Chapter 256: Diplomatic Efforts to Ensure the Arab Revolution Begins

Chapter 256: Diplomatic Efforts to Ensure the Arab Revolution Begins



"Wa 'alaykumu s-salam"

These were the words spoken by Faisal I bin al-Hussein bin Ali al-Hashemi, the third son of the Grand Emir and Sharif of Mecca, who in Bruno's past life had become the First King of Iraq. There was a genuine tone of hospitality in the words of the Arabic leader as he spoke with the agent of the Kaiser.

Maximilian was a Christian, and a European, a descendent of those primitive barbarians that the Arabic world used to look down upon during their glory days. But there were nearly a thousand years removed since then and now.

During the centuries the Arabic world had stagnated, and eventually fallen behind the Christian European nations whose military might combined was more than enough to rule the entire world, and for the most part they did.

The number of countries in this world that were truly independent, and not subjected to the European sphere of influence at this time could be counted upon with a single hand and its digits. Assuming, of course, one had all of their fingers intact.

Yet despite the arrogance which Europeans were well known for outside their own personal bastions of civilization, there was none on Maximilian's face as he genuinely bowed before the foreign ruler and offered his respect both verbally and in the form of lavish gifts.

The fact that this German emissary had gone out of his way to learn the Arabic language to the point of absolute perfection as a means of preparation for this meeting was even further impressive to the son of the Grand Emir and Sharif of Mecca.

Because of this, Faisal I responded to Maximilian's words with an equal tone of sincerity, as he began to question the reason that he was approached at this time.

"Though I am indeed flattered by the gifts you have brought me, I have to ask, to what do I owe the unusual pleasure of being approached by an agent in service of the German Kaiser? I can't help but wonder, considering the circumstances we find ourselves in, why you would undertake such a dangerous effort simply to speak to a man in my humble position."

Faisal's suspicion was well warranted. After all, Maximilian and his guards had come a long way, penetrating deep into enemy territory in order to speak with a prominent leader among the arab population within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire.

It was only natural that the man would suspect treachery to be the reason for Maximilian's visit. And seeing how he had been seen through right from the start, Max could only chuckle as he admitted the truth then and there.

Maximilian's smile grew proud as he boasted about his younger brother's accomplishments, a bit ironic considering how, just a few years prior, he considered Bruno to be the least among his siblings.

However, times had changed, and because of this, Maximilian assured the Arab leader that Bruno's words were worth their weight in gold.

"Bruno may be my youngest brother, but there is no man on this earth who is his equal, whether in the art of war or diplomacy. He may only be in his mid-thirties, but he has established extensive ties to the Houses of Hohenzollern, Habsburg, and Romanov. In addition to this, he is an honored friend of the Japanese ruling Dynasty.

He alone is the reason the bitter rivals of Austro-Hungary and Russia have melded their differences and come together to create the single most powerful military alliance in human history.

With his influence, you need not worry about whether or not this promise is honored, because if truth is to be told, Bruno intends to get out of the business of colonization altogether by midway through the century at the latest.

And that includes restoring independence to the Arab world and allowing you all to choose your own leaders. In exchange for this, he would prefer that we ensure a peaceful and stable process of decolonization, rather than a violent and sudden one.

But in order to accomplish this, the Ottoman Empire needs to disappear. And it would be best if we had your help doing so... So, what do you say? Will you take up arms alongside us to drive the Turks out of your lands once and for all?"

Faisal scratched his chin for several moments in silent contemplation before whispering to one of his ministers. After doing so, he nodded his head to the man before shooing him away. Once had done this, he stood up and smiled as he treated Maximilian in a more amicable manner than he was expecting.

"I will have to confer with my father, brothers, and the other Arab leader about whether or not your proposal is in our best interest. But... If what you say is true, and your offer is sincere, there is a very high probability that we shall become brothers in arms soon enough. Until then, please enjoy your time here in Mecca.

I promise you; no harm shall come to you or your delegation so long as I still draw breath.

Even if those Turkish bastards were to become of your existence and demand your heads from me, they could never force me to deprive you of your rights as guests in my home. Until we

meet again, my friend..."

The two exchanged formal pleasantries as they departed from one another. Meanwhile, Maximilian met with his delegation and spoke to them in German, telling them to ensure that the Kaiser received word that their operation was on a path to success.