Chapter 62 Banquet at Berlin City Palace
Hamburg is actually not that far away from Berlin, about two hundred and thirty kilometers. If you take a horse-drawn carriage, it may take more than ten hours.
Fortunately, cars had already been born at this time. Although they were not widely promoted due to various reasons, they still became a luxurious and fashionable new means of transportation and were loved by some nobles and rich people.
Although the current production volume of automobiles is not high, even in Europe and America combined, the annual output of automobiles is less than 10,000 vehicles.
But as one of the most powerful industrial countries in the world, Germany not only has the production technology for automobiles, but is also one of the first countries to invent automobiles.
It is precisely because of this advantage that cars are a more convenient means of transportation that are completely affordable for German aristocrats. As a guest of William II, going to Berlin this time, William II specially prepared several brand-new cars for Arthur.
Although the current automobile technology is not yet mature, there are still a lot of problems in terms of speed, stability and safety.
But compared to the slower horse-drawn carriages, cars have certain advantages, at least in terms of speed.
For a horse-drawn carriage, a speed of about 20 kilometers per hour is considered a relatively good speed. Even if it can reach a speed of more than 20 kilometers per hour, it will basically not choose to run so fast.
Because too fast a speed will make the horses more tired, the carriage will also have frequent problems due to bumps, and it will also greatly reduce the comfort of the ride.
As for cars, the problems in this regard need to be reduced. Generally speaking, it is relatively safe and secure to maintain a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour.
At about six o'clock in the evening, Arthur and the diplomatic delegation officially arrived in Berlin.
The palace where the German royal family lives is the Berlin City Palace, a huge palace with a history of more than 400 years.
Berlin City Palace is the royal palace of the former Kingdom of Prussia and the current German Empire, located in the center of Berlin.
When everyone arrived at the Berlin City Palace, a welcome ceremony had been prepared for Arthur in the square in front of the palace.
Under the Poseidon Fountain in the square, a neatly arranged honor guard was waiting. In another row next to it is the military band, which has prepared cheerful music.
The moment Arthur stepped out of the car, the honor guard immediately saluted Arthur, and the military band began to play music.
"His Royal Highness Arthur, Duke of Australia, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, I would like to welcome you. His Highness has already prepared a sumptuous meal and welcome banquet for you at the Berlin City Palace. Please come with me." The old gentleman on the side stepped forward and said humbly.
Walk through the huge square and walk into the interior of the Berlin City Palace. Arthur discovered that this palace was not as monotonous and simple as he imagined. After hundreds of years of expansion by monarchs, the Berlin City Palace has become a luxurious palace that is not inferior to Buckingham Palace.
Passing through the garden inside the palace, you come to the huge living room area. Under the leadership of the old gentleman, Arthur and his party arrived at a huge restaurant. At this time, the restaurant was filled with food and many servants were busy.
"Your Highness, everyone. This is where the banquet will be held. His Majesty the Emperor will be coming soon. Please wait a moment." After taking Arthur and others to the place, the old gentleman said politely.
Arthur nodded, took a cursory glance at the banquet arrangements, and then began to wait patiently.
It didn't take long for Wilhelm II and Crown Prince William to follow.
At this time, William II had finished his busy day, put on more daily clothes, and walked over with a smile on his face. "His Majesty the Kaiser!" Arthur led the diplomatic delegation in salute.
Because it is a relatively public place, it is natural to abide by the rules. According to the status of Emperor William II, he is naturally called His Majesty.
"Arthur, everyone, please sit down. I know you have worked hard to come all the way from England and have been riding for a day. Today's welcome banquet is a little simple, and there are not so many etiquette and customs. Everyone, sit down and have a taste. German delicacies." William II walked into Arthur, patted Arthur on the shoulder, and said to everyone with a smile.
After William II took the main seat, everyone sat down one after another. The huge long dining table was occupied by everyone. There was more than one meter between each person, which was enough to place all kinds of food and drinks.
At Crown Prince William's signal, the maid began to step forward and pour red wine into everyone's glasses.
"Come on, taste German red wine. Cheers to the friendship between Germany and Australia!" William II raised a glass of red wine and said to Arthur with a smile.
"Cheers to friendship!" Arthur also picked up the red wine and said with a smile.
Others followed suit and quickly picked up the red wine in front of them.
Arthur took a sip and then gently put down the glass. The red wine at the banquet was produced by William II's private winery, and even the most ordinary bottle was priced relatively expensive in the market.
What's more, the red wine used by William II to entertain guests was naturally selected from the better grape wines of that year. Coupled with careful brewing and preservation, the taste and taste are absolutely unparalleled.
"Arthur, I've also heard about the treaty you signed with Britain. Although the conditions seem pretty good, the support is really lacking. Germany lacks everything except industrial equipment and funds. Don't worry, Arthur. I have communicated with the government, and all the conditions promised to you will be implemented. We have truly seen the potential of Australia and hope to establish a good relationship with Australia." William II put down his wine glass and smiled at Arthur Se said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Arthur smiled and thanked.
"Okay, let's not talk about the government affairs for now. Come, everyone, try German food and see how it is different from British and Australian tastes." William II also stopped as he watched the servants serve delicious food one after another. He talked to everyone with a smile.
Wilhelm II was right, this is indeed German-style cuisine.
Germans are a nation that eats a lot of meat and drinks a lot. Among them, sausages and beer are their favorite foods and drinks.
Although there was no beer in the banquet, there were many more authentic German sausages, along with Königsberg meatballs and cheese noodles, as well as beef rolls and vinegar-braised horse meat, which formed a few relatively simple main dishes.
The main dish was a side of mashed potatoes and hash browns, with a side of beef soup and half a chicken. Paired with several desserts and lots of cakes, it makes for an ordinary but sumptuous gourmet feast.
The long running around made everyone feel hungry, so they were not polite. The servants served the dishes one after another and everyone began to taste them.
But after all, it was at someone else's home court, and there were high-ranking nobles like William II and Arthur present, so everyone behaved in a civilized manner. Not only did they chew carefully, but they were also very cautious, for fear of making a fool of themselves on such an occasion.
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