While Bruno was conducting a joint military exercise with the Austro-Hungarian Empire within the alps. There was another party which was invited to the event but remained neutral to it. Despite officially signing to a defensive alliance between the Kingdom of Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the German Reich. King Emanuel III of Italy felt as if German buildup of fortifications on their western border with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark was an act of unnecessary provocation.
Considering the fact that they had also begun to join military exercises with Austria-Hungary, it was as if the German Kaiser was telling the world that war was on the horizon, and they would be prepared for any such conflict.
Sure, many of the more educated and intelligent politicians of the era had a foresight that there would soon be a war fought between the Great Powers of the world, especially those in Europe. King Emanuel III felt as if Germany was deliberately provoking such a conflict through their actions, which, from his perspective, were both unnecessary, and quite frankly, openly hostile.
Of course, he was not exactly aware that the French had already behaved aggressively towards the German Reich by trying to assassinate one of their Generals, nor that the Germans had retaliated accordingly by doing the same, only that the Germans were successful in their attempt.
After all, the Germans were so successful in assassinating the French Chief of Staff that only they were aware that they were the ones responsible. However, with all of these other concerns in mind, it was the Italian Kings’ response to distance himself from his allies.
And because of this, he had simply watched and observed what was taking place on his northern border. If not for the fact that both the Germans and Austrians had invited him to take part in this joint military exercise, he may have seen this as an act of provocation against him.
Even so, that did not mean that he was not slightly suspicious about the exercises being held in the alps near his borders. And because of this, the man was sitting in a room with his own generals, discussing the shifting nature of European politics.
“Germany entrenches its western borders, almost certainly stating that they do not trust the French and expect they will attack the German Reich eventually. Meanwhile, Russia and Germany have gotten on better terms than ever before.
No doubt due to the influence this young general has had in preserving the House of Romanov’s rule over Russia and its people. In fact, this very man is currently in Austria leading the German efforts in their joint military exercise.
If I may speak frankly, this mere General of the Infantry has had a much more significant impact on the shifting of alliances than a man of his status should have. If the German Reich, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire join hands together in the pursuit of war, there is no combined force in this world that can defeat them. Especially if Russia and Austro-Hungary industrialize to the same extent, the Germans have in these coming years.”
The Italian Generals were largely in agreement with their king. Things were shifting in a way nobody had ever thought they would, and there appeared to be one man influencing it all, whether deliberately as some kind of Machiavellian mastermind, or unintentionally.
However, there were other matters that were simply out of Bruno’s control. Such as the Tangir Crisis, also known as the First Moroccan Crisis, which was fought over interests in Morocco between Germany and France. The conclusion of which resulted in France’s favor, albeit significantly worsening the relations between Germany, France, and England, and only furthering the alliance between the two members of the Entente.
Interestingly enough, however, due to disputes between France and Russia over how France behaved as a result of Bruno’s interference in the timeline. Russia chose to back Germany during the diplomatic conference which settled the matter.
Thus, strengthening relations between Germany, Russia, and Austro-Hungary, which was the only other of the thirteen nations present at the accords who sided with Germany. This was, of course, a dispute that would come up again further in the future, but for the time being, it had been settled.
Still, the fact that Italy had backed France rather than Germany was another reason they did not get involved in these Joint Military Exercises as this act of what Germany and Austro-Hungary considered being a betrayal had worsened relations between Italy and its defensive allies.
And this matter was quickly brought up by the Italian Generals who were most certainly starting to question their defensive alliance with their neighbors.
“I fear after what happened in Morocco, and our refusal to take part in these military exercises, that our allies might begin to mistrust our commitment to the formation of the Central Powers. If so, would it really be wise to continue to support them? Perhaps we should open a dialogue with France and Britain, who appear to be in firm opposition to the Germans and their aggressive policy?”
King Emmanuel thought about this matter deeply for several moments. He too was questioning whether backing Germany and Austro-Hungary was the right thing to do after everything that had happened, and all the times they had proven a lack of commitment to the military alliance.
Ultimately, after discussing the matter further with his generals, he decided not to be too hasty and make a move he would regret. However, he also wouldn’t close a door that was open to him, thus while paying respect to his current allies, the Italian King would begin opening relations with their enemies.
As Bruno had suspected, the Italians were neither trustworthy nor competent as an ally. Still, he would not learn of this conversation, or the actions taken on behalf of the Kingdom of Italy as a result of it until much, much later. And when everyone was gasping in surprise, he would be the guy saying:
“I fucking knew it….”
