After various departments reported their situations, Ernst and his subordinates continued discussing some old and familiar issues. Once the future direction was determined, the East African Government actually wasn't very confused in the economic realm and only needed to continue following the development path of the 1990s, continuously pushing the development of domestic industry and agriculture.

Aside from the economic aspects, Ernst began to introduce the key tasks of 1900. He said: "Currently, whether it be territory, population, or industrial level and other important indicators, our country meets the standards of a Great Power. Now, with the relocation of the East African capital nearing completion, the status of a Kingdom is clearly no longer fitting for East Africa. Therefore, according to the original plan, our country's political system should also be upgraded by one level, an Empire is more in line with East Africa's current national strength."

Everyone present wasn't surprised by Ernst's words. After all, a year ago, when relocating the capital, Ernst had already hinted at similar ideas.

Sivert said: "Among the world's major powers currently, except for Spain, other monarchies are referred to as empires, such as the British Empire, Austria-Hungary, Tsarist Russia, and the German Empire. Therefore, regarding the upgrade of East Africa to an Empire, I agree with the Crown Prince's idea."

Ernst also said: "Of course, the transition from Kingdom to Empire does not have a significant practical impact on us in East Africa, so there is no need for overly extravagant and complex ceremonies. The government should come up with a charter outlining a reasonable range for how this ceremony should be conducted."

After Ernst finished speaking, everyone engaged in a heated discussion because, while Ernst made it sound simple, this was indeed a major event concerning the national system of East Africa. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Of course, the vast majority of people were certainly supportive of upgrading the Kingdom to an Empire. After all, an Empire, no matter what, has more prestige than a Kingdom. Additionally, as a "new" continent, people also did not like East Africa being positioned beneath Europe as a Kingdom. This sentiment can be referenced by the already overthrown Brazilian Empire and the Mexican Empire once controlled by Archduke Ferdinand.

"Your Highness, I wonder how we should choose the timing. If we aim for this year, it is indeed nice, given it's a new century, but now it's already February, and the time seems quite rushed."

Ernst replied: "I have already mentioned that the ceremony does not need to be overly complex and everything can be kept simple. We also don't need to invite too many outsiders, just involving our government internally, prominent figures from various East African social sectors, and diplomatic personnel from various countries in East Africa will suffice."

Ernst does not intend to invite too many European nobles to East Africa to attend the establishment ceremony of the East African Empire. If those "old European" nobles were invited to East Africa, they might mock us saying we are just monkeys in fancy clothes.

The arrogance of the European nobility is no joke. Letting them acknowledge an African Empire tends to attract more people who are looking to ridicule rather than genuinely support us.

"Of course, personnel from some friendly nations can still be invited," Ernst added.

It is impractical not to allow any European nobles to attend. Without saying more, Leopold of Sigmaringen must participate. In reality, Leopold is already considered an African chief; he has replaced Prince Karl as the ruler stationed in Chad. Other nobility closely related to the Heixinggen Royal Family from countries like Austria-Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and France should definitely be invited.

"If there aren't many personnel involved, then our workload is relatively smaller, so I plan to hold the Empire ceremony and coronation on May 1st this year," Ernst stated.

This provides just over two months for preparation, which could be too tight for government officials.

Someone asked: "Your Highness, given such a rushed schedule, it might not be favorable for our arrangement. After all, even if the Empire establishment and coronation ceremony is kept simple, it must be solemn and cannot be decided lightly."

Having planned ahead, Ernst said: "I have my ideas for this Empire ceremony. We do not need to completely follow European traditions because East Africa itself is a new country rather than a traditional nation. Before us, such a Great Power has never appeared on the African continent."

"Therefore, regarding the ceremony and procedures, East Africa does not need to overly concern itself with the opinions of foreigners. Essentially, transitioning from Kingdom to Empire is an opportunity to proclaim national might. For this ceremony, we can simply hold a military parade to showcase the East African Army to diplomatic personnel from other countries."

Ernst had long been eager to hold a military parade. When the East African Kingdom was founded, there wasn't a grand ceremony precisely to save it for now.

"The parade will draw elite troops from various units nationwide while showcasing some advanced weaponry, providing external deterrence and fostering national pride among the citizens."

At this point, Ernst suddenly thought that if deterrence is intended, naturally, some personal from countries with less friendly relations should be invited. However, Ernst then rejected this idea as it would merely create trouble for himself and adversaries. Since East Africa is hosting the Empire ceremony, inviting enemies will surely heighten their vigilance about East Africa. Therefore, it is better to adopt a calm attitude.

Moreover, the main purpose of this Empire ceremony isn't merely to show off strength; it's because the timing is very favorable. Otherwise, Ernst wouldn't have delayed it until 1900 all this time.

If Ernst had wanted, he could have hosted it ten years ago. Especially after the end of the South African War, when East Africa officially entered the ranks of Great Powers.

Back then, Ernst didn't proceed for one reason: to avoid provoking the UK and Portugal, two war losers.

East Africa naturally does not fear Britain, but Britain can cause trouble for East Africa, which would not align with Ernst's policy of staying under the radar.

Therefore, even for the Empire ceremony and coronation, East Africa should try to be as low-key as possible and decrease the related hype in the International Community.

Until East Africa fully rises, it's better to boast less. Currently, East Africa doesn't have much to boast about, given that East Africa is behind the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States.

After the next decade ends, marking ten years since its founding, East Africa's industrial and military rise would be an opportune time for another display of deterrence, coinciding with a potential war period and conducive to ensuring East African homeland security.

Thinking of this, Ernst said: "This promotion to the Empire ceremony should establish a pattern, after which our country will designate May 1st, 1900 as the founding day, holding a military parade every ten years. The new national name will be the Rhein Empire, while the national emblem, flag, and anthem do not need to change..."

Ernst referred to this founding day as the day of the Rhein Empire, rather than the current East African (Heixinggen) Kingdom. Actually, the establishment of the East African Kingdom was quite hasty, resulting in East Africa never having an official National Day, thus now filling some regrets.

Meanwhile, apart from changing the country name, there are almost no other significant changes for this founding ceremony. The flag, emblem, and anthem remain unchanged, representing the inheritance and upgrade relationship between the Heixinggen Principality, the Heixinggen Kingdom, and the Rhein Empire.

With Ernst thoroughly drawing from the all-around imitation of Eastern Power from a past life, the specific process of this Empire ceremony and coronation was also determined by the East African Government. Subsequently, both the government and military in East Africa began preparations, including arrangements for Rhein City, inviting personnel, military rehearsals, and more.