Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 78: Chapter 76: Meeting Garibaldi

While Carlo and Emanuele II were enjoying royal leisure, the Spanish officials visiting Italy had truly begun their busy work.

The diplomatic visit wasn’t for leisure, but to practically solve the current problems faced by the Spanish Government.

What’s the biggest issue for the Spanish Government at the moment? Firstly, there is no money; secondly, there is not enough foreign capital involved.

The development of a country’s various aspects isn’t that simple; it’s not a matter of just throwing money to achieve effective growth.

For instance, when it comes to industry, growth in industry requires a variety of factories to blossom throughout Spain, and relying solely on domestic capital is simply not possible.

Even though the royal family has invested heavily in steel and other industries, ultimately, they need the support of private Spanish capital and some foreign capital to achieve comprehensive growth and expansion.

So apart from negotiating a low-interest loan with the Italian Government, Prime Minister Prim also issued another order to the diplomatic delegation, which is to attract Italian capital to invest in Spain as much as possible, including bidding for the construction of Spanish railways and so forth.

Both governments’ discussions were notably ignored by the two kings, who chose not to focus on them, leaving the negotiations to be handled by their officials.

After all, royal interests do not represent national interests; although the royal families of the two countries are united, that doesn’t mean Spain and Italy are a single entity.

Though World War I is claimed to be a war between Europe’s royal families, it was actually a conflict erupting due to differing national interests.

The royal family doesn’t have much say, nor the qualification to stop this war. Whether Carlo or Emanuele II interferes in the negotiations between the two governments would cause unnecessary trouble, so it’s best to wait for the governments to negotiate an outcome themselves.

As long as it doesn’t affect the interests of the royal families of the two countries, it doesn’t matter which nation benefits more from the discussed results.

Carlo accompanied Emanuele II for a few relaxing and enjoyable days, then decided, under Giotto’s lead, to meet Italy’s famous figure Garibaldi.

Carlo personally holds great admiration for Garibaldi. If Garibaldi had any selfish motives, it wouldn’t have been so easy for Emanuele II to become the King of Italy.

As one of the heroes who unified Italy, Garibaldi’s late years required assistance from the Italian Government, which proves Garibaldi’s selflessness.

Of course, the situation in this world has changed.

Because Garibaldi had published his articles serialized in the Sun Newspaper founded by Carlo, the manuscript fees earned were enough to support his family’s livelihood.

In his writings, Garibaldi didn’t mention any support for a republic or opposition to the monarchy, which assured Emanuele II as the King of Italy, and relaxed the restrictions on Garibaldi.

However, due to age, Garibaldi chose to remain secluded on Capri, enjoying his leisurely twilight years.

Carlo’s visit to Capri to meet Garibaldi wasn’t only for personally seeing the renowned figure but also to draw some talents from Garibaldi.

Garibaldi had three children in total, with two sons. Apart from his second son Giotto, Garibaldi’s eldest son Menotti was also a capable assistant during Garibaldi’s military years.

Regarding talents, Carlo has always maintained the attitude that one can never have too many.

Including talents from the Red Army led by Garibaldi earlier, if a batch could be recruited to serve him in Spain, it would be most advantageous.

With his purpose in mind, under Giotto’s guidance and with the protection of a guard squad, Carlo bid farewell to his father Emanuele II and headed for Capri Island.

“Giotto, how long has it been since you came back?” Carlo asked Giotto beside him as they viewed the island’s emerging outline.

“About two and a half years, sir.” Giotto thought carefully for a moment, and realized he couldn’t remember when he last returned either.

“I’m allowing you to stay a few more days on Capri Island, spend some good time with Mr. Garibaldi.” Carlo remarked with some feeling; after this return to Spain, he might not visit Italy again for several years.

“No need, sir.” Giotto shook his head, saying: “My duty is to protect you, and your safety is most important.

Besides, father probably wouldn’t keep me; if you left me alone on Capri Island, I’d likely end up sleeping on the beach.”

Garibaldi’s life fate was relatively tangled; his two sons have experienced much alongside him since childhood.

Including past thousand-man expeditions and Italian unification movements, Giotto was Garibaldi’s capable assistant, matured a lot long ago.

Moreover, Giotto understood his duty as the Royal Guard Corps Commander; if he stayed alone on Capri, Garibaldi himself would likely be the first to be displeased.

At Garibaldi’s very simple residence, Carlo finally met the famously prestigious Italian figure.

Under Carlo’s special request, this visit to Garibaldi had not been notified beforehand.

This allowed Carlo to see Garibaldi dressed in a simple robe, supporting himself with a cane, presenting as an ordinary Italian farming elder.

Beside Garibaldi was his wife, or Giotto’s mother. At this moment, the two hadn’t held a marriage ceremony, merely cohabiting like spouses.

“Father,” Giotto spoke first.

Carlo’s noble status certainly couldn’t have him be the first to greet; Giotto could only gently remind his father, breaking Garibaldi from his thoughts.

Upon hearing someone call him from behind, Garibaldi turned around and immediately saw Carlo and Giotto next to him.

“Giotto? This? Carlo sir?” Garibaldi first froze, then immediately regained his senses, came forward with some excitement, seeming both surprised, “Carlo sir, when did you arrive?”

“Mr. Garibaldi, it’s my honor to meet you.” Carlo smiled, stepping forward to shake Garibaldi’s hand, greeting him.

“Little Carlo, oh no, Carlo sir, meeting you is my honor indeed.” Garibaldi was a bit surprised, that the young king before him, matured into an adult, remained as courteous as when he was a child.

“Did you meet me before?” Carlo was not angered by the other’s accidental address, instead curious about whether he had met Garibaldi before.

“Yes, sir. When I met with Sir Emanuele, at that time, your lord was equally amiable.” Garibaldi said with some sentiment.