My Italian Chapter 54

As one of the largest platforms in Germany, Berlin Railway Station is extremely busy with railways connecting all parts of the country.

However, today the station was temporarily closed, a large number of passengers were ordered not to step out of the waiting room, and the platform was also full of officers and soldiers. A well-informed Berliner knows at a glance that there must be a visit from a big man, either the prime minister or the king.

Didn't you see Count Carl von Weizsäcker, the foreign minister waiting on the platform, he must be the prime minister or king of a big country if the foreign minister could go out in person. The young king and prime minister of Italy are going to visit Germany. Is this the day of their arrival?

They guessed right, today is the day the Italian delegation arrives in Berlin. Although there were emergencies in the middle of the death of a national hero, this still did not change the time of Italy's visit to Germany, but many things were handled quickly.

"Huchihuchi..."

A train arrived at the station in anticipation of everyone, and the icons on the carriage all showed that it was the Italian delegation.

There was no need for a conductor, the orchestra that had already been prepared immediately started to play music, and the ready welcome crowd immediately smiled and waved the national flags of the two countries, which completely set off the atmosphere. There are also two well-dressed children, under the command of adults, holding flowers and preparing to offer flowers.

In the carriage, Carlo and the Prime Minister were all ready.

"Your Majesty, don't be nervous, just treat it like an ordinary sightseeing."

"The Prime Minister doesn't have to worry about me, I'm not nervous at all."

The two leaders who encouraged each other smiled after looking at each other and walked off the platform pretending to be relaxed.

Of course, Carlo, the king of Italy, was at the forefront, while the Prime Minister was half a position behind, and then the other members of the delegation walked out of the carriage in sequence according to the level and importance of their positions.

"Welcome King Carlo to Berlin. I believe that His Majesty's arrival will lay the foundation for the friendly relations between the two countries."

Count Weizsäcker, the German foreign minister, immediately greeted him and gave a welcome speech to Carlo.

"Thanks for the welcome of His Excellency the Earl, and I wish you and our countries can have a closer relationship."

Carlo is not bad, and he can also be neither humble nor arrogant in the face of this foreign minister. After greeting Carlo, Count Weizsäcker immediately extended his hand to Prime Minister Depretis.

"Prime Minister De Pretis, welcome to visit Berlin."

"Thanks to the count for welcoming me."

After the two briefly shook hands, Count Weizsäcker said hello to several accompanying ministers behind them.

At this time, the children who were instructed by the adults presented flowers to Prime Minister Carlo and Depretis. Looking at children who were not much younger than himself, offering flowers respectfully, Carlo always had an indescribable strangeness.

Next, there are other procedures for the welcome ceremony, and Carlo, one of the protagonists, participated one by one according to the previous rehearsal like a marionette. For example, meeting with Italian compatriots in Germany, giving short speeches, giving interviews to reporters, etc. After all these were done, Carlo and the delegation rode in a carriage to the residence prepared by the Germans.

Carlo and his party were arranged to live in Charlottenburg Palace, a summer palace built by Frederick I for his wife Sophie Charlotte, which is now an important residence for the Hohenzollern family in Berlin. It can be seen from this that the Germans still attach great importance to Carlo and his party.

"Everyone, in order to welcome friends from Italy, our country has prepared a welcome dinner, and I invite you all to attend."

After bringing them here, Count Weizsäcker, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, sent an invitation to Carlo and his party for a welcome dinner.

This is a diplomatic practice in Europe. Generally, when a monarch or a head of government visits, there will be a welcome dinner. Unless there is an urgent situation, as a guest, you will not refuse the host's kindness.

"Then I will thank your country for the invitation on behalf of everyone, and we will attend on time."

After receiving the reply from the Italian delegation, Count Weizsäcker left contentedly.

But now everyone in the delegation can't take a rest, and they need to take out their carefully prepared clothes from their luggage to prepare for a dinner party. It's a shame if you don't dress properly, no one wants to make that mistake.

At a quarter past six, the newly-dressed members of the delegation boarded a carriage prepared by Germany and hurried to the banquet hall.

The venue for the dinner was Whitehall in the Royal Castle, which was the main venue for various solemn events and festivals of the monks, the opening of the local self-government representatives and the work of the Parliament, and various other ceremonies. It is self-evident that the German side will place a dinner party to welcome Italians here.

"Hello, Emperor William."

"Hello, Prime Minister Bismarck."

"Hello, Marshal Mao Qi."

As soon as Carlo entered the door, he saw three people who were famous even in later generations, but compared with others who could only look at photos, he saw three real people.

"Hello, King Carlo. Welcome to Berlin."

As the emperor of Germany, the white-haired Wilhelm I stretched out his old-spotted hand and held Carlo, and said a welcome word.

As for Carlo, facing William I, who was a year older than his grandfather, he could be said to be a grandson. Naturally, he would come up with all sorts of flattery.

Of course, Carlo doesn't think that these three are here to welcome him, and nine times out of ten, they are here for the Prime Minister Depretis behind him. So after Carlo said a few words, he immediately handed over the position to the Prime Minister.

Sure enough, when they faced Prime Minister Depretis, they spoke a lot more. Not only did William I speak, but Bismarck and Mooch had a cordial conversation with him.

However, the conversation was not long, and it did not make people feel impatient.

Then William I picked up a glass of red wine and tapped it with a small spoon.

"Everyone, let's welcome friends from Italy."

"cheers!"

Carlo also stood aside, holding up a wine glass with juice and shouting for it.

Afterwards, the old emperor said a few brief words before going back to rest. Leaving Bismarck and Mochi to be responsible for entertaining the Italian party.

Carlo took the opportunity to sneak to a corner of the hall, watching the lively banquet silently.

"Why, I don't like this kind of environment."

Suddenly a voice came from behind.

Carlo turned around and saw a young man in his early twenties standing behind him with a glass of wine.

This young man, who is not much older than him, is very well dressed, but he has never seen his face, but it is strange that his hands are still wearing gloves.

With gloves?

Carlo immediately guessed who it was.

"Yes, I don't like such a lively scene very much. Could it be that Your Excellency, the eldest grandson, likes such a scene?"

"Like you, I don't like to be busy."

William II, whose name was called, shook his head and answered casually.

"Instead of participating in such an event, I might as well go to the military camp for a while, at least I don't have to fight with these people."

In order to get closer to the eldest grandson of Emperor William, Carlo turned the topic to the army, although he hadn't been to the military camp a few times.

"It's not as good as I thought."

Although I don't know what Carlo asked and said, William, who was about to enter the army at that time, was indeed full of yearning for the army. As a German prince, joining the army is an inevitable obligation.

And William's education made him yearn for an honorable army.

So the two young people chatted alone at this reception. They have a good conversation about the ocean, the army, political ideas, etc.

After some chat, William II thought that the Italian king who was younger than himself was very good, and the two had similar views.

Carlo, on the other hand, believed that his only gain from this boring dinner party was getting to know the future Kaiser Wilhelm II. This gain made the goal of visiting Germany close to half.

Chapter end