Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

Paul von Leto-Volbek surrendered to the Allied Powers on November 25, 1918. Due to his heroic actions in northern Zambia, the Allies preserved his flag and organization and allowed him priority to return to Germany by ship.

Besides him, his officers also returned.

Therefore, Joachim also gave him the honor he deserved, and he was given a triumphant parade under the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Leto Folbec's story is somewhat shocking, even when told.

He was never defeated head-on in the four-year World War, and what was even more terrifying was that the soldiers under his command were not ordinary German soldiers, but African natives.

Therefore, Joachim now has high hopes for him, hoping that this German general, who has never been defeated, will bring him some miracles.

The situation in Ireland was escalating, and he hoped that Leto Folbeck would personally lead his officers to Ireland to help those guys gain independence.

Joachim was, after all, a time traveler, and he knew exactly where the Allied powers were vulnerable. The US president and his Congress were idealists who advocated for leniency towards Germany.

The British advocated weakening Germany, but also did not want France to gain continental hegemony. As for the French, there was no room for negotiation; they were staunch advocates for the complete weakening of Germany.

Therefore, if Joachim wants to break the deadlock, he can only create opportunities to defeat them one by one, ultimately causing the peace talks to completely collapse.

"So Paul, now is the time for the nation to need you. What you do in Ireland will determine the British attitude towards us. Remember, don't use your name, use an Irish name. Stay behind the scenes!"

Joachim walked side by side with the German hero.

The German hero was a few feet shorter than him, about 1.76 meters tall, with a taut build, no excess fat, and a slightly tanned complexion, though you could still vaguely see his Caucasian features.

He was wearing a German East Africa uniform and a beige military cap, and his expression looked somewhat serious.

However, there was a hint of hesitation beneath his seriousness. Although he was very willing to serve Germany, going to Ireland in secret would be a violation of a soldier's honor.

Moreover, Joachim told him that he hadn't even made contact with the Irish independence forces yet...

In other words, when he went to Ireland, he had to find the so-called Irish independence forces himself.

What's the difference between this and sending someone to their death?

Besides, Joachim's idea was really far-fetched. How could more than 20 Zeppelins possibly arrive secretly if they all took off and headed to the same place?

Even the British could tell with their eyes closed that it was the Germans who were behind this!

And then think about the noise of the Zeppelin airships, my God...

Just thinking about it gives me a headache; this prince has really set himself a difficult problem.

"Remember, you are doing this voluntarily! Not under orders from the German authorities!"

"And what's the reason?"

"Making a reason is easy enough!"

Joachim thought for a moment, then instructed again: "If the Irish ask, tell them you fought voluntarily for Irish independence!"

"You are the light of freedom in this world. Within the British Empire, Ireland also has the right to national self-determination!"

"You are the pioneers of freedom in our world!"

"this……"

Leto Folbeck was truly at a loss for words, both amused and exasperated by Joachim.

How could a traditional German military aristocrat suddenly transform himself into a pioneer of freedom?

Isn't it just the same thing that those red elements came up with?

What kind of situation is this?

At this point, even Joachim himself was starting to lose his composure.

But who is he?

Naturally, I had to hold back and added, "Oh, we Germans also have our own international brigades, don't we?"

"..."

"Is it done yet?"

"Is everything alright now?"

"Let's settle the rest here."

With things already said this far, Leto Folbeck dared not have any more questions.

He was afraid that if he said anything more, Joachim beside him would come up with another ridiculous excuse.

So he nodded quickly.

"Oh, right."

Seeing his nod, Joachim seemed to remember something and suddenly added, "There's one more person you'll take with you."

"Who?"

"One of my officers is named Erwin Rommel."

"Does Your Highness value him highly?"

"Well, I guess so!"

"He is a very capable person, and you should mentor him."

"Since Your Highness has said so, then I will bring him along."

"Let's end the talks here. Go and make your preparations."

Joachim stopped in his tracks, looking at Heinrich who was approaching in a panic from afar.

Then he turned to Leto Folbec and said, "I have a few things to take care of next."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Remember, you must plan your route carefully and pay close attention to your safety."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Leto Folbec is gone.

Joachim, seeing the flustered Heinrich, had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

In fact, Joachim's only fear right now is that the French will attack directly, giving him no time to consolidate his power or catch his breath.

It's true that the Germans need to make a breakthrough in the east.

However, consolidating power and reorganizing the army will take time.

These things can't be stabilized instantly just by bringing in grain.

He also needs the military to eliminate all the domestic opposition forces before he can unify Germany.

Unless... Joachim can get Article 48 directly from Albert.

But on second thought, this might also be a great opportunity.

Thinking it over, Joachim walked to the roadside and greeted Heinrich, gesturing for him to come over.

Then, he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and tore open the packaging.

He lit a cigarette for himself and asked, "What's the rush?"

"The French! The French have made their move!"

Heinrich said, panting.

Although I had mentally prepared myself, when I actually said those words...

It still dealt Joachim a bolt from the blue.

After a moment of silence, he glanced sideways at Heinrich: "Has a formal declaration of war been submitted?"

"No, they were just repeating what we said in our ultimatum."

"Since we say there is a rebellion, then the French army will come and help us quell it."

"They have now occupied Sarlan, and the local garrison has retreated without orders from the government..."

"What did the rest of the cabinet say?"

"There's no response yet; they're on their way to the Prime Minister's Office..."

The situation is now very clear!

Joachim stood there, smoking heavily, gradually falling into deep thought.

Finally, I have to face my fears.

Since Clemenceau chose to draw his sword, Joachim naturally had to follow suit!

As the saying goes, a beast cornered in a corner will unleash astonishing power!

He, Joachim!

We must seize this opportunity to obtain Article 48 and revitalize Germany, this dying beast!