Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

"March on Berlin!"

As soon as the words "Marching to Berlin" were uttered, the emotions of everyone present were ignited.

The people present were already dissatisfied with Berlin's orders, and now that Joachim and his group had stirred things up, they were naturally filled with rage.

Many wanted to go to Berlin to demand an explanation.

At this point, Joachim poured cold water on their enthusiasm: "What do you mean by that? Are you planning a rebellion?"

The word "rebellion" was attached to them.

The crowd, who had been burning with anger, immediately fell silent and looked at each other in bewilderment.

Yes, who can bear this infamy?

If they actually took up arms and went to Berlin, that would be a real rebellion!

If the rebellion succeeds, that's fine, but what if it fails?

There was no way out, so everyone fell silent.

Who dares to gamble on this outcome?

An eerie silence fell over the scene.

Finally, Manstein stepped forward first, breaking the deadlock: "Even if we rebel, so what?"

"Didn't they also seize power through rebellion?"

"As the saying goes, failure makes it a rebellion, success makes it a revolution!"

"That's right!"

The others nodded in agreement: "Didn't those guys also seize power through rebellion? We're all the same, so why are you judging us?"

Those who were able to gather under Joachim's command at this time were, of course, a group of right-wing elements.

They already harbored resentment over the empire's destruction, and their gathering here presented a golden opportunity.

This is the perfect opportunity to restore the empire in one fell swoop.

"And then what? Rely on you or on me?"

"Who will consolidate power?"

Joachim sighed slightly and continued to pour cold water on the situation.

In fact, Joachim had long considered seizing power, but not now.

Because the Allied mobilization for war is not yet over, and Germany has already been disarmed, if he were to seize power now, who would sign the Treaty of Versailles? Would it be Joachim or the weak elements of the Republic?

In the context of modern German history, whoever signs this document becomes a sinner for all time.

Joachim would never touch such filth.

In the future history of Germany, he will represent the role of a savior, while the so-called republican government will represent weakness.

That alone is enough for him to have a reason to throw this hot potato away.

So the current presidency in Berlin isn't an easy position to hold; it's too hot to sit on.

"This won't work, that won't work."

Heinrich remained furious: "Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?"

"No! I'd rather live standing than die kneeling!"

"So what we need now is patience and to wait for the right opportunity." Joachim remained stern, offering kind advice: "We must prove to all Germans that what we are doing now is right, that what we are doing is meaningful."

"Moreover, we must show them that our efforts over the past few days have not been in vain, and that we cannot erase all our achievements because of Berlin's orders."

"So, Your Highness, should we continue to be patient?"

Manstein calmly replied, "But it's clear that the government in Berlin is no longer worthy of our loyalty."

"Yes, we really can't swallow that insult."

Heinrich was silent for a moment, then spoke up proudly: "We cannot stand being wronged."

"Yes, we can't stand how they treat us!"

Model also spoke up: "As the saying goes, once bitten, twice shy. If Berlin continues to do this..."

"We must not hesitate; we must stay by His Highness's side."

"Yes, a weak republican government is a disaster for us."

Manstein continued, "Why are things so bad for us? Why have enemy armies been ravaging German territory for nearly a century?"

"To put it bluntly, it's because we haven't pooled our strength, and we still don't know how to resist!"

"And another problem is that we don't have a strong authoritarian government!"

As the saying goes, "A single finger is easy to break, but five fingers clenched together make a fist!"

"Exactly! Everyone should gather around His Highness. As long as we're together, those guys in Berlin can't do anything to us!"

"Everyone will have a way out then!"

"Yes, we need Your Highness's wise leadership!"

Model chimed in, "Your Highness is the future emperor of the empire! Let Crown Prince William and his dead father get out!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was both surprised and delighted, and all turned their gazes toward Joachim.

For a moment, I even forgot to voice my support!

"But if I do this, wouldn't I be a traitor?" Although Joachim's blood was already churning, he took a deep breath and suppressed his anger: "I am neither my father's chosen successor, nor..."

Before he could finish speaking, Manstein gave Heinrich a look.

The latter immediately understood and shouted, "Crown Prince William is nobody!"

"When the empire fell apart, he didn't stay behind to clean up the mess. We have the situation we have today thanks to His Highness."

"Your Highness is the only future crown prince of the empire, the only future emperor!"

"I will be the first to object to anyone who dares to plot to seize His Highness's throne."

"Joachim is the emperor, and the emperor is His Highness Joachim!"

"Yes! You are Caesar!"

Model immediately knelt down on one knee!

The others, though somewhat bewildered, also knelt down: "Yes, you are the future Emperor of the German Empire!"

With the atmosphere built up to this point, Joachim had gotten what he wanted.

What he is doing today is to transfer the loyalty of these people to Germany to himself.

The time is ripe; it's time to move on to the next step.

"Since everyone thinks this way, then I will also take on the responsibility that God has given me."

"From this day forward, you pledge your allegiance to me, and I will be responsible for your future."

"Of course, you must also understand that we are facing a very difficult situation, and we are undertaking a very dangerous undertaking."

"I cannot guarantee the success of this cause, but I can guarantee that everyone will enjoy wealth and prosperity after success, and that we will be able to lead our motherland to a phoenix-like rebirth."

"You are free to doubt my resolve."

"But please remember, I will never call myself Your Majesty until the humiliation suffered by Germany has been completely washed away."

Joachim paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "What I'm about to do is everything my ancestors did at Versailles!"

"To be crowned emperor in the place where the French are most proud!"

The words had barely left his lips when a deafening roar erupted in the room: "Long live His Highness Joachim!"

"Long live the German Empire!"