Chapter 28 Banquet

The United States and Europe are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. New York is an important commercial port for trade between North America and Europe.

Constantine and his two companions were sitting in a carriage, driving on a straight and wide road. There were shops on both sides of the street. Through the glass windows of the shops, you can see a wide variety of goods, neatly displayed. On the sidewalks on both sides of the road, there is an endless stream of pedestrians coming and going.

Morning is the busiest time in a city, especially a commercial city like New York.

The carriage stopped in front of a three-story detached house near New York Central Park. This is Sanford's residence in New York.

After receiving the news that Constantine and his two companions were about to arrive, an old man with a monocle connected by a gold chain in his left eye waited in front of the apartment.

It was Sanford, the US Ambassador to Greece.

"Sanford, long time no see", Constantine gave Sanford a hug.

"It's nice to see you again, Your Excellency the Duke," Sanford greeted.

After the greetings, several people entered Sanford's residence.

"This house is in a really good location, Mr. Sanford. It's right next to New York Central Park, and it's expected to appreciate in value." Constantine came to the back window, where the grass was green, the trees were lush, the beauty of the park was in full view, and the fresh air was blowing in his face.

"Haha, since the construction of Central Park was completed 10 years ago, I have been very optimistic about the nearby real estate. I bought two houses next to the park, and they have appreciated very quickly recently." Sanford heard Constantine praising his good vision, and his old face smiled like a chrysanthemum.

New York's Central Park is the first urban central park in the United States.

After the end of the American Civil War, the rapid economic development led to a large number of people gathering in the city, and the increasingly narrow public green space and crowded buildings exposed more and more drawbacks.

Citizens' demand for fresh air, sunshine, and public green space is becoming more and more urgent.

This is exactly why Central Park came into being.

"Then you have to make a fortune. By the way, Sanford, how is the matter entrusted to you before?" Constantine asked.

After the establishment of the Congo Commission, it has put a lot of effort into Sanford, hoping to contact the American power class through his network of contacts in the United States.

"When I returned to Washington to report on my work two years ago, I met the president and asked him about his attitude on the Congo River Basin issue," Sanford said.

"What was the result?" Constantine asked eagerly.

"His attitude is no longer important," Sanford replied with a strange look.

"How can his attitude be unimportant?" Constantine was confused by Sanford's answer.

"Because he is dead. On July 2, 1881, President James Garfield was assassinated, and Chester Allen Arthur, the lucky man, became president," Sanford exclaimed, envious of President Chester's luck.

So that's the case. Constantine continued to ask, "So what is the attitude of the new president?"

"I haven't met President Chester in person, but there will be a banquet in New York in the next two days. I heard that the president will also attend. I can introduce you to him. As for his attitude, I don't know, but I have revealed this to several congressmen. According to my judgment, there is no big problem," said Sanford.

On the evening of October 24, Constantine, dressed neatly, took a carriage with Banning and Sanford to a manor in upstate New York.

The host of today's banquet is the famous oil tycoon Rockefeller.

At about six o'clock, the three got off the carriage and came to today's banquet hall.

The hall was full of guests, some sitting at the table enjoying food, some holding champagne and whispering together. On the intricately patterned carpet in the middle of the hall, men and women danced to the rhythm of the music.

In the corner was a band: pianists, saxophone players, etc. were playing the classic European music of the Blue Danube.

Mr. Rockefeller, wearing a well-dressed suit, stood in the most conspicuous position. When he saw Constantine and the other two coming, he stepped forward to greet them.

"Welcome to my party, Mr. Sanford." He only knew Sanford among the three.

"Thank you for your invitation. These two are Constantine and Mr. Banning," Sanford introduced Constantine and Banning to Rockefeller.

Constantine said, "Congratulations, Mr. Rockefeller, you have established an oil empire."

"Strictly speaking, I am just a shareholder of Standard Oil Company," Rockefeller said modestly.

After the greetings, Constantine found a corner, looked around, and asked Sanford, "Who is Mr. President?"

Although Rockefeller was the world's first super-rich man with assets of over $1 billion, Constantine was not here to see him today.

"I just asked, Mr. President has not arrived yet, wait a moment, you can enjoy today's banquet, today's banquet is attended by rich and noble people, Your Excellency the Duke," Sanford replied.

Constantine sat in a high-backed chair with little interest. It didn't matter if they were rich or noble. They couldn't solve their own problems.

Unexpectedly, Sanford's answer was heard by a middle-aged lady dressed in finery nearby. She came forward and asked respectfully: "Your Excellency the Duke? Are you a distinguished noble gentleman from Europe?"

Looking at the woman who came to interrupt rashly, Constantine was stunned for a moment, stood up and said: "Well, I guess I am the noble gentleman you are talking about."

Constantine couldn't figure out the visitor's thoughts, so he could only deal with it.

Hearing Constantine's answer, the lady circled around Constantine twice, nodding while looking at him, and muttered: "It's really a little different."

Constantine was stunned. If it was in Europe, according to etiquette, the lady should bow and salute.

But then he thought, this is in the United States, where is the aristocratic etiquette.

"Then which country are you from? Is it the UK? Or Germany?" The lady continued to ask.

"Constantine from Greece, nice to meet you, ma'am," Constantine looked at this curious baby-like woman and said helplessly.

"I'm Chris Josh," Chris hurriedly answered after hearing Constantine's self-introduction, realizing that he hadn't introduced himself yet.

"Is Greece a European country? Where is it located?" Chris continued to ask with a frown.

Obviously, Greece's answer did not satisfy her.

Constantine felt very embarrassed. Alas, Greece is a weak country and is not ranked in Europe. It is not well-known internationally!

I heard that Americans have poor knowledge of geography. It seems that the rumor is true.

"Greece is at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe." Constantine could only answer patiently. Although he thought this man was inexplicable, he would be ungentlemanly to offend a lady in a public place like a banquet.

In the mind of Ms. Chris, the status of nobles in different countries is also different.

In European powers like Britain and Germany, the nobles are probably more noble.

Chris only heard her muttering in a low voice: "After all, he is a duke, so it should be okay."

Constantine had to look at Sanford, hoping that this local snake would come to his rescue.

Who knew that Sanford winked at Constantine with a wink, and had no intention of helping at all.