
As such, Alaska's development relied entirely on its immigrant population, which limited efficiency—but gave this once-barren land some vitality.
Alaska's fisheries were also well-developed, in contrast to East Africa where most maritime operations belonged to Ernst's private fleet. In Alaska, fishing boats were built and operated by the settlers themselves.
Fishing was a major livelihood. Nearly every household had its own small vessel. Thus, Alaska's civilian shipbuilding was far more active than East Africa's—though technically inferior and suitable only for basic fishing.
The coastal areas were developing steadily, but the interior remained untouched. Not only did Alaska refrain from developing its interior, but it also guarded it fiercely. Since the territory's founding, the Alaska Royal Guard had expelled over twenty foreign expedition teams attempting to enter.
Most of these threats came from private groups. Because of this, the Hechingen royal family invested mainly in military forces, which made up 30% of the total population.
It was a forced choice. As the weakest regional player, they had no choice but to channel everything into defense—especially naval.
Alaska had a small naval fleet, centered around gunboats, used to expel illegal Canadian and American fishing vessels and prevent them from landing on Alaskan shores.
That said, Alaska's approach was measured. As long as those foreign boats stayed out of its territorial waters, Alaska turned a blind eye to their fishing in "international waters."
If Alaska seriously tried to expel every foreign boat from its surrounding seas, they'd be inviting backlash—those boats had powerful interest groups behind them. But Alaska stood its ground.
Every step had to be taken carefully. Luckily, the U.S. and Canada had little interest in Alaska—for now. This wasn't just due to Alaska's military but also smart geopolitical positioning. A small patch of southern land was left to Russia, meaning any overland invasion had to go through Russian territory first.
Otherwise, the only way to attack was through Alaska's rugged interior—perpetually snowbound and treacherous. An overland assault would be as difficult as Germany's winter push into Siberia.
Thus, land-based attacks on Alaska were impossible. Threats could only come by sea.
But after the East African fleet completed its tour of the Gulf of Alaska, no one would underestimate Alaska's defenses again.
September — Archduke Ferdinand inspected various sites throughout Alaska.
"Alaska Royal Territory needs modern communications. Ideally, we should lay telegraph lines directly to Jiaozhou."
"The territory is too vast—even if the population is concentrated in the south, the area is enormous for just 90,000 people. Settlements are too scattered. Telegraphs would help the military coordinate."
"Connecting to the Far Eastern Empire's telegraph lines would strengthen East African control. Right now, relying on mail ships is painfully slow."
These were Archduke Ferdinand's official recommendations. In fact, if he had the means, he would've proposed building a naval sub-fleet in Alaska.
Alaska's Royal Guard already had an independent navy. This was because Alaska did not belong to the East African Kingdom—it was the personal domain of the Hechingen royal family, on equal footing with East Africa.
And that wasn't strange—Constantino was still sovereign of the Principality of Hechingen. If he wanted, he could return to Prussia and reclaim his title. But there was no need anymore.
"We should integrate Alaska's navy into our kingdom's fleet. That way, they receive better training and we can coordinate globally—protecting East Africa's worldwide interests."
Even the smallest unit matters. Ferdinand saw potential in Alaska's small naval force. Though currently made up of gunboats, its future was promising. Alaska had many excellent harbors and controlled the Bering Strait. Ferdinand believed it could become vital.
Indeed, Alaska might someday be East Africa's largest territory in the Eastern Pacific. Calling it the "jewel of East Africa in the Pacific" would not be an exaggeration.
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