Chapter 111: Italian Treachery

Chapter 111: Italian Treachery



While Bruno was conducting a joint military exercise with the Austro-Hungarian Empire within the alps. There was another party which was invited to the event but remained neutral to it. Despite officially signing to a defensive alliance between the Kingdom of Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the German Reich. King Emanuel III of Italy felt as if German buildup of fortifications on their western border with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark was an act of unnecessary provocation.

Considering the fact that they had also begun to join military exercises with Austria-Hungary, it was as if the German Kaiser was telling the world that war was on the horizon, and they would be prepared for any such conflict.

Sure, many of the more educated and intelligent politicians of the era had a foresight that there would soon be a war fought between the Great Powers of the world, especially those in Europe. King Emanuel III felt as if Germany was deliberately provoking such a conflict through their actions, which, from his perspective, were both unnecessary, and quite frankly, openly hostile.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Of course, he was not exactly aware that the French had already behaved aggressively towards the German Reich by trying to assassinate one of their Generals, nor that the Germans had retaliated accordingly by doing the same, only that the Germans were successful in their attempt.

After all, the Germans were so successful in assassinating the French Chief of Staff that only they were aware that they were the ones responsible. However, with all of these other concerns in mind, it was the Italian Kings' response to distance himself from his allies.

And because of this, he had simply watched and observed what was taking place on his northern border. If not for the fact that both the Germans and Austrians had invited him to take part in this joint military exercise, he may have seen this as an act of provocation against him.

Still, the fact that Italy had backed France rather than Germany was another reason they did not get involved in these Joint Military Exercises as this act of what Germany and Austro- Hungary considered being a betrayal had worsened relations between Italy and its defensive allies.

And this matter was quickly brought up by the Italian Generals who were most certainly starting to question their defensive alliance with their neighbors.

"I fear after what happened in Morocco, and our refusal to take part in these military exercises, that our allies might begin to mistrust our commitment to the formation of the Central Powers. If so, would it really be wise to continue to support them? Perhaps we should open a dialogue with France and Britain, who appear to be in firm opposition to the Germans and their aggressive policy?"

King Emmanuel thought about this matter deeply for several moments. He too was questioning whether backing Germany and Austro-Hungary was the right thing to do after everything that had happened, and all the times they had proven a lack of commitment to the military alliance.

Ultimately, after discussing the matter further with his generals, he decided not to be too hasty and make a move he would regret. However, he also wouldn't close a door that was open to him, thus while paying respect to his current allies, the Italian King would begin opening relations with their enemies.

As Bruno had suspected, the Italians were neither trustworthy nor competent as an ally. Still, he would not learn of this conversation, or the actions taken on behalf of the Kingdom of Italy as a result of it until much, much later. And when everyone was gasping in surprise, he would be the guy saying:

"I fucking knew it...."