Empire Rise: Spain-Chapter 8: Persuasion

Carlo understood that if he couldn’t persuade his father at this moment, not only would his planning for the Austro-Prussian War come to nothing, but even the property management rights he had finally obtained would once again be supervised by Vittorio Emanuele II.
Looking at Vittorio Emanuele II with a serious expression, Carlo organized his words in his mind: “Father, I think having General Garibaldi prepare the army in advance at this time has no downsides.
There will definitely be a war between Prussia and Austria. As Prussia’s ally, we are bound to participate in this war.
Austria is also our enemy. If we want to recapture the Venice Region in this opportunity, we must prepare in advance, rather than hastily responding after the war breaks out.”
Vittorio Emanuele II nodded, very satisfied that Carlo could understand these things.
However, satisfaction aside, when it came to Garibaldi regaining military power, Vittorio Emanuele II wouldn’t compromise so easily.
“Continue.” Vittorio Emanuele II’s face showed no expression, continuing to look at Carlo with a serious demeanor.
“Father, you also know that General Garibaldi has extremely high prestige among the Italian civilians and can easily organize a powerful army of tens of thousands.
If we can utilize this, it could deal an unexpected blow to the Austrian army in the Venice Region, perhaps accelerating our progress in recapturing the Venice Region.” Carlo continued.
Vittorio Emanuele II rubbed his brow and asked: “Compared to the role these tens of thousands of soldiers can play, I’m more worried about the harm they could bring to the Kingdom.”
“This is precisely what you don’t need to worry about, Father.” Carlo said with a smile.
Seeing Vittorio Emanuele II’s surprised expression, Carlo knew his words had taken effect and hurriedly added: “
After the war between Prussia and Austria breaks out, you can proactively order Garibaldi to join the battle against Austria.
If Garibaldi’s army achieves good results, the merit will naturally go to you. But if Garibaldi fails in the battle against Austria, the public’s disappointment will have nothing to do with you, right?”
Such a tactic was not unfamiliar to monarchs of various countries—it was placing oneself in a position to claim merit without bearing responsibility.
However, this couldn’t completely dispel Vittorio Emanuele II’s worries.
“Child, you don’t understand how terrifying Garibaldi’s prestige among the civilians is. If his prestige rises again, it would be a fatal blow to the entire House of Savoy.” Vittorio Emanuele II said earnestly to Carlo.
Garibaldi’s prestige among the civilians was already threatening, and he had even been close to republicanism.
This was a great danger to a monarchy country, which was why Vittorio Emanuele II had taken the risk to dispatch a certain number of soldiers for close “protection” of Garibaldi’s army.
“But he is already nearly 60 years old, Father.” Carlo replied.
Garibaldi was old, and this was the only thing Vittorio Emanuele II could be gratified about.
In this era with extremely poor medical technology, even in the most developed region of the world, Europe, life expectancy was still stuck at a brief 30 to 40 years.
Yes, at this time, Europe’s life expectancy was only over 30 years, and someone like Garibaldi nearing 60 was rare, which was also why Vittorio Emanuele II was relatively reassured.
Looking at Carlo, who kept providing reasons that moved him, Vittorio Emanuele II stared for a long time before squeezing out: “My child, I admit you have a great talent for being a diplomat.”
“Then you agree, Father?” Carlo asked eagerly, somewhat delighted.
“I need to consult the cabinet. Some things aren’t decided by the king alone, understand? Carlo.” Looking at Carlo, who couldn’t yet freely hide his emotions, Vittorio Emanuele II’s mood was complex.
But no matter what, Carlo showing his clever side was beneficial to the royal family. Vittorio Emanuele II also needed more assistants to help him stabilize royal power, especially children like Carlo connected to him by blood.
“Moreover, even if the cabinet agrees, the country has no funds to help Garibaldi rebuild the army. Alright, regardless of whether the cabinet agrees or not, this matter has nothing to do with you anymore, Carlo. Someone will notify Garibaldi once there’s a result. Your primary task now is to complete your studies at the Military Academy.” Vittorio Emanuele II touched his son’s head, finally returning to the role of father.
After this conversation, Vittorio Emanuele II had even higher expectations for Carlo’s growth.
Although there was only one crown prince, this didn’t mean the future crown prince wouldn’t need intimate assistants.
If both Amadeo and Carlo could grow into excellent military commanders, then the future Kingdom of Italy would have a wonderful situation: the entire Royal Army controlled by the royal family, and the House of Savoy’s status would be even more stable.
“I understand, Father.” Carlo nodded.
Of course, Carlo knew he couldn’t directly persuade Vittorio Emanuele II to agree to let Garibaldi rebuild the army.
Although Vittorio Emanuele II said he would seek the cabinet’s opinion, if he, the biggest opponent of Garibaldi, didn’t refuse, the Italian Government surely wouldn’t refuse the opportunity to gain tens of thousands of soldiers for free.
As for Garibaldi’s military talents, Carlo had no worries at all.
In history, whether in the Austro-Prussian War or the subsequent Franco-Prussian War, Garibaldi had shown excellent military abilities.
It could be said that the current Garibaldi was the last fig leaf for the Italian Army. At least, the army led by Garibaldi could hold its own against the armies of Prussia, France, and Austria.
If he could really get Garibaldi to participate in the war right as it broke out, perhaps the performance of the Italian Army on the southern front battlefield wouldn’t be so poor.
This might have a significant impact on the entire Austro-Prussian War, allowing Italy to get more meat in this war, and the House of Savoy’s status would be even more stable.
If this suggestion achieved good results, Carlo believed some of his subsequent plans would go more smoothly, at least it would be much easier to persuade Vittorio Emanuele II.
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