My Italy

During this period, it was a happy day for Italian journalists. They did not need to look for news, they only needed to keep an eye on the upcoming peace talks in Rome.

When big names come to Rome, whether it’s for food, accommodation or sightseeing, it’s all news. It’s best to say a few words of praise for Italy. That would be perfect.

Unlike journalists, the Italian government, as a participant and organizer, is much busier. They are different from those who watch the excitement, and the reception work is even more difficult.

Of course, Carlo, the king, also appeared in this. Just today, King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria came to Rome with the Bulgarian delegation. As the host, Carlo naturally needed to welcome him.

At the welcome dinner in the palace, the guests of honor gathered together happily, and the Italian, Italian, and Black parties gathered together happily.

That's right, there is an additional Grand Duchy of Montenegro.

At this dinner to welcome Bulgaria, the Grand Duchy of Montenegro, as a comrade-in-arms, also attended in costume.

In fact, it is not difficult to guess. When the mortal enemy Ottoman is basically about to withdraw from Europe, Montenegro's hatred of Osman suddenly loses its target.

At this time, Montenegro should consider its future. Maintaining good relations with Italy across the sea is naturally Montenegro’s first choice. However, putting eggs in a basket does not meet actual needs, so Montenegro needs to have more considerations. . Participating in the dinner to welcome Bulgarian allies this time was not nothing but a contact. After all, according to the needs of various countries this time, Montenegro and Bulgaria are not bordering, so there is no conflict in core interests.

So at this dinner, you can see that the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Montenegro, Peter Thiel, had a lively conversation with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Stambolov, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Despretis. Around the three of them, the other guests formed separate groups. Talking in one social circle, everything is so orderly and lively.

However, the focus of this banquet is not on the three prime ministers, because at the core are the three monarchs.

"We were able to defeat the Ottomans this time thanks to your country's help. As a country that suffered the consequences, we will never forget this kindness."

The one who was speaking was Nicholas I, the Grand Duke of Montenegro. This man did not have a strong presence in Europe, because the Grand Duchy of Montenegro had been recognized by European countries for less than 20 years. (It was only at the Berlin Conference in 1878 that Montenegro was considered a political country. Before that, it could only be regarded as a religious force.)

The Archduke's gratitude was sincere. If it weren't for Italy's help, Montenegro, a small country with a territory of only 8,000 square kilometers and a population of less than 150,000, would have almost doubled its territory and increased its population to more than 200,000. . To put it in a simple and easy-to-understand way, it’s not too much to say rebirth parents.

Carlo had heard enough words of thanks from the Grand Duke of Montenegro. Since the Grand Duke came to Rome, he had expressed his gratitude to Italy on various occasions. It was obvious that the Archduke understood the mentality of the Italians, and he came out with good words for free. And through the spread of newspapers, the Archduke Nicholas was very popular in Italy.

It’s just that you get tired of hearing good things too much, and that was the case with Carlo.

But although Carlo was tired in his heart, he didn't show it at all on the surface.

"The Grand Duke is overly praised."

After replying to Grand Duke Nicholas, Carlo brought the topic to the King of Bulgaria. "Your Excellency Ferdinand, the journey has gone smoothly."

Facing Carlo's question, Ferdinand I, who had been silent before, smiled and answered. "Thank you, Lord Carlo, for your concern. The journey went very smoothly."

Having said this, Ferdinand I looked towards the three prime ministers along the gap, and happened to meet the Prime Minister of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Bismarck winked at the king, as if giving some hint.

After receiving the response, Ferdinand I smiled slightly and continued. "Your Excellency Carlo, in fact, I would like to say it again what Grand Duke Nicholas said. Your country's help is the greatest contributor to our victory over the Ottomans this time. Therefore, everyone in our country believes that if we can maintain our current situation, This relationship is of great benefit to our three countries.”

Ferdinand's words actually represent the true thoughts of the Bulgarians. Although Bulgaria gained a lot from this war, its diplomatic environment was rapidly deteriorating. Needless to say, its relations with Greece and Serbia. As Bulgaria seized large areas of territory in Macedonia, the conflicts between the three countries quickly deepened. If Italy hadn't been watching, it would have been a high probability that the two countries would secretly form a defensive alliance. As for Bulgaria's original ally, Russia, relations between the two countries also deteriorated rapidly as Ferdinand became king. As for Osman, let alone this, this is considered a blood feud.

In addition, Austria-Hungary, another major power in the Balkans, has also become more subtle in its attitude towards Bulgaria. Although Ferdinand was born here, its current relationship with Bulgaria is not very good. In addition, Romania, another neighbor of Bulgaria, had relatively good relations before, but as Bulgaria seized large areas of territory, its attitude also became subtle.

So looking at it, Bulgaria's diplomatic situation in the Balkans has never become so bad.

In fact, the Bulgarians themselves know the reason. That is, as Bulgaria seized large tracts of Macedonian territory, its national power has been greatly enhanced, and it has been able to threaten the safety of Greece and Serbia. In addition, the Bulgarians have always been brave and good at fighting, and have performed well in recent wars. Excellent, which makes people even more worried.

However, even if they knew the reason, the Bulgarians did not relent on the Macedonian territory. For them, giving up a small piece of territory was unacceptable.

So the only way now is to find a strong ally to suppress the evil neighbors with evil intentions around them. At present, there is no more suitable ally than Italy. It does not have much conflict of interest with Bulgaria, and its strong strength can prevent others from acting rashly. So this time the Bulgarians not only wanted to discuss the conditions for the defeat of the Ottomans, but also wanted to deepen relations with Italy.

If nothing else, it would be even more perfect for Bulgaria if it could sign a five-year military alliance treaty with Italy.

Although Carlo didn't know the Bulgarian's intentions, he still understood the words of the Bulgarian king in front of him.

However, it was difficult for him to accept what Ferdinand I said. Although Italy would benefit a lot from having multiple allies, if this ally is in the Balkans, it needs to think twice. The Balkan powder keg did not only take shape in the twentieth century; the seeds were sown at the Berlin Conference in 1878.

In the final analysis, the Ottoman power was sharply weakened, leaving a power vacuum in the Balkans. The external forces of Russia and Austria want to gain access to it, and local independent countries also want to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, if factors such as nationalism are mixed in, it is already considered very good to be able to delay the war.

So faced with the olive branch extended by Bulgaria, Carlo was worried, but considering the relationship between the two countries, it would definitely not work to refuse it like this. After thinking for a while, Carlo spoke. "Thank you for your attention to our country. Our country is very willing to maintain good relations with Bulgaria. However, this matter is of great importance, so it takes time to discuss."

What Carlo said is as if he didn't say it. The whole article is just words of evasion.

Facing Carlo's words, Ferdinand I knew in his heart that the results of this first trial were somewhat unsatisfactory. It doesn't matter. If you really want to reach an agreement, it won't be possible in less than ten days and a half. Bulgaria has time and can talk slowly with the Italians.