Battle of the Third Reich

Mussolini changed his dress to be elegant. Since he was going to meet the king, he would certainly wear a decent dress for the prime minister. Unfortunately, he was too indulgent himself a while ago, so that his figure could not be seen.

So the Prime Minister could only with the help of two adjutants, desperately tightened the armed belt, Mussolini only hoped that the summoning time would not be too long, he could still hold on for an hour or two.

Under the auspices of several adjutants and guards, the Italian dictator walked down the stairs, and Colonel Badogrio and Paul were already waiting in the ground floor lobby.

Mussolini has his own team, including a German Mercedes-Benz 770 convertible, or a gift from Hitler. However, as a fascist leader full of national self-esteem, Mussolini insisted on taking the products of Italy. When he went out, he still chose the favorite Fiat 2800 "Vittorio Emanuele III" 1939 type. Luxury convertible, he believes that this car named after the king can better enhance his identity as prime minister.

Because it was just an ordinary summoning, Mussolini did not call his guard, but only took a few armed guards and took the road to lead the way.

Mussolini suffered several assassinations, one of the most dangerous bullets pierced his nose, and almost took the dictator's life. He is well aware that there are many people in Italy who want to get rid of him, including liberals, socialists, reds, anarchists, remnants of the repressed fascist fundamentalist factions, and some messy civil society groups and organizations. Some of them hate the fascist system, some hate the government, and many hate him alone.

But Mussolini still insisted on riding in a convertible, showing his contempt for assassins in front of the people. The Italians worshipped the strong and the warriors. As a leader, they must be fearless and not reveal the slightest cowardly reaction.

The convoy passed through the streets of Rome. The ancient city has not been extensively renovated for a long time. Public facilities and buildings are slightly old. Many buildings still maintain the style of the eighteenth century, but this is highly respected by Mussolini. It is forbidden to build new-style buildings in the city of Rome, while constantly excavating and repairing those Roman-era monuments, with the intention of reproducing the glory of the Roman Empire in this way.

The Quirinale Palace was a pope's palace until the residence of the Savoy royal family. It has been repaired by several generations of the pope, and it contains a large number of exquisite Roman relics. There is a whole row of tall barracks and artillery barriers built around the palace. Obviously, the palace itself also serves some military purposes.

Mussolini's car went directly to the entrance of the palace. Because it was just an ordinary sight, there was no ceremonial welcome at the entrance, and everything was no different from normal days. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom and the Marshal of the Army walked into the gate of the palace under the guidance of the bodyguard. Mussolini couldn't think of anything waiting for him at this time, still keeping his head up and holding the arrogance of the dictator.

Walking in the beautifully decorated corridor, Mussolini found that there were many more guards around than usual, but considering that the country was going through war, it was understandable that the royal family strengthened its defense.

Colonel Paul held the scabbard of the sword, which was a ceremonial bayonet of the seventeenth century. This was not a simple ornament, and it had terrible lethality in the hands of master swordsmen. Colonel Paul happened to be ink. One of the masters currently known by Solini.

"Hello, Your Excellency, Your Excellency, Your Majesty, your Majesty is waiting for you in the small parlor." A group of people walked through two spacious palaces, and a court attendant in court dress greeted him.

Mussolini noticed that the cuffs of the other party's black dress were covered with gorgeous and complicated gold lace, but he could not remember it anyway. He had seen the baron once.

"This is Baron de Pietro, from Andrea, and now serves as His Majesty's administrative secretary." Paul introduced.

"Fortunately, Mr. Baron." Mussolini reached out actively.

"It is also my honour, Your Excellency the Prime Minister." The other party shook his hand gracefully with the Prime Minister, a very noble figure, but this is what Mussolini was most uncomfortable with. He withdrew his hand and re-raised. Over.

"You can't let your majesty wait for a long time, please come with me." Pitrot's attitude is not overbearing, he glanced at Mussolini with a smile, then turned around and began to lead the way in front. When they came to the door of the small meeting room, the guards on both sides pushed open the door.

"Your Majesty wants to meet with the Prime Minister alone, Marshal please wait at the door first." Pitleau said to the two.

Mussolini didn't doubt that he was there at this time. He turned to look at Badoglio and then strode into the door.

Italy is an old feudal country. Although it has been constitutionally established, the complex etiquette for seeing the royal family is still preserved. Even if Mussolini's power is monstrous abroad, he is only a vassal here.

Mussolini walked through the entire program at a glance. Although his identity did not have to be so serious, he felt that it was necessary to show his respect to the king at this moment.

"Please sit down, Your Excellency Mussolini." The King was very kind and pointed to the sofa he had at hand.

"Thank you very much." Mussolini walked to the sofa and sat down.

"To summon you today, there are some things that need to be discussed with you. Before that, I want to ask, what is going on with the current war, and whether you still have the confidence to continue the war." The king's expression and The tone became serious, and his eyes were fixed on Mussolini's eyes as he spoke.

"The situation of the war is not as smooth as we expected. The enemy's strength is beyond our imagination, but our soldiers are still fighting on all fronts." Mussolini replied respectfully.

"My question is not this. I have heard enough of these words these days. Your Excellency, I want you to answer me seriously, whether this war can continue and whether the Kingdom of Italy can win." Emmanuel III's face sank, and Mussolini had never seen such an expression on the king's face.

"If we have the strength we currently have from a certain perspective but we have firm beliefs and the people have extraordinary courage so far, [Mussolini] we have repelled the line of defense"

"Enough!" The king suddenly patted the arm of the sofa hard.

"It seems that you don't want to tell me the truth, Your Excellency the Prime Minister. But I know very well that the Italian army is losing ground, the entire north has fallen into the hands of the Germans, we have lost Sicily, and the enemy is preparing to land in Naples. And you, His Excellency the Prime Minister of Italy, are completely helpless about this."

"It's not like this. Your Majesty, I already have a new plan. We can negotiate with the Germans." Mussolini said eagerly that at this time he could only throw his own cards.

"Why are they talking to you, and what are you talking about with the Germans, and this time you are going to sell something to exchange with the greedy Germans? Land? Money? Or the entire Kingdom of Italy?" King His eyes widened and asked sharply.

Mussolini had never seen a man whose eyes would be so terrible. He could hardly believe that the King of Italy who had always been gentle and respectful was in front of him. Mussolini felt that a fierce beast was sitting in front of him, and he was helpless like a young animal staring at him.

"I am infinitely loyal to the kingdom and will never do anything that harms the interests of the country." Mussolini quickly shook his head and denied.

"You resign!" the king took a deep breath, his hands holding the armrests of the sofa, and said in a serious voice.

"What are you talking about?" Mussolini blinked, suspecting he had heard something wrong.

"You resign, resign as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy." The king repeated.

"Why do you want to do this, Your Majesty, we can find a better solution." Mussolini felt the whole back cold, he had no mental preparation for the scene in front of him, originally thought it was just an ordinary Summoned, I did not expect it to be a great feast.

"Your position will be taken over by Marshal Badoglio, who will negotiate a truce with the Germans."

"No, you can't do this."

"I'm the king of Italy, the ruler of the Savoy dynasty. I have all this power." The king patted the armrest again.

The door of the parlor opened at this time, and Mussolini looked back in horror, and found Colonel Paul strode in, followed by several soldiers with broad waists.

"Badoglio!" Mussolini knew he was gone. At this time, he didn't understand the role played by the marshal. The dictator stood up and shouted loudly at Bardoglio standing at the door.

"Bring the Prime Minister down and set it up so that he will not be harmed." The king said to the head of the bodyguard.

"Beneto Mussolini, I must thank you for what you have done for the kingdom before. I cannot deny that you are a very good leader. Unfortunately, you have brought an overly powerful enemy to the kingdom. Forgive me for having to do it. With this choice, everything is for the Kingdom of Italy and the Italian people. I believe you will understand my decision." Emmanuel III's face showed a little apology.

"Everything is for yourself, I curse you and your children and grandchildren, and you Badoglio, you cunning viper, you will never be the opponent of the blond kid. Let me go, only me I can save Italy, only me! You let me go, I am your leader! You cannot"

Mussolini tried to resist, but it was clearly not an opponent of the guards. In the end, the leader had a sock in his mouth and was dragged out of the room by several strong men. (To be continued.)