1885, I came to save Greece

Chapter 253 Clever Words and Flattery Break the Alliance; Prussian Glory Becomes Bait

The meeting began. Sir Sir Harding, the British ambassador, took the lead without hesitation. Representing the "civilized world," he righteously and forcefully stated the common position of the major powers: the Greek military action had disrupted the regional balance and must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, they would face a joint blockade by the navies of the three nations.

Constantine offered no explanation. He listened quietly. His finger traced lightly across the map before him, as if admiring a work of art.

He did not respond to Harding. He turned his gaze to the solemn-faced German ambassador, Baron von Schneider. "Baron Schneider," he began, his voice filled with sincerity, "before discussing politics, allow me, on behalf of the Greek army that fought so valiantly, to offer the highest military salute to the great German Empire."

Constantine began his "tactical debriefing." He didn't talk about territory. He didn't talk about interests. He vividly described how the Greek artillery, using German artillery theory and operating Krupp cannons, carried out "textbook-perfect" precision strikes against old Ottoman fortresses in the Epirus Mountains.

Baron Schneider's icy expression began to melt. He was a diplomat with a Prussian military background. No one could feel the weight of this praise more than him. The fact that German military thought and industrial products were being praised so professionally and profoundly touched his sense of honor.

The Russian military attaché, Orlov, wore a smug, almost mocking smile. Sir Harding's expression darkened. He realized Constantine was dismantling their fragile "united front."

"Your Excellency!" Constantine's tone rose slightly. "This victory is not only a Greek victory, but also a complete triumph of German military thought over the outdated tactics of the Ottomans! Our observation group is currently compiling a report hundreds of pages long. The report provides a detailed analysis of combat data on Krupp artillery under different terrains and climates. This report is the best gift for His Majesty Wilhelm II. It proves that Prussia's glory shines brightly even under the Aegean sun!"

Baron Schneider's breathing became heavy. He thought of his emperor. Wilhelm II had a fanatical obsession with military glory. To present such a detailed "battle report," praising German weapons and tactics, would undoubtedly be a great achievement.

Constantine seized the opportunity to deliver the final blow: "A hasty and incomplete ceasefire will prevent us from obtaining valuable subsequent data, such as data on the effectiveness of German weapons against Russian fortifications in siege warfare and urban combat. This would be an irreparable and enormous loss to military science."

Baron Schneider did not immediately betray his cause. His tense lips relaxed completely. He put down his cigar. He fell into deep thought. On Sir Harding's united front, the first brick had loosened.

Sir Harding said, "Your Highness, your views on war are quite unique."

Constantine said, "I am just a soldier, a crown prince. I care about my soldiers, my country. But more than anything, I care about how to make Greece strong."

Captain Orlov said, "His Highness's ambition is admirable."

Constantine said, "Ambition needs to be backed by strength. Greece is working on it. And the German Empire has always been a model for Greece to learn from." He looked again at Baron Schneider.

Baron Schneider said, "I am honored by Your Highness's praise. But my military still believes that the war should end as soon as possible."

Constantine said, "Of course. War is always brutal. But sometimes, war is also the sole criterion for testing truth."

He picked up the battle report on the table again. He turned to one of the pages.

"Baron, please look at this. This data records the precision strikes of the Krupp M1880 240mm mortar against Ottoman Turkish M1874 fortresses in a mountainous area at an altitude of 1500 meters. The hit rate of the shells reached an astonishing 85%. This was unimaginable before," Constantine said.

Baron Schneider took the battle report. His eyes were fixed on the data. He was a soldier. He understood what these numbers meant.

"Is this true?" Baron Schneider asked.

Constantine said, "I would not insult the dignity of the German Reich with lies. Our observer group includes many officers who have received German-style military training. They have a rigorous attitude towards data."

Baron Schneider said, "This report, if sent to Berlin, will certainly cause a sensation."

Constantine said, "I hope this report can make some small contribution to the military development of the German Empire. After all, Sophia is His Majesty Wilhelm's sister. We are family."

He mentioned Sofia. Baron Schneider's expression became even more complex. This was not merely military praise, but also a political maneuver.

Sir Harding said, "Your Highness, your focus seems to have strayed from our discussion."

Constantine said, "There was no deviation. Military affairs are a continuation of politics. How to end a victorious war gracefully is a profound art. And German military theory made this victory truly valuable."

Captain Orlov asked, "Your Highness, how long do you think this war will last?"

Constantine said, "It depends on the attitude of the Ottomans, and whether the great powers are willing to see a more powerful Greece emerge in the Balkans."

"Your Highness," said Baron Schneider, "how long will it take to complete a report of several hundred pages?"

Constantine said, "It could take as little as a month, or as long as two months. It depends on the complexity of the situation. After all, we have now begun to attack more Ottoman strongholds."

Baron Schneider said, “Two months…” he muttered to himself.

Constantine said, "Yes. Only more comprehensive, real-world data can make this report truly valuable. Isn't that right?"

He looked directly at Baron Schneider. Baron Schneider's eyes flickered.

Constantine knew he had successfully planted a seed in the German ambassador's heart. Wilhelm II's vanity would become a sharp sword in his hand, a sword capable of cleaving through the "united front" built by the British.

Sir Harding said, "Your Highness, the British are more concerned with the stability of the Mediterranean."

Constantine said, "Stability is built on strength. Sir Hardin, do you really believe that a weak Greece can truly maintain stability in the Mediterranean?"

He looked at Captain Orlov.

"Russian friend, how do you think the safety of shipping in the Black Sea can be guaranteed?" Constantine asked.

Captain Orlov did not answer. He looked at Baron Schneider, who was toying with the battle report in his hand. He was calculating in his mind.

Sir Harding felt a surge of irritation. Constantine's strategy had caught him off guard.

Constantine said, "Gentlemen, lunchtime is approaching. Before we continue our discussion on the future of the Balkans, let's first enjoy some fine Greek wine and food."

He stood up. A calm smile returned to his face. He didn't wait for the three ambassadors to respond. He turned and pushed open the door to the meeting room.

"Alexandros!" Constantine said.

Captain Alexandros appears.

"Notify the kitchen to prepare the best lunch. Today, we are entertaining our distinguished guests," Constantine said.

The three ambassadors sat in the meeting room. They looked at each other. Sir Harding's face was clouded. Baron Schneider seemed thoughtful. Captain Orlov's eyes flickered with a complex light.

Constantine didn't turn back. He walked towards the dining room. He knew that lunch was just another battleground.

This "feast" has only just begun.