Re: Blood and Iron

Chapter 348: A Vision for a Greater German Reich



A million thoughts flashed through Bruno's mind in the span of a mere five seconds. Everything from the effects this offer of betrothal would have on the impact of his family, his daughter's wellbeing, and the greater implications it could have on the world and the timeline at large.

The Kaiser was trying to tie Bruno to his own family in perpetuity. As even in this era, family came first, and thus was a means to secure allegiance from powerful and talented figures. It was a bold move, especially since Bruno was of far more humble origins.

As for the boy in question who was to be his future son-in-law. Bruno's opinion of him was quite stellar. In his past life, he had forsaken his family ties after the Kaiser was deposed to marry a woman of far lesser standing, because the Kaiser did not give his blessing due to the nature of her heritage.

However, judging by the fact that Prince Wilhelm met this woman at university in the 1920s, and was currently younger than Eva by five years. This position could easily be usurped by Eva with no form of reluctance on the Prince of Prussia's part.

Either way, if the young prince cherished Bruno's daughter as much as he did his own wife during his past life, then it was a very good match for Eva.

The difference between Eva, and this other woman who Prince Wilhelm would not naturally meet for many years was that Eva was now a Grand Princess thanks to Bruno's actions, and thus despite their families recently establishment, they were of proper standing for such a marriage.

As Eva's father, it was Bruno's responsibility to ensure she married a good man who would treat her right, care for her financially, and help raise their children. And there were few better options among the higher echelon of nobility than the young Prince Wilhelm.

Because of this, he was more inclined to agree. But there were, of course other factors to consider. Tying himself to the Hohenzollerns, openly here and now with a public announcement of betrothal would create some hostility with the Romanovs and Habsburgs, who until now Bruno had managed to bind together with Germany as a result of his heroic feats in battle on their behalf.

Even now, the Romanovs and Habsburgs wanted to draw Bruno away from the German Reich and to their lands, and have done everything short of the betrothal to do just that. In addition, there was another cause for concern. Bruno did not want to rule over Elsass-Lothringen as its Prince.

The land was as French as it was German, and the process of Re-Germanization would be a long and brutal one. In addition to this, putting the Wolf of Prussia directly on the border with France, and in control of the lands that were behind their revanchist desires was a provocative act.

One that would ensure another war down the line. Because of this, Bruno was quick to try to kill two births with one stone, so to speak, as he addressed this issue, and the other.

"Betrothing my daughter to your grandson is an honor that I have no objections to, though I must confess I feel a bit unworthy. Rather, my fears lie in the act of giving me and my family dominion over Elsass-Lothringen.

This will be an act that no doubt has deep and troublesome consequences further down the line... But if you require me to maintain royal status within the German Reich in order for this betrothal to become official, I have a counter-proposal if you're willing to listen to it." Knowing that Bruno was a man who thought thirty steps ahead of his opponent whether in a friendly negotiation, a game of chess, or on the battlefield, the Kaiser would be lying to himself if he said he was not the least bit curious what the man had in mind, and thus he was quick to give Bruno permission to do so.

"Speak your mind. I want to hear this proposal of yours..."

Bruno took a sip from the drink that the Kaiser had poured him for the first time since sitting down, as if to loosen his tongue a bit, as he began to speak of his thoughts regarding the current discussion.

"I'll be frank with you. With Italy out of the war, and Britain trying its best to negotiate a ceasefire between them and the Central Powers, we can march into France and seize Paris by the time the snow begins to fall over the alps.

Few things in this life I would state with absolute certainty, but I can guarantee you this. By this year's end at the very latest, our enemies will fully capitulate. The only thing that could prevent that would be the American elections.

But even if Woodrow Wilson is elected, he will not assume power until January of next year, and I can promise you the war will end by then. The concerns I have are regarding what comes after. If I am being completely honest with you, and am able to truly speak freely without formality.

Then let me say this... The Balkans are a shit magnet of the highest order... It will light itself aflame the moment the Allies capitulate, and when it does the Habsburgs won't be able to hold on to it. They over extended themselves, and sent millions of men of different ethnicities and religions to fight in their stead.

Austria will be ripe for the taking, as will Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Silesia, Bohemia, Moravia, Carniola and the rest of the Küstenland. Any remaining regions that are historically, culturally, and linguistically German can also be taken by force if needs be.

As for the others who currently live in these places. Italy has already agreed to relinquish their claims over Austrian lands, and they can be persuaded to accept the remaining Italian speaking peoples of those regions as refugees from the wars that are to come.

The Czechs can be peacefully reminded of their German heritage, much in the same way Elsass-Lothringen is currently being. The same goes for Luxembourg. And when it comes to the Slavs in the Kustenland, they can be peaceably reunited with their brothers and sisters in whatever country forms from the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that is bound to@@novelbin@@

occur.

It is a bold opportunity to create a much larger and more powerful German Empire. And what I want is Tirol. I am sure I can convince the Habsburgs to be the man who maintains the peace between you and them.

I will relinquish any claims my family has over Transylvania, and give its control to a local nobleman, in exchange, I will demand from you both to be named the Grand Prince of Tirol which will be composed of the lands historically associated with Tirol, Vorarlberg, and Lichtenstein. And in doing so, I will marry my daughter Elsa off to a member of the Habsburg

line.

This way, the Austrians can finally join their rightful place in Germany proper, and the Habsburgs can fully submit to your rule no doubt by the time they realize what is happening, their dreams of being Emperors will be fully crushed.

When they understand, their only path is to join with the rest of their fellow Germans in a proper nation-state. They will kneel before you as all the other German monarchs have thus far. And when that happens, Germany will own the land, seas, and skies. As we will have ports in the Baltic, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean.

So... What do you think of my proposal?"

Wilhelm was speechless for several moments. He was wise enough to understand what was happening in Austro-Hungary, and the fact that the fires which were lit in this war, and the ones preceding it could never truly be put out for long.

Because of this, he was also aware the end of his ally's reign was coming quickly, and would likely succeed in the Great War. But even so, he was skeptical if Bruno could really pull off what he said he could. And thus was quick to ask for his word.

"If I agree with what you have proposed. And make your family the Grand Princes of Tirol. Can you really accomplish everything you have proposed?"

Bruno had to fight the urge to smirk as he responded to the Kaiser's question with an honest

remark.

"Well, frankly speaking, if I fail in this regard, then you won't have the authority to do so.

Either way, this scenario is contingent on our victory, which I am most certain of. So, what will it be? To seize the initiative we have been given and create a Greater German Reich together? Or let this opportunity pass us by?"

When Bruno put it like that, how could the Kaiser possibly disagree with the vision Bruno had outlined for him? He handed the jewelry box with the Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross to Bruno and shook the man's hand. Formalizing their conspiracy together then and there, while also welcoming Bruno to his family.

"I suppose in the coming years you will have to abolish your current Cadet Branch, and create a new one, along with a new coat of arms no?"

In response to this, Bruno could only smile and nod his head as he voiced the idea aloud. The House von Zehntner-Tirol has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I suppose it's a good thing the coat of arms of Tirol is already an eagle. Albeit a red one, or I would have to make some serious

changes..."

The two men simply laughed at Bruno's remarks before sharing a toast to their newfound alliance. One that would forever change the landscape of Europe and by extension the world as

a whole.