My Italy

As countries prepare for peace talks, the first goal that needs to be achieved is the choice of the location for the negotiations.

According to Italy's wishes, Rome is naturally the best choice. However, other countries are unwilling to take this place, especially Greece and Serbia, which are the most fiercely opposed. After all, this is Italy's home court, and they don't want Italy, which has performed enough in this war, to still have the home court advantage.

Since these two countries desperately opposed it, Rome was defeated. At this time, there are enthusiastic countries willing to provide venues for peace talks.

Britain offered London, France offered Paris, Germany offered Berlin, Austria-Hungary offered Vienna, and even Russia offered St. Petersburg and Moscow as choices.

For countries to be so enthusiastic, not only can they increase their prestige in the world by placing the negotiation venue on their own side, but they can also build up the self-confidence of their citizens.

Otherwise, why so many countries are willing to provide peace negotiation venues in the future is also a consideration in this regard.

However, among the many locations here, it is not easy to choose one that satisfies everyone. After several days of wrangling and disputes, London became the location accepted by various countries.

Now that the location has been decided, everyone has nothing to say. Naturally, they each brought their negotiation teams and prepared to go to London to fight for the interests of their respective countries.

The negotiators that Italy is preparing to send this time are led by Prime Minister Despretis and assisted by Foreign Minister Bacona.

Before leaving, Carlo, as the king, came to the port to see them off in person in order to show the importance he attached to them.

"You two, this peace negotiation depends on you."

Carlo held the hands of the two of them and said what he expected from them in a serious voice. Of course, it is very reasonable for Italy to take the lead in this war. This war was led by Italy. Although Bulgaria and Montenegro performed well, their strength could only achieve the results promised to them. Apart from that, it was impossible to get additional rewards.

This is not because Italy wants to regret it, but because off-field factors have too much influence this time. Countries such as Britain, France, Austria, and Russia have exerted tremendous pressure. Italy must prioritize ensuring its own results.

Although the four countries of Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Montenegro still launched the Balkan War in the previous life, the times are different after all, and there is a gap of more than 20 years of development, so the strength of the four countries is still far inferior to that before the First World War.

Not to mention, there is an additional Italian this time, which will naturally only shrink their results.

Facing the King's personal farewell, the two heads of delegation also immediately expressed their opinions. "Your Majesty, please rest assured that we will definitely protect Italy's interests. No one can make Italy retreat."

In recent years, with Carlo's influence, senior Italian officials have become more confident. What gives them confidence is Italy's strength. After years of development, although the debt burdened by Italy has not been reduced, its strength has been greatly improved compared to the original time and space.

Occupying two colonies, East Africa and Lanfang, domestic industry is booming, the economic situation is getting better year by year, and the army has performed well in previous wars. So no matter how you look at it, Italy is thriving.

This has caused many overseas newspapers to exclaim that Italy is on the right track of development.

In this case, Italy needs to have results that match its strength.

During yesterday's discussion, Carlo drew the bottom line of the peace talks, which is that Albania and Libya must be owned by Italy. In addition, it is necessary to make Crete independent, and if there is a chance, then win some Ottoman islands as a result.

As for other Ottoman territories in the Balkans, let other countries grab them. Carlo never thought of going deep into the Balkans anyway.

Although other Italian officials are very greedy, they can only eat as much as they can. Carlo did not want to be regarded as a competitor by Austria-Hungary and Russia, so let them bite the bullet. Italy should choose some places where it is easy to make profits.

So Carlo is not nervous now, because Italy really has no intention of intervening in the Balkans.

However, of course he will not publicize this idea. He also plans to use this opportunity to exchange interests with other countries.

Just as Carlo was talking with the delegation to see them off, an attendant hurried over with a telegram. The captain of the guard immediately greeted the attendant when he saw it.

"This is an urgent telegram from Berlin and must be handed over to His Majesty immediately."

As the attendant spoke, Ferrimich glanced at the telegram, and his expression immediately changed. Ignoring the expressions of others, he hurriedly walked up to Carlo and whispered a few words.

Listening to the captain of the guard's whisper, even the well-educated Carlo couldn't help but frown.

"Is the news reliable?"

"Very reliable. This was sent personally by the ambassador to Germany."

The two people's nonsense words left the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary a little confused.

Facing the two people who looked confused, Carlo decided to tell them the news. Anyway, they would know it before long.

Then he spoke. "This is news from Berlin. Chancellor Bismarck has resigned."

"What?"

Facing Carlo's words, the two of them asked this question in unison.

No way, this news is too shocking. You must know that this is Bismarck. He has been in charge of Germany for decades. His outstanding diplomacy and maneuvering have brought Germany from division to unity, and made Germany gradually stronger.

How could such a prime minister with such great achievements suddenly resign without any news?

Although others couldn't figure it out, how could Carlo, who had the memory of later generations, not understand. Doesn't this mean that the conflict with the new Kaiser has become irreconcilable, otherwise how could this energetic and iron-blooded Prime Minister resign?

Of course, it was impossible to say this from his mouth. After all, until World War I, William II had always held power in Germany. He would only say it out loud if he was crazy. Italy still needs Germany, a powerful ally, to protect itself from the wind and rain.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Bismarck's resignation will affect our most important ally after all. Do you want us to keep one of them to inquire about the situation in Germany?"

As Foreign Minister, Bacona was still very diplomatically sensitive and immediately asked Carlo for his opinion.

"No, I will handle this matter. The most important thing to us at the moment is the peace talks in London, and we need you more."

Carlo rejected the Foreign Secretary's suggestion because he believed that this matter would not affect the relationship between Germany and Italy, so negotiations in London were still important.

So next, although various countries are making an uproar over Bismarck's resignation, Italy is still paying attention to the next negotiations in London.

The same goes for other participating countries. They are all eyeing the peace talks in London.