Empire Rising: Spain

The Ottoman Empire, despite its decline, still possesses certain military capabilities with the support of the British.

Especially their navy, which in order to limit Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, remains formidable and can even maintain an advantage over Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

Italy, as a newly unified nation, still lags behind the Ottoman Empire in terms of both army size and naval scale.

Even without British aid, defeating the Ottoman Empire would be a formidable challenge for Italy; at the very least, the Ottoman Empire could inflict significant damage on Italy.

Due to this situation, Italy longs for Tunisia but dare not take any action.

Currently, the Ottoman Empire and Russia are at war again, and Prime Minister Agostino believes this is the perfect opportunity for Italy to expand its influence in Tunisia.

Even if it can’t instantly turn Tunisia into a colony, it can at least extract some benefits and prepare for future annexation.

However, despite the Ottoman Empire being preoccupied with war, Italy faces another competitor in Tunisia: France.

As a Mediterranean coastal country, France has a stronger colonial influence in North Africa compared to Spain and Italy. France established an Algerian colony early on, which is positioned perfectly between Morocco and Tunisia.

Being one of the most powerful countries in Europe, France’s ambitions are evidently greater than those of Spain and Italy.

Spain’s goal is solely Morocco, Italy’s is solely Tunisia, whereas France’s targets include Morocco, Tunisia, and the intervening Algeria.

From a historical perspective, France ultimately reaps the benefits. They seized Tunisia, fully controlled Algeria, and gained substantial interests in Morocco due to aiding Spain.

Spain managed to retain Morocco despite its decline. Italy, however, suffered from not securing Tunisia, forcing it to focus on the distant Somalia and Abyssinia, revealing the poor level of the Italian military to the African natives.

Faced with the formidable adversary France, Prime Minister Agostino considers Spain as Italy’s invaluable natural ally, both having France as their common enemy in African colonization.

Carlo is pleased to receive the goodwill from Italian Prime Minister Agostino.

Just as Italy needs Spain as an ally, Spain equally requires Italy.

No matter how weak Italy might be, it remains a powerhouse, offering diplomatic influence and benefits that non-powerhouse countries cannot match.

Before World War I erupted, Spain and Italy had no conflicting interests, forming the foundation for a treaty and closer cooperation between the two nations.

In Vittorio Emanuele II’s estate, Carlo met his father.

Despite Vittorio Emanuele II being only 57 years old, he appeared like a fading elder in his seventies.

When Carlo and his family arrived at the estate, it was already afternoon.

Though Vittorio Emanuele II was weak and bedridden, upon hearing that Carlo had arrived with his entire family, he compelled himself to sit up, greeting them with a kindly smile and inviting Carlo along with his two little ones forward.

"Fernando, Sofia." Vittorio Emanuele II called out his grandson and granddaughter’s names, his eyes sparkling with joy and his expression filled with a gentle smile.

At this moment, Vittorio Emanuele II was not the monarch of the Kingdom of Italy, but a benevolent older man meeting his grandchildren for the first time.

"Grandfather, Grandfather." Prompted by Carlo, young Juan Fernando managed to utter the well-practiced term of address.

"Grandfather is here." Vittorio Emanuele II immediately nodded happily, gently stroking young Juan Fernando’s head and remarked, "You look just like you did as a child, Carlo."

Carlo nodded with a smile, his gaze intently fixed on his father.

"The doctor informed me that my time is short." After observing his grandchildren for a while, Vittorio Emanuele II turned his gaze to his youngest son, speaking in a calm tone.

Carlo nodded, having anticipated this, yet still feeling a pang of sorrow.

Seeming to sense Carlo’s unease, Vittorio Emanuele II shook his head with a smile, saying, "Life is like this, always confronted with death, isn’t it?

After you traveled to Spain, you became my primary concern, my child. Fortunately, you exceeded my expectations, solving Spain’s problems effortlessly.

I have advised Umberto that Italy and Spain’s alliance is the foremost diplomatic strategy and ensures the stability of both your thrones."

Italy and Spain can not only withstand external threats together but also jointly eliminate domestic foes. You will perform better than I did, and Amadeo will support you both."

Carlo nodded. Italy and Spain are natural allies, and Carlo indeed has intentions to cooperate with his brother, Crown Prince Umberto, to ensure mutual throne stability.

No matter which country faces issues in the future, at least ensuring the safety of royal family members unthreatened is possible. If worse comes to worst, one can voluntarily abdicate the throne and seek asylum in the other country, as both royal families are united, guaranteeing each other’s wealth through life.

Even though Carlo may not encounter such danger, he must consider his children’s and future generations’ well-being. Italy appears as a promising retreat, as evidenced by historical experiences like Amadeo’s, which demonstrated that having a fallback indeed assures one’s personal safety.