As the regent with real power in Hungary, Horthy's experience can be said to be very similar to Reinhardt's.
Relying on his innate agility, Horthy rose up the ranks in the navy when Hungary was still the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He successively served as attaché to the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I, staff officer, cruiser captain, and fleet commander.
commander.
After the outbreak of World War I, Horthy led the Austro-Hungarian fleet to fight against the Allied Navy, and severely damaged the Italian Navy, known as the hegemon of the Mediterranean, on several occasions.
In the Battle of Otrent on May 15, 1917, Horthy, who was still a naval colonel, commanded an Austro-Hungarian squadron and used 3 light cruisers and 2 destroyers to raid the Italian fleet with lightning speed.
The transport fleet destroyed 2 destroyers, 15 armed trawlers and 4 merchant ships of the Italian Navy in one fell swoop, creating a partial advantage for the Austro-Hungarian Navy.
It can be said that Horthy is the Austro-Hungarian Empire's version of "Reinhardt." And Reinhardt's achievements in the German Navy were only to create the "Operation Rainbow" that restored the dignity of the German Navy after failure. But
Horthy actually led the Austro-Hungarian Navy to victory, defeated the Italian Navy that was dominant in the Mediterranean at that time, and shook the stability of the Vienna System.
Horthy did not dare to neglect the German head of state who, like himself, made his fortune in the navy and rose to the position of national leader by quelling civil strife.
Although the other party was unkind, when faced with Reinhardt who walked into the conference room surrounded by a group of German entourage, Horthy did not show any look of contempt on his face, even though the other party looked a bit stupid.
Without thinking, Horthy also looked at the visiting Reinhardt with respect.
Politics is a game for men, but also for wise men. Even if two politicians from different countries are in tit-for-tat confrontation, it will not affect the subtle respect between two politicians with minds that transcend ordinary people.
This is a hero cherishing a hero!
"Have you seen enough?" Reinhard rolled his eyes at Horthy, picked up a cup of tea on the conference table, drank it in big gulps as if drinking mineral water, and pointed his index finger at Hall with no grace.
Ti said: "You should be able to guess the reason why I'm here! It goes without saying that I want to represent the just Third Reich and seek a bright future for the Hungarian people! Don't get in the way."
Damn it! This guy hasn’t given the other party a good look since he came in, and he doesn’t show any sympathy for each other at all. After a few words, Horthy is already sweating profusely. What kind of fucking politician is this?
He's just an idiot who speaks without thinking at all.
It's a pity that a weak country has no confidence. Under the strong military and political power of the Third Reich, Horthy, the leader of a small country, could only endure the foolishness of this big country in his eyes.
Under the uneasy gaze of Horthy and other senior Hungarian officials, Reinhard kept a naive expression on his flat face. After a while, he slowly said: "Well, let's get down to business.
"
Horthy, who was disturbed by the slap in the face that Reinhard gave without any greeting after entering the door, finally breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that the other party wanted to talk business. After all, he was very good at negotiating serious matters.
Looking at Horthy, who was waiting expectantly for him to "get down to business," Reinhardt was stunned for a few seconds, and then said abruptly: "By the way, I only know that Mr. Horthy is the regent. So you guys
Who is the king of?"
What kind of business is this!? After hearing the translation, Horthy almost vomited blood. What you call business is asking such incomprehensible questions.
"The head of state said he wanted to satisfy his curiosity." The German translator brought along by Reinhard thoughtfully translated another sentence for Horthy.
In fact, there is no need to add this sentence. Horthy would not dare not answer Reinhardt's question. Now, whether he can preserve his rights will probably depend on the face of this crooked German head of state.
At this time, Horthy would not dare to offend the fierce god Reinhard.
"Sorry, there is no king in Hungary for the time being." Horthy replied politely.
Otherwise, people have to bow their heads when they are under the eaves. Now that Germany and Austria have merged, the Iron Cross flag is already flying on the border of Hungary. And Romania, the unfriendly country next door to Hungary, has recently been at odds with the Germans.
flirt.
As the ruler of Hungary, Horthy did not care how much Romanian oil went to Germany, but he did care how much German weapons went to Romania.
As far as the Romanian government's propaganda in recent times is concerned, the German government is fully assisting in arming the Romanian Army. It is obvious to all that Spanish German armorers are capable of fighting. If there are one or two German armorers in Romania, what about Hungary's German armorers?
Life is not going to be easy.
The German head of state chose a time like this to come to visit at a time when calls for a Hungarian-German merger were rising. How could Horthy dare to serve Reinhard delicious food and drink without caution?
"One more thing." Reinhard, who was very nervous, asked with a pure expression: "Hungary has no navy, so why is Admiral Horthy the admiral of the navy?"
Provocation, blatant provocation!
If Reinhardt's first question can still be understood as curiosity arising from lack of understanding, then this second question is difficult to explain anyway.
Horthy, who once served with great success in the navy, has always been worried about the fact that Hungary does not have a navy. Everyone knows that Horthy loved the navy and once claimed that he would only wear the uniform of an admiral throughout his life. It is a pity that the Austro-Hungarian Empire
The disintegration left what was left of Hungary without a coastline, leaving Hungary's future dictator as an admiral of a nation without a navy.
Reinhard asked this question with a heavy meaning of humiliation. Horthy, who was a little annoyed, stared at him angrily.
However, Horthy is a mature politician after all, and he can tolerate Reinhardt's provocation. After only a few seconds, Horthy adjusted his mentality and changed to a polite attitude to Reinhardt, who knew what he was asking.
Hart explained.
Why don't you get angry?! Under Horthy's calm reply, Reinhard reluctantly chose to give up the provocation. That's all, then there is no need to use words to stimulate him.
Change it to action stimulation!
"Pa!" A crisp slap echoed throughout the conference room.
In full public view, Reinhardt, who is the president and prime minister of a country, brazenly committed an attack in front of members of the German delegation and senior Hungarian officials.
While beating him, he cursed and said: "You think I can't find an excuse because I have a good attitude? I don't dare to beat you? No way! No matter what I say today, I will uphold justice for God and deal with you on behalf of the righteous Third Reich."
