Re: Blood and Iron
Chapter 578 578: Under Lisbon’s Gentle Sun

Lisbon, Praça do Comércio

The late morning sun bathed the Praça do Comércio in a gentle warmth, bouncing golden rays off the polished limestone of the elegant square.

Gulls wheeled lazily overhead, their cries echoing softly against grand facades and columns, blending with the murmur of locals and tourists alike.

Bruno strolled leisurely, his posture relaxed in a tailored linen suit, yet even in such casual attire, an aura of command lingered unmistakably.

Beside him walked Prince Umberto of Italy, sharp-eyed, youthful, but already bearing the disciplined reserve of a future king.

On Bruno's other side was Crown Prince Paul of Greece, more easygoing, his laughter echoing easily, brightening their informal gathering.

A few steps behind, Heidi and Queen Hedwig moved in quiet conversation, followed by Eva, Elsa, and the younger daughters.

The group paused occasionally, enjoying the rhythm of the city, accepting delicate pastries offered by street vendors, and allowing photographers brief moments for commemorative snapshots.

Umberto paused, sampling a pastel de nata, nodding appreciatively. "This alone would make a journey to Lisbon worthwhile."

"Indeed," Paul chimed, finishing his own pastry in a single enthusiastic bite, "though it will be strange to return to Athens and find the coffee less satisfying."

Bruno chuckled, brushing crumbs from his fingers with casual ease. "One must savor such small joys while they last. Especially men like us, for whom peace is too often fleeting."

Umberto's eyes sharpened, glancing briefly at Bruno. "My father says peace is always just preparation for the next storm. He speaks often of your wisdom in these matters."

"Then your father understands better than most," Bruno replied evenly. "Italy and Germany stand stronger together now, precisely because we have learned from our mistakes."

Paul gazed thoughtfully across the square toward the sparkling Tagus River. "Greece wishes nothing more than stability and peace. But my people have learned through bitter history the cost of being unprepared. My father appreciates your counsel greatly, Bruno."

Bruno's gaze softened slightly as he looked at the young Greek prince. "And I appreciate your father's courage. Greece's strength will be vital in the coming years. Unity among our families is more than marriage; it is a pact of blood and duty."

Paul and Umberto exchanged quiet, resolute glances, each nodding subtly.

"Speaking of the storms to come. War sprouts in Spain as we gather here in Lisbon for diplomacy with his majesty King Manuel... There is but a border separating us. From my understanding, your father, Umberto, is already thinking of testing his recently modernized forces against the reds in Catalonia, Aragon, and Navarre....'

Nothing was said. Silence remained among the men, while the giggle of the women who surrounded them drowned out its gaping void.

Umberto did not speak, because his father did not warn him of such efforts. Instead, he was in the dark regarding Italy's plans for Spain. Not that it really mattered, as this investigation was not meant for him, but rather the Crown Prince of Greece standing by his side.

"And Paul.... My armies helped restore Greek control over its ancient claims. And yet... I have yet to hear a word from your father of his own ongoing efforts to ensure the Hellenic Armed Forces are ready for the troubled horizon. What say you in that regard?"

Silence again... Though the Helens had been united at last under Greek Authority and its capital moved to Constantinople. The last few decades had been spent repairing the disarray ,chaos, and rot the Ottomans had left the lands in.

The military? It had not been their priority, and Bruno was a military man.... Knowing this, Paul could only choke on his own words and look away in shame.

Thus Bruno's glare grew colder as if it were so intolerable that Paul suffocated under its chill.

"Your father speaks of valuing my advice, but his actions say otherwise. Make no mistake, what is happening in Spain at this moment is a prelude of what is to come. The fires of revolution spread swiftly, and if left unchecked, the flames of Barcelona and Zaragoza today will soon reach Athens and Constantinople."

Bruno paused and took a look eastward before continuing.

"The reds are instigated by de Gaulle to sow Chaos in the world, and overthrow monarchs, as he fears the very nature of their crown compels them towards Berlin. And Alfonso will not be the last. With bread secured, and roads rebuilt, now is the time to invest in steel and gunpowder."

Nearby, Anna and Erika noticed that their father was interrogating their future husbands, but did not intervene on their behalf.

Until the day their fingers were encrusted with a golden ring, they were still to obey their father first.

Umberto's tone turned slightly more serious tone. "I am eager to visit Tyrol soon, to learn directly from your staff. My father insists upon the value of seeing how you operate firsthand."

"You shall be most welcome," Bruno assured him sincerely, accepting the effort to stir the conversation in a more lightened tone.

"Tyrol may teach you much. Not least of all patience, humility, and the quiet strength found only in the mountains."

Paul's gaze silently conveyed gratitude towards his Italian counterpart, before speaking of the matters in Spain, and the lessons his future father-in-law had imparted.

"It is strange, is it not? To enjoy such warmth and laughter, knowing full well the world teeters so close to chaos."

Bruno followed his gaze, nodding slightly.

"It is precisely because the world teeters so close that we must seize these moments. Hold them tight, for they remind us why we fight, why we endure."

Umberto squared his shoulders, a newfound resolution evident in his posture. "Then let us be grateful for this day, and ready for what tomorrow brings."

"Indeed," Bruno agreed, gently guiding them forward into the heart of Lisbon, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the city. "For the storms will come soon enough, and it will be our duty to face them together."