Battle of the Third Reich Chapter 451: Rome Rebellion (3)
Mussolini changed into an exquisite dress. Since he was going to meet the king, of course he had to dress up to the decency of a prime minister. It was a pity that he was too indulgent a while ago, so that his figure was a little bit unreadable.
So the Prime Minister could only tighten the armed belt with the help of the two adjutants. Mussolini only hoped that the summoning time would not be too long, and he could hold on for an hour or two.
With the calls of several adjutants and guards, the Italian dictator walked down the stairs, and Colonel Bagdoglio and Paul were already standing in the lower lobby waiting.
Mussolini has his own fleet, including a German Mercedes-Benz 770 convertible, which was a gift from Hitler. However, as a fascist leader full of national self-esteem, Mussolini insisted on taking the Italian products. This time he went out and chose his favorite Fiat 2800 "Vittorio Emanuele III" 1939. Luxury convertible, he thinks that this car named after the king can better set off his identity as prime minister.
Because it was just an ordinary summon, Mussolini did not summon his guard, only brought a few armed guards, and took the road car to lead the way.
Mussolini had been assassinated several times, the most dangerous of which was a bullet that pierced the nose and almost took the dictator's life. He knows very well that there are many people in Italy who want to kill him, including liberals, socialists, reds, anarchists, and remnants of the fascist fundamentalist factions that were suppressed in the past, as well as some messy civil organizations and organizations. Some of them hate the fascist system, some purely hate the government, and many of them purely hate him.
However, Mussolini still insisted on riding in a convertible, showing his contempt for the assassins in front of the people. The Italians worship the strong and the warriors. As a leader, he must be fearless and not show the slightest cowardly reaction.
The convoy passed through the streets of Rome. This ancient city has not been extensively renovated for a long time. Public facilities and buildings are slightly outdated. Many buildings still maintain the style of the 18th century, but this is highly respected by Mussolini. Yes, he forbids the construction of new buildings in the city of Rome, and at the same time constantly excavates and repairs those ancient monuments of the Roman era, intending to use this method to reproduce the glory of the Roman Empire.
The Quirinale Palace was a papal palace before the royal family of Savoy settled in. It has been repaired by the popes for several generations and contains a large number of exquisite cultural relics from the Roman era. A whole row of tall barracks and artillery fortresses were built around the palace. It is obvious that the palace itself also serves some military purposes.
Mussolini's car went straight to the gate of the palace. Because it was just an ordinary audience, there was no ceremonial welcome at the gate. Everything was the same on weekdays. The Kingdom Prime Minister and Field Marshal walked into the palace gate under the leadership of the Chief Guard. Mussolini had no idea what was waiting for him at this time, still holding his head up to maintain the arrogant and reserved appearance of the dictator.
Walking on the beautifully decorated corridor, Mussolini found that there were more guards around than usual, but considering that the country is going through a war, it is understandable that the royal family has strengthened its defense.
Col. Paul holds the scabbard of the saber in his hand. It is a ceremonial stabbing sword in the style of the seventeenth century. This is not a simple decoration. It has terrible lethality in the hands of master swordsmen. And Colonel Paul It happens to be one of Mussolini's current masters.
"Hello, Your Excellency, Your Excellency, Your Excellency, Your Majesty, Your Majesty is waiting for you in the small meeting room." A group of people passed through the two spacious palace rooms and was greeted by a servant in a court dress.
Mussolini noticed the gorgeous and intricate gold lace on the cuffs of the other party's black dress, but he couldn't remember now that he had seen this baron before.
"This is Baron de Pietro, from Andrea, now serving as your majesty's administrative secretary." Paul introduced from the side.
"Good meeting, Mr. Baron." Mussolini proactively stretched out his hand.
"It's also my honour, Prime Minister." The other party shook hands with the Prime Minister gracefully, with an aristocratic look, but this was what Mussolini was most uncomfortable with. He retracted his hand angrily. He raised his head again.
"You can't let your Majesty wait long, please come with me." Pietro's attitude was neither humble nor overbearing. He smiled and glanced at Mussolini, then turned and started leading the way. When they came to the door of the small meeting room, the guards on both sides pushed open the door forcefully.
"Your Majesty wants to meet with the Prime Minister alone first. Marshal, please wait at the door first." Pitlough said to the two.
Mussolini didn't suspect him at this time. He turned his face and glanced at Badoglio, then strode into the door.
Italy is an old feudal country. Although it has a constitutional system, the complicated etiquette of meeting the royal family is still preserved. Even if Mussolini is powerful outside, he is just a subject here.
Mussolini walked through the whole set of procedures in one glance. Although his identity did not have to be so serious, he felt it necessary to show his respect to the king at this moment.
"Please sit down, Your Excellency Mussolini." The king said with a cordial attitude, pointing to the sofa next to him.
"Thank you very much." Mussolini walked to the sofa and sat down.
"I am summoning you today because there are some things that need to be discussed with you. Before that, I want to ask what is going on in the current war and whether you still have the confidence to continue this war." King His expression and tone became serious, and his eyes were fixed on Mussolini's when 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 this in a few days. Prime Minister, I want you to answer me seriously, whether this war can continue and whether the Kingdom of Italy can obtain Victory." Emmanuele III's face sank, Mussolini had never seen such an expression on the king's face.
"If we have the current strength...from a certain angle...but we have firm beliefs, and the people have extraordinary courage...So far, [Mussolini]’s line of defense We have repelled..."
"Enough!" The king suddenly patted the armrest of the sofa hard.
"It seems that you don’t want to tell me the truth, Prime Minister. But I know very well that the Italian army is retreating steadily. The entire north has fallen into the hands of the Germans. We have lost Sicily and the enemy is still preparing Naples landed. And you, the Prime Minister of Italy, are completely helpless about this."
"This is not the case, Your Majesty, I already have a new plan, we can negotiate with the Germans." Mussolini said eagerly, at this time he can only throw his hole cards.
"Why are they talking to you, what are you using to talk to the Germans, and what are you going to sell this time in exchange for those greedy Germans? Land? Money? Or the entire kingdom of Italy? "The king asked sharply, his eyes widened.
Mussolini has never seen a person whose eyes are so terrifying, he can hardly believe that the Italian king who has always been gentle and respectful in front of him. Mussolini felt that what was sitting in front of him was a beast, and he was helpless like a young animal being stared at.
"I am infinitely loyal to the kingdom, and I will never do anything that harms national interests." Mussolini shook his head quickly and denied.
"You resign!" The king took a deep breath, leaning on the armrest of the sofa with both hands, and said solemnly.
"What did you say?" Mussolini blinked, suspecting that he had heard something wrong.
"You can resign and resign from the position of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy." The king repeated.
"Why do you want to do this, Your Majesty, we can definitely find a better solution." Mussolini felt cold on his back. He was completely unprepared for the scene before him. He thought it was just a The ordinary summons, unexpectedly turned out to be a banquet.
"You will be succeeded by Marshal Badoglio, and he will negotiate a truce with the Germans."
"No, you can't do this."
"I am the king of Italy, the ruler of the Savoy dynasty. I have this power." The king patted the handrail again.
At this time, the door of the meeting room opened, and Mussolini looked back in horror, and found that Colonel Paul had walked in~IndoMTL.com~ several broad-armed soldiers followed.
"Badoglio!" Mussolini knew that he was over. At this time, he didn't understand the role of the marshal in it. The dictator stood up and shouted at Bagdoglio who was standing at the door. Roared.
"Take the Prime Minister down and settle down so that he can't be harmed in any way." The king told the chief guard.
"Beneto Mussolini, I must thank you for everything you have done for the kingdom. I cannot deny that you are a very good leader. It is a pity that you have provoked an overly powerful enemy for the kingdom. Forgive me. I have to make this choice. Everything is for the Kingdom of Italy and the Italian people. I believe you will understand my decision." Emmanuel III showed a little apologize on his face.
"Everything is for yourself, I curse you and your children, and you, Badoglio, you cunning viper, you will never be the opponent of that blond boy. Let me go , Only I can save Italy, only me! You let me go, I am your leader! You can't..."
Mussolini tried to resist, but he was obviously not the opponent of the guards. In the end, the leader was dragged out of the room with a sock in his mouth. (To be continued.)