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Chapter 174 Reckless William

The negotiations with King Carol of Romania went very smoothly. Carlo invested 32 million lire in his private capacity to obtain 49% of the shares of the newly formed Romanian Petroleum Company, while King Carol invested 11 million lei in the name of the royal family (1 lei =

1 lira), the Romanian government invested land, policies and 1,800 lei, and the two parties obtained 51% of the controlling stake in the new company.

Of course, as Carlo does not control the Romanian Petroleum Company, 65% of the oil and products produced by the company in the future must be shipped to Italy. Of course, if Italy cannot eat it, then it can be put on the market.

Of course, it seems now that this condition is simply to find sales for the newly born Romanian Petroleum Company. As for the future, Romanians will know that this plan is terrible. As for now, Romanians are smiling.

After negotiating with the Romanians about oil development, Carlo then attended the coronation ceremony of Frederick III, which had nothing to say.

Compared with William I's enthronement in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, the scene when Frederick III ascended the throne in his own palace was much smaller.

It was similar to Carlo's coronation ceremony, but the weight of the guests was heavier, and of course the oath was taken by the crown prince. Others also acquiesced in this, after all, it was a bit too much to let a person who could not speak speak.

However, there is still a trace of worry in the lively scene, that is, the new emperor's condition seems a bit bad. Although Frederick III is neatly dressed and has heavy makeup on his face, it is difficult to see the emperor's condition clearly.

Close observers can still see the tiredness in the new emperor's eyes.

Except for Carlo, no one would have thought that the new emperor would die after only three months. The consensus view from the outside world is that no matter what Frederick III does, he can last at least a year and a half.

Other than that, the entire enthronement scene was nothing interesting.

"King Carlo, please wait a moment."

After the enthronement ceremony, when Carlo was about to follow the crowd and leave, an attendant stopped him.

"What's the matter?"

Faced with Carlo's inquiry, the attendant stated the reason. "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hopes that King Carlo can wait a moment."

"no problem."

Carlo was led by his attendants to a small living room. After the attendants left, Carlo looked at the furnishings in the living room. Compared with the historical living room at home, Carlo seemed to be a little inferior.

Without letting Carlo wait any longer, William II pushed the door open and came in after a while.

"Carlo, I'm so sorry. I've been too busy recently and haven't seen you in person."

The smile on William II's face as he entered showed no sign of being scolded by the Prime Minister after William I's funeral. Since William II didn't mention it, he wouldn't ask for trouble by saying it.

"It's nothing. I've also experienced this kind of situation. I was completely busy and had no free time of my own."

Carlo's tone of voice reminded William II that this was someone who had experienced such a scene.

"I was so busy that I forgot about it."

After a simple opening remarks, Crown Prince William stated his intention for letting Carlo stay. "Carlo, I plan to send a naval delegation to Italy to inspect your country's navy and exchange experiences."

"No problem, I will let the navy be responsible for receiving them."

When faced with William II's words, Carlo agreed without hesitation. Every year the German Navy sends people to Italy for exchanges, which is not a big deal.

"By the way, who are you going to send?"

By some strange mistake, Carlo suddenly wanted to ask why William II brought it up at this time.

"This is Colonel Tirpitz who was communicating with you. He will lead the team this time."

William II's answer made Carlo become serious now. Since the father of the High Seas Fleet was coming, he must let Admiral Gorek receive him well.

Moreover, William II's words also showed that his desire for a large navy did not give up after being hit by the Prime Minister before, and he began to use roundabout methods.

"By the way, our country also has a group of army officers who hope to come to Germany for further study. It would be best to do an internship at your country's General Staff Headquarters."

Karu is also a master who does not suffer for any reason. Since we receive your navy every year, you should also receive our army, and hope to observe the operations of the German Army General Staff up close.

"That's no problem. I believe Marshal Moltke would really like his colleagues from Italy."

Faced with Carlo's conditions, William II agreed without hesitation, without asking what the Army thought.

In fact, the German Army has always been supportive of this, allowing talents from all over the world to apply for German military academies and even serve in the German army for a period of time.

Don't think this is because the Germans are kind, this is all to expand their influence.

Except for a few island countries or peninsula countries, the militaries of all countries basically rely on the army, and those who can come to Germany to study military affairs are at least talents. Such soldiers with German education will be able to do well no matter how you look at them.

I feel a sense of affinity towards Germany.

This is the only way to increase your influence, and it is much more solid than other methods.

So what reason did Wilhelm II have to refuse, even if he wanted to be an intern at the General Staff, that would be no problem.

The people Carlo wanted to send to the German Army for further training were mainly from the Guards and the Marine Corps. He hoped to cultivate a group of senior officers who were loyal to him and very capable. They could become his future masters.

The core strength of the Army.

But this is a tangent. Now he is busy talking about improving Italian industry.

"By the way, Carlo, I want to ask, how did you deal with Prime Minister Cairoli after you came to the throne?"



Carlo, who returned to the Palace of Sens West, looked normal, but he was very tired inside. Because of the questions asked by William II, he felt his impulsive and reckless side.

But he finally got over it, and now he just wants to go back to his room and take a rest.

But he gave up this idea after entering the hall, because Foreign Minister Bacona was waiting for him.

"His Majesty!"

Seeing that Bacona, who was in charge of the negotiations, was waiting for him with a document in his hand, Carlo already had a guess.

"What, are you done talking?"

"The talks are almost over, and I feel this is the bottom line of Germany's requirements."

Carlo took the document from his hand and started to read it. A brief look at the German conditions showed that they were exactly the same as before. They all hoped that Italy could open up its colonies and receive the same treatment as Italy in terms of ship maintenance and supplies.

In the terms of exchange given below, it is very clear that the tariffs between the two countries will be raised to 21.5%.

"Your Majesty, I think this condition is very suitable."

Facing the Foreign Secretary's remarks, Carlo put it in his hand with a snap after reading it.

"In that case, let's agree according to these conditions. Also, remind the Germans that we must not forget the technology we want."


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