Chapter 400138Chapter NaN

September 30, 1940

Berlin, Northern Germany

Before meeting Regent Paul, Foreign Minister Weizsäcker, the Foreign Ministry, and I had discussed what demands the Kingdom of Yugoslavia might make.

We had predicted they would demand Istria and perhaps Zadar, territories of the Croatians and Slovenians who make up Yugoslavia, but what they actually said was completely different.

“We wish for Germany, during the peace negotiations with Italy, not to liberate any territory in the Balkans except for Albania.”

Hearing Prince Paul's words, I momentarily met Weizsäcker's eyes, but his face also showed he had no idea what was going on.

No, what is this nonsense? How absurd.

Didn't you request this meeting to carve up Italy?

If it had just been me, that would be one thing, but the seasoned, veteran diplomat Weizsäcker was equally at a loss for words.

Seeing our expressions, Regent Paul cleared his throat and began to speak.

“It seems an explanation is in order. As you know, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia is a multi-ethnic nation centered around Serbia.”

From my modern-day knowledge, I knew that the Kingdom of Yugoslavia joined the Axis Powers during World War II but was divided and occupied after a civil war.

“Among the peoples that constitute the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the Croatians are the largest group, and nationalism is rampant among them.

And they, with the power of Italy and the Nazis, pressured us and were recognized as an autonomous province with strong self-governing rights.”

Ah, so this is another remnant of the Nazis.

Hearing that, I also recalled that in the original history, Croatia became infamous for atrocities no less evil than those of the Nazis during World War II.

As Weizsäcker and I looked at each other with subtle expressions, Regent Paul calmly spoke of his nation’s shameful part.

“At the time, we had no other choice. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was a neighboring country to Germany and Italy, and France and Britain, whom we had hoped to rely on, seemed to lack both the will and the ability to protect us.”

Is this why the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in the original history couldn't hold out and joined the Axis Powers? The fact that a civil war broke out afterward means there were many inside who opposed it.

“With the change of regime in Germany, we have been able to breathe, but the Croatians, who have already received autonomy, are not satisfied and want not only independence but also to take Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.”

If they take Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia and break away, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia would effectively be split east and west, between Serbia and Croatia.

Ah, so that's why…

“Are you concerned that if Italy cedes the Istrian peninsula and Zadar, the power of the Croatians will become too great?”

Coincidentally, both lands are adjacent to Croatia's territory and are regions with a high percentage of Croatians.

From the perspective of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia as a nation, it's an increase in territory, but in reality, it would mean the power of the Croatians, not the Serbs, would grow stronger.

“That is correct.

What the parliament recognized as the Croatian Autonomous Province is limited to the Dalmatia and Croatia regions, but the Croatians will surely demand that those regions also be incorporated into the Croatian Autonomous Province.”

This situation is a total mess.

And since Nazi Germany was heavily involved in establishing the Croatian Autonomous Province, it's hard to say it's not our business.

“Hmm, I understand your country’s circumstances.

But couldn’t you appease their dissatisfaction by helping them reclaim the former territory the Croatians desire?”

When Weizsäcker asked with an interested expression, Regent Paul’s face briefly turned pained before he shook his head.

“The Croatian nationalists, especially Ante Pavelić, assassinated the previous King, His Majesty Aleksandar, and have been inciting the Croatians with Mussolini’s protection in Rome.”

Regent Paul maintained a relatively composed demeanor even while speaking of his cousin's murder.

“Although the Serbs approved the establishment of the Croatian Autonomous Province, it was only because they feared the Nazi regime and Italy behind it.

The Serbs' patience is also reaching its limit.”

It's simple to think that because the Serbs are oppressors, the Croatians are rebelling and want independence.

But this isn't a problem that can be simplified with a perspective like the Serbs as oppressors like Imperial Japan, and the Croatians as the ruled, like Korea under colonial rule.

They were originally different peoples, formed into a single nation by the interests of the great powers in the last war, and then began to experience conflict due to nationalism.

In the original history, the Croatians, thanks to Hitler, established the Independent State of Croatia and then brutally massacred the Serbs.

That grudge would be passed down to later generations, and the Serbs, Croatians, and other ethnic groups would start the horrific Yugoslav Wars.

Their nationalism will one day call for a war that washes blood with blood.

“Therefore, the parliament will refuse the incorporation of Istria and Zadar into the Croatian Autonomous Province even if they are returned.

But the Croatians already possess considerable power, and refusing to incorporate the land of their own people into the autonomous province would give them a powerful justification.”

Regent Paul paused for a moment, then opened his mouth.

“A misstep, and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia could collapse because of Istria and Zadar, and a civil war will break out.”

Weizsäcker and I looked at each other with complicated expressions.

If the Kingdom of Yugoslavia had simply asked for Istria and Zadar, we could have handed them over in exchange for a suitable price.

But attaching the condition that wedon'tliberate them actually complicates matters.

The territory we can demand from Italy is already limited to South Tyrol because of what we previously declared.

Even if that weren't the case, it would be foolish to want to devour Istria even after hearing these inside details.

That place is a complete time bomb, and I, for one, want to refuse any second Sarajevo Incident.

But that doesn't mean we can just demand only South Tyrol from Italy and walk away.

Austria and Germany shed blood, and if Italy doesn't pay a corresponding price, our own people will be dissatisfied.

Excessive reparations, as seen in the precedent of the Treaty of Versailles, will only breed more resentment, and there's no guarantee they can be fully collected, nor is it something the general public can easily feel.

The visible cession of territory is good for satisfying national sentiment before any practical gain. And if it's the liberation of that nation, all the better.

A peace treaty that is too harsh is a problem, but one that is too lenient is also a problem. For me, who has already been burned once in Poland, it was an issue I had to be even more prudent about.

But we can't just tell Yugoslavia, which doesn't want it, to take the land and give us something in return.

“But Your Excellency the Regent.

Even if it is an autonomous province, they do not possess a regular army, do they? Now that their sponsors, the Nazis and Italy, have lost their power, I believe you could suppress them with force.”

As I was pondering, Weizsäcker voiced his doubt.

Suppressing one's own people by force is a crazy act in the 21st century, but in this era, especially against other ethnicities, it's not unheard of, so it's an uncomfortable but pertinent question.

But Regent Paul shook his head and showed an unexpected reaction.

“I have seen the blood that flowed in the last great war, I saw the Spanish Civil War, and the German Civil War. I do not want such blood to flow in this land.

The Croatians are also subjects of His Majesty, and as Regent, I wish to hand over the current Kingdom of Yugoslavia intact to His Majesty Peter II.”

Regent Paul's face as he said this was utterly sincere.

This wasn't just lip service; it seemed he genuinely believed it.

Not a realistic concern that suppression by blood would ultimately lead to greater division, but simply that he does not want blood because they, too, are subjects.

He was less a politician and more a model of a moral nobleman.

In the original history, a civil war did break out, and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was torn apart by Germany and Italy, so his end was likely not a good one.

An idealistic leader in an era where nationalist confrontation is reaching its peak. For some reason, it left a bitter taste in my mouth…

Personally, I liked him, but I still opened my mouth to do what I had to do.

“Your Excellency the Regent, have the Cabinet and the parliament agreed to the contents of this secret meeting?”

Regent Paul closed his mouth, and I wore a bitter expression. Just as I thought.

“I have an agreement with the Prime Minister, but not the entire parliament and Cabinet agree.”

As expected, there are always humans who want to put food in their mouths first and think later, even if it's inedible.

There would certainly be Serbian nationalists who would argue to take the land first and use it as a pretext to suppress the Croatians and abolish the autonomous province.

If he were the official king, it might be different, but he's a regent who conscientiously intends to hand over power to the king.

That means there is no guarantee that any matter decided with him will be carried on without issue by the king.

“…I will try to consolidate our internal opinion as much as possible before the official peace treaty between Germany and Italy.”

Weizsäcker and I exchanged bitter smiles at Regent Paul's words.

He's a truly good person, but as a leader…

I need to get something out of this, but what should I get?

After a moment of thought, I opened my mouth.

“As you know, from Germany’s perspective, we must get something, if only for the sake of national sentiment. As a condition of the peace negotiations with Italy, how about having them hand over Ante Pavelić and his followers to Yugoslavia?”

He's the mastermind behind the assassination of the former King of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia who clung to the Nazis, so it serves as a good pretext and might help relations between our two nations, right?

Regent Paul looked at me as if he hadn't expected my proposal at all, then his expression brightened slightly as he replied.

“Excellent. If you do that for us, it will also save my face as Regent.

In return, we will provide tax exemption benefits for the goods we are selling to Germany.”

“Hmm.

Not bad.”

Yugoslavia sells us many of the resources we need, like bauxite, copper, and agricultural products.

If a tax exemption is included, it will be easier to trade.

“Very well.

Now that we understand the Kingdom of Yugoslavia’s situation, we will proceed with negotiations with Italy with that in mind as much as possible.”

With a visible pretext like that, the treaty will be more binding, and even if the regent loses power, it will be difficult for the king to overturn it on a whim.

“Thank you for your positive response.”

Regent Paul was quite pleased.

A regent who isn't devoted to nationalism and has no lust for power, purely wanting to pass on the kingdom he received to his nephew…

To learn of such an unexpected situation in a negotiation where I thought I just had to think about what land to hand over and what price to receive.

The nationalism and political situation in Europe in this era are truly chaotic.

Personally, I hope the regent can hand over power to the king and have a heartwarming retirement, but frankly, I don't know if that's possible.

-

October 2, 1940

Milan, Northern Italy, German-occupied territory

As soon as I finished my negotiations with the Regent of Yugoslavia, I hurried down to Milan.

And no sooner had I stepped off the train than I was faced with an unwelcome reception.

“All units, attention!”

It’s almost familiar by now, but since it's been a while, it feels a bit… welcoming?

“To the Vice-Chancellor, salute!”

From the soldiers saluting in unison, I felt a sincerity that wasn't just because they were ordered to.

It's not just my imagination, right?

As I made a very complicated face, Manstein approached and began to heap praise on me.

“Welcome, Vice-Chancellor! It is an honor to host the master of strategy who foresaw the surprise attack on Britain and the flanking of Belgium by those despicable French bastards!”

Ah, this…

You blabbed again, didn't you!

“Your amazing p-r-e-s-c-i-e-n-c-e that even I cannot follow, and your proactiveness in persuading the Cabinet to make it rain shells! Above all, the entire Army holds you, Vice-Chancellor, in awe for your perfect supply management that allows soldiers to exert their maximum strength!”

Among the army personnel gathered here, half were sending looks to Manstein that said they were sick of him, and the other half had faces that actually agreed with his exaggerated praise.

And the sight of my accompanying Vice Foreign Minister, Erich Kordt, struggling to suppress a twitching corner of his mouth…

If there was a hole, I'd want to crawl into it.

If only I could, I'd want to disappear…

I tried to force a smile-like expression, struggling to relax the corners of my mouth which had gone stiff on their own.

“The hard work of the Chief of the General Staff and the National Defense Force was crucial in pacifying Northern Italy with minimal sacrifice. I merely provided as much support as I could from the rear area.”

Seeing Manstein's mouth stretch from ear to ear at my light lip service, I was at a loss for words.

“Kiyaaah- To have such ability and humility! No, how can you be so perfect? I, Manstein! am truly! honored to serve you, Vice-Chancellor!”

No, anyone who heard you would think you were my direct subordinate…

Perhaps because it had been so long since we’d seen each other, Manstein, who seemed determined to pour out all the flattery he had missed, personally showed me just how insignificant the tolerance I thought I had built up was.

I tried to maintain my smile somehow, but eventually gave up and let out a sigh.

“I would like to spare a little more time for the Chief of the General Staff, but I have an appointment, so I must postpone it for a moment.”

“Haha, don't worry about it and be on your way, Vice-Chancellor! Of course your schedule is important! Yes, of course! But I am preparing a banquet for you, so please, please! I beg you to make time before you leave!”

“Y-Yes, of course…”

Ah, does that man ever get tired of it? Amazing, truly amazing.

Manstein saw us off, making a fuss until the very end, and Erich Kordt, who watched the whole scene, said a word as we headed to the meeting place.

“You’re incredibly popular. I’m envious.”

“…Don't tease me.”

To be this exhausted before an important negotiation, that Chief of the General Staff is a harmful Chief of Staff…

I sighed and walked through the streets of Milan with Erich Kordt.

German soldiers stood guard here and there in the streets of Milan, which was completely occupied by the German Army, and the residents watched us with somewhat anxious eyes.

I had requested that war crimes and unnecessary sacrifices be avoided as much as possible, but I didn't expect it to be perfect.

Although this war started because we were invaded by Italy, in the eyes of the people of Milan, we must be the invaders.

I don’t ask for much, but I can only hope that in their eyes, our German Army is not seen as murderers or monsters like in the original history.

When we finally arrived at a barracks under heavy guard, a large man with a menacing, scarred face greeted me.

“Welcome, Vice-Chancellor.”

Otto Skorzeny, the commander of the Fallschirmjäger, saluted me with a grin.

“Thank you for your hard work, Major Skorzeny.”

Just in case, to prevent our special guest from getting hurt or being discovered, we had assigned the most powerful bodyguard in Europe.

The problem is, he looks a bit scary even to us…

It’s not often you find someone who is still scary even when they smile kindly.

And it seemed I wasn't the only one who thought so.

As we entered the barracks, the guest we had come to meet, who was sitting with a rather pale face, shot up from his seat.

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Dietrich Schacht, the German Vice-Chancellor.”

“I am Erich Kordt, the German Vice Foreign Minister.”

The man, after hearing our introductions, let out a slightly relieved sigh and opened his mouth.

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Alcide De Gasperi, the designated foreign minister of the Italian Anti-Fascist National Liberation Committee.”

His complexion is not good at all. We thought we were showing sincerity by assigning Otto Skorzeny, but it seems to have become unintentional pressure.

Kordt and I sat down across from Gasperi. Now, it was finally time to end this damn war with Italy.

“Well then, shall we begin the negotiations?”