My Italy

Berlin Railway Station is one of the few large platforms in Germany, and the railways connecting it to all parts of the country make it extremely busy.

However, the station was temporarily closed today, a large number of passengers were ordered not to step out of the waiting room, and the platform was filled with officers and soldiers. Well-informed Berliners knew at a glance that a big shot must be visiting, either the Prime Minister or the King.

Didn’t you see Count Carl von Weizsäcker, the Foreign Minister, waiting on the platform? For the Foreign Minister to take action in person, he must be the prime minister or king of a big country. If you know a little bit about international news, the result can be easily guessed. The young king and prime minister of Italy are coming to visit Germany. Could today be the day for their arrival?

They guessed right, today is the day when the Italian delegation arrives in Berlin. Although there was an unexpected incident involving the death of a national hero, this still did not change the time of Italy's visit to Germany, but many things were expedited.

"Huchihuchi..."

A train arrived at the station amidst everyone's expectations, and the icons on the carriage all showed that it was the Italian delegation.

There was no need for anyone to direct, the orchestra that had been prepared immediately started playing music, and the prepared welcoming crowd immediately smiled and waved the national flags of the two countries, completely enhancing the atmosphere. There were also two well-dressed children, under the command of adults, holding flowers and preparing to lay flowers.

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

"Your Majesty, don't be nervous, just treat it like a normal sightseeing."

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

The two leaders who encouraged each other looked at each other with smiles on their faces and walked off the platform pretending to be relaxed.

Of course, as the King of Italy, Carlo walked in the front, while the Prime Minister was half a body behind. Then the other members of the delegation walked out of the carriage one by one 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 friendly relations between the two countries."

Count Weizsäcker, the German Foreign Minister, immediately came up to greet Carlo and delivered a welcome speech to Carlo.

"Thank you, Your Excellency, for the welcome. I wish your two countries can have closer relations."

Carlo is not bad either, and he can be neither humble nor overbearing when facing the foreign minister. After greeting Carlo, Count Weizsäcker immediately extended his hand to Prime Minister Despretis.

"Prime Minister Depretis, welcome to your visit to Berlin."

"Thank you for the welcome, Count."

After the two briefly shook hands, Count Weizsäcker greeted several of the accompanying ministers behind them.

At this time, the children, who had been instructed by the adults, presented flowers to Carlo and Prime Minister Despretis. Seeing the children who were not much younger than him, respectfully laying flowers, Carlo always felt something strange that was indescribable.

There were other procedures to go through during the welcome ceremony, and Carlo, one of the protagonists, was like a puppet, participating one by one according to the previous rehearsals. For example, he met with Italian compatriots in Germany, delivered a brief speech, accepted interviews with reporters, etc. After all these were completed, Carlo and the delegation rode in a carriage and headed towards the residence prepared by the Germans.

Carlo and his party were arranged to live in Charlottenburg Palace. This summer palace built by Frederick I for his wife Sophie Charlotte is now an important residence of the Hohenzollern family in Berlin. It can be seen from here 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. I hope you will attend when the time comes."

After bringing them here, Count Weizsäcker, as Foreign Minister, extended an invitation to a welcome dinner to Carlo and his party.

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

"Then on behalf of everyone, I would like to thank your country for the invitation. We will definitely attend on time."

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

But now everyone in the delegation can't afford to rest. They need to take out their carefully prepared clothes from their luggage to prepare for the dinner. It would be embarrassing to dress inappropriately, and no one wants to make that mistake.

At a quarter past six, the newly dressed delegation members got into the carriage prepared by Germany and rushed to the dinner venue.

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

"Hello, Emperor William."

"Hello, Chancellor Bismarck."

"Hello, Marshal Moltke."

As soon as Carlo entered the door, he saw three people who would be famous even in later generations. However, compared with others who could only see photos, he saw three people in real life.

"Hello, King Carlo. Welcome to Berlin."

As the emperor of Germany, the white-haired William I stretched out his hand covered with age spots and held Carlo's hand, saying words of welcome.

When Carlo faced William I, who was one year older than his grandfather, he could be said to be a grandson, so he naturally started to offer all kinds of flattery.

Of course, Carlo didn't think that these three people were here just to greet him. In all likelihood, they were here for the Prime Minister Despretis behind him. So after Carlo said a few words, he immediately handed over his position to the Prime Minister.

Sure enough, when facing Prime Minister Despretis, they obviously talked a lot more. Not only did William I speak, but Bismarck and Moltke also talked cordially with him.

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

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

"Everyone, let us welcome our friends from Italy."

"cheers!"

Carlo also stood aside, holding a glass of juice and shouting together.

Afterwards, the old emperor said a few words briefly and then went back to rest. Bismarck and Moltke were left responsible for entertaining the Italian party.

Carlo took the opportunity to sneak to a corner of the hall and silently watched the lively dinner.

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

Suddenly a voice came from behind.

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

This young man, not much older than him, was very well-dressed, but he had never seen his face before, but what was strange was that his hands were wearing gloves.

With gloves?

Carlo immediately guessed who it was.

"Yes, I don't really like such a lively scene. Does His Excellency, the Emperor Changsun, like such a scene?"

"I don't like the excitement as much as you do."

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

"Rather than participating in such an event, I might as well go to the military camp and stay for a while. At least I don't have to quarrel with these people."

In order to get closer to the eldest grandson of Emperor William, Carlo brought the topic to the army, although he had not been to the military camp a few times.

"It's pretty much what I thought."

Although I don’t know why Carlo said this, William, who was about to enter the army for training at that time, was indeed full of yearning for the army. As a German prince, joining the army is his inevitable obligation.

The education William received also made him yearn for an army full of honor.

So the two young people chatted alone during the cocktail party. They had a good conversation about the ocean, the military, political ideas and other aspects.

After a chat, William II thought that the Italian king, who was younger than himself, was very good, and both of them had similar views.

Carlo believed that his only gain from this boring dinner was to get to know the future Kaiser Wilhelm II. This achievement brings the goal of visiting Germany close to half.