Capítulo 221: Chapter 299 Trouble in Italy
In the original timeline of World War II, as soon as Germany occupied France, they immediately started scheming and seizing various resources.
First, they dismantled factories and equipment. Then, famous paintings and art from museums either went to German museums or ended up in private pockets. Besides things to look at or use, they didn't spare anything to eat or drink, especially various wines and beverages.
At that time, France's major wine-producing regions were forced to contribute large quantities of wine to Germany. These guys not only demanded contributions but also enjoyed causing trouble. For example, officials appointed by the German government to manage the Champagne region almost destroyed the entire stock, forcibly took possessions, tyrannically ruled, and all available Champagne was seized and sold to provide funds for the war or for the military to enjoy.
The Germans at that time were likened by the French to jackals at the doorstep. The French, who thought surrendering was better than fighting, never expected that after surrendering, they would be dumbfounded, watching cases of their proudest top-notch wine collections being moved into the private wine cellars of German officials. Even the Salon Champagne, producing less than fifty thousand bottles per year, was extravagantly squandered at various celebratory banquets.
Wars could be lost, armies could surrender, but there was absolutely no allowance for those scoundrels to defile our wines, Champagnes, and brandies!
At that time, the French civilians were much happier, imprinting "Drink, warriors!" on wine bottles, than the Italians who were forced by Mussolini to ally with the Nazis. Proudly, they formed a united front in the rear after the battles began and initiated the Wine Defense War, which was as exciting as certain guerrilla campaigns.
In the cities, well-known French restaurant owners and wine merchants often teased these German military officers. The German officers always entered high-end restaurants in Paris with a sense of anxiety, wondering, "Can I really eat what I ordered?" or "Is this wine I ordered genuine?" Some restaurant owners even spread rat droppings all over the floor just to prevent the German soldiers from spoiling their establishments.
In the countryside, winegrowers, vineyard owners, and ordinary people each found the most secret and secure places—cavities at the end of wine cellars, hidden corners in basements, sealed passages, abandoned wells, livestock pens, or vegetable gardens—so that their fine wines could escape the clutches of the enemy. The French people and the German Wine War never stopped until the liberation of France in 1944. Even after the liberation, the war continued; this time, it was the French joining the Allies to invade Germany and plunder their wines.
In the future, one of the world's most famous champagne brands, the Roland Bessette Winery, had an heir named Bernard de Nankan-Coul. He was not only the heir to the winery but also a former French army officer, a member of the resistance organization behind enemy lines, and possessed multiple attributes. During the occupation, he constantly created obstacles for the German forces. At the end of 1944, as the German forces retreated, this man led his troops with the 2nd Armored Division of Leclerc and entered German territory. They reclaimed over 500,000 bottles of fine wine that the Germans had previously taken. His courageous act of wine looting eventually earned him praise from the French military and the award of the Cross of Valor.
In Wilhelm's view, these actions were utterly absurd. Creating animosity among the occupied population just for some wine was truly ridiculous behavior.
He would not make such mistakes; he demanded that every German soldier strictly adhere to the "Ten Commandments of the Soldier." Any mistakes, whether from a private or a field marshal, would not be tolerated.
While Wilhelm was conversing happily with Pétain, Reinhard hurriedly walked in. "Your Highness, there's a major event in Italy. Just now, Mussolini assassinated King Victor Emmanuel III."
"Pfft!" Prime Minister Pétain sprayed the tea he had just sipped ungracefully. Fortunately, it sprayed onto the floor and not onto Wilhelm sitting across from him. Without caring about his appearance, he didn't even wipe off the tea stains from the corner of his mouth, looking incredulously at Reinhard and asking, "What happened? Is Mussolini out of his mind?!"
Reinhard looked at Wilhelm, who nodded, before responding, "According to the intelligence, after the ceasefire agreement was signed between our two countries, Victor Emmanuel III opposed Italy's war with France. As a result, he and Crown Prince Umberto II had a serious falling out with Mussolini. This morning, during a military parade that Mussolini held, several soldiers suddenly rushed onto the parade platform. They used submachine guns to turn Victor Emmanuel III and Crown Prince Umberto II into sieves. Now, Italy is in chaos."
"..." Prime Minister Pétain stared wide-eyed in surprise. Mussolini was truly insane! What grudge did he have against France? Killing even his own king just to attack France?
Wilhelm muttered under his breath, "Is this guy trying to make himself the king?"
Prime Minister Pétain shook his head in disbelief. "It's not that simple. Assassinating the current king and crown prince so openly, and then placing himself on the throne? The Italian people won't accept that."
King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy was the only son of Umberto I. Born on November 11, 1869, in Naples, he was titled Prince of Naples on the day of his birth. After his father King Umberto I was assassinated by anarchists in Monza in 1900, Victor Emmanuel III succeeded to the throne. As a constitutional monarch, he actively supported economic development and social reform policies, playing a positive role in overcoming the social and political chaos and economic crises in Italy at the end of the 19th century. In terms of foreign policy, he maintained the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria but also strengthened relations with the Triple Entente of Britain, France, and Russia, recognizing Italy's annexation of Libya through the Italo-Turkish War.
In summary, Victor Emmanuel III was not a ruthless tyrant; he could be considered a wise ruler. He did not lead Italy into a disastrous situation that would enrage the people. Under these circumstances, daring to openly shoot the king and crown prince? Even for a political novice, wouldn't they avoid such a move?
Wilhelm sipped his tea and casually remarked, "Perhaps Mussolini has some way to deal with these troubles. I'm wondering if he'll continue to wage war against your country. After all, with the king who opposed war now dead, there's no one to stop him, is there?"
"..." Prime Minister Pétain might have been concerned before signing the ceasefire agreement with Germany, but now, Vichy France had become Germany's ally. "Now our two countries are allies. Even if Italy looks down on France, wouldn't they fear Germany?," he questioned.
Already utilizing an ally so quickly? Wilhelm chuckled to himself, nodding. "I never mistreat friends. But those cunning Brits, Prime Minister Pétain, would you be interested in giving them a stern lesson?"
"Teaching a lesson to the British?" Prime Minister Pétain was a bit slow to catch up. Weren't they discussing Italy's issues? Why did they suddenly bring up the British?
"Yes, teaching the British, and it has to be a harsh lesson!" Wilhelm stood up and walked to a large map hanging on the wall, tapping a certain location on the map. "I'm planning to remove the nails of Gibraltar and Malta. I'll need your country's support."
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder