Chapter 507: Playing Both Sides
After the last painful lesson, Portugal had become far more cautious. Duke Verus asked, "So now you want us to test the waters again? Portugal can't afford to be toyed with anymore!"
Ambassador Williams replied, "Rest assured, this time we can sign a formal alliance. If war breaks out again, Britain will get directly involved. Portugal just needs to follow our lead. You'll recover lost territory—and maybe even more. All we want is to crush East Africa before it grows into another United States or Brazil."
By mentioning Brazil specifically, Williams made the message clear: East Africa had grown too large, to the point it could become a dominant regional power in Africa—something the British Empire had no interest in allowing. If colonial territories started becoming strong independent nations, what would stop other colonies like India, Australia, or Canada from following suit?
Just like in Ernst's previous world, where countries that suffered under America eventually rose again, many didn't follow the American model, but instead became challengers to its hegemony.
In the Middle East, Iran had become a headache for the U.S.—despite its rise being caused by the U.S. itself. Ernst believed Iran was indeed resurging. Its influence was spreading throughout the Arab world, and while it lacked Egypt's charisma, the groups it supported were often stronger and more militant than most Arab states.
As for the media's portrayal of Iran, Ernst dismissed it as propaganda. If Iran were truly weak, it wouldn't have so many loyalists in the region—something Saudi money couldn't buy.
In Ernst's eyes, Iran was the last hope of Islamic civilization in the Middle East. It had carved out its own development path, achieved industrialization, and done so not with Western support, but under its blockade.
Apart from the U.S. and Iran, the final major challenger to Western global dominance was the Far Eastern Empire.
Together, these three countries formed the main obstacles preventing America—a country isolated in the Americas—from truly controlling the "World Island" (Eurasia + Africa).
Countries like India, in contrast, had little global ambition. Indian politicians were skilled at maneuvering and diplomacy, but lacked the self-assured aura of global leadership.
That wasn't the case for the Far East, Russia, or Iran—all of whom had deep historical legacies. The Far East and Iran had once led the continent, and Russia had proven its ability to challenge half the world during the Cold War.
And if anyone doubted Ernst's view, they only needed to look at how every world superpower had treated Afghanistan. Despite its poor conditions, Afghanistan had long been the "graveyard of empires"—not because of what it was, but because of where it was.
Of course, this was just Ernst's opinion: any country that broke free from Western influence and succeeded in development deserved recognition—and only three had done so.
…
After soothing Portugal, Britain turned its attention to Belgium. Belgium had already established control in the Congo, with East Africa's quiet support. Ernst had to admit he and Leopold II had quite a bit in common.
But the British didn't know about Belgium's relationship with East Africa. So they now tried to recruit Belgium into their anti–East Africa alliance.
And they had reason to worry—East Africa was expanding too quickly. If it entered West Africa, it could threaten Belgian holdings directly. The Congo's location made Belgium Britain's only viable counterbalance.
As for France, the strongest power in West Africa, it was preoccupied by Germany. Inspired by East Africa, Germany now aimed to grab a massive African colony of its own. West Africa was one of the few remaining suitable regions.
Naturally, France tried to sabotage Germany's efforts, but doing so left it unable to focus on its own colonial agenda.
Italy was in a similar situation—locked in a stalemate with the Abyssinian Empire. That left Belgium as the only major power with a free hand near East Africa.
Brussels, Belgium.
"Your Majesty, we come with sincerity. East Africa is growing too fast. The Germans' ultimate goal is to dominate the entire continent. Sooner or later, Your Majesty will find yourself face-to-face with East Africa," said British ambassador Clare.
Like the animals of the African savannah, East Africa's expansion threatened to absorb everything. The British now believed East Africa sought to unify sub-Saharan Africa. Given the continent's similar climate and ecology, it could easily be molded into a single cultural sphere. What once seemed impossible now seemed plausible.
Leopold II feigned surprise. "Surely not, Ambassador Clare. Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Heh. Your Majesty, do you think East Africa obtained millions of square kilometers of land because the locals gave it to them?"
Leopold II put on a solemn expression. "So, what does your government propose?"
Clare repeated the same plan he'd pitched to Portugal. Leopold II, the sly old fox, allowed a flicker of amusement to cross his eyes—but kept his expression serious, pretending to take it all in.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," Clare concluded. "As long as Belgium stands firm, East Africa will not move north. You'll be the bulwark. Of course, if they try to go around Belgium, that's another matter…"
Clare still wasn't satisfied. "That's not enough. The Congo rainforest may not be that valuable, but its vast territory matters. If your government is ambitious, you should take the entire Congo Basin."
Leopold II pretended to hesitate. "The rainforest is hard to penetrate… and we lack weapons and ships…"
"We'll assist you with that. If you're willing to contain East Africa, we'll provide discounted arms and military support."
Leopold II then gave a theatrical sigh. "Very well. I suppose I'll do my best."
In truth, Leopold was quite pleased with how easily he'd extorted the British. As for opposing East Africa? That was the last thing on his mind.
As soon as Clare left, Leopold leaked everything to East Africa.
The so-called "East Africa threat" had nothing to do with Belgium. In fact, East Africa had greatly helped Belgium's early colonial efforts, providing logistical and strategic support. Leopold trusted East Africa because he knew their goals did not include Belgian territory.
Besides the two royal families' close ties, East Africa had no interest in Belgian Congo-Brazzaville, having supported Belgium's acquisition of it. Leopold knew East Africa held real power along the Ubangi River. Without its permission, Belgium's colony would never have taken root.
Just like in his past life, Leopold chose to balance powers. He played East Africa and Britain against each other—taking British weapons and East African grain, then expanding north and west at his leisure.
Now that's what Leopold II called a good deal.
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