Just as Carlo was still intoxicated with the massive expansion of his Royal Industries, Prime Minister Primo hurried over with news that might be bad news indeed: the Basque Separatists had joined forces with the Carlists.
It was inevitable that the separatists and the Carlists would band together. On their own, their strength was insignificant compared with Spain, and neither could pose a threat to the Spanish government.
But if the separatists of Catalonia and Basque joined forces with the Carlists to launch a rebellion, the turmoil they could cause across northern Spain would be considerable.
These rebels were spread throughout Catalonia, Basque, and Navarre, while neighboring Aragon and La Rioja would also be affected.
Yet for Carlo, this was also good news. Spain's most troublesome rebel factions had gathered in one place—wasn't this the perfect chance to catch them all in one net?
"How are the government's preparations? Can our army handle the combined forces of the Basques and the Carlists?" Carlo turned to Primo and asked the question that concerned him most.
"Spain's army will trample every enemy of Spain beneath its feet. Neither the Carlists nor the Basques will be an exception," Primo answered calmly.
"Excellent, Prime Minister. I shall wait for your good news at the Royal Palace. I hope the day of our victory is not far off." Hearing Primo's composed reply, Carlo nodded with great satisfaction.
As captain of Carlo's palace guard, Giotto had naturally heard of the rebellion in northern Spain.
After spending so much time together, Giotto had long resolved to serve Carlo with absolute devotion. Naturally, he also wished to share Carlo's burdens over the unrest in Spain.
"Your Majesty, the Red Army still numbers over ten thousand men, and they can be rapidly called into service. If Your Majesty needs them, I believe my father would also be willing to lead the army here and help Your Majesty completely put down this rebellion in northern Spain," Giotto offered proactively.
"Spain's situation has not deteriorated to that extent yet." Carlo naturally understood Giotto's loyalty, but Spain's internal conflict had not yet reached the point where outside intervention was needed.
"Very well, Your Majesty." Hearing that Carlo was unwilling to request the Red Army's aid for the moment, Giotto could only nod helplessly.
"But you have reminded me of something, Giotto." Carlo smiled. "Since the Carlists have decided to resist my rule, then I absolutely cannot sit and wait for death.
It is time for all Spaniards and the Carlists to understand that the Bourbon Dynasty is long gone. This is now the age of Savoy.
I, Carlo of the House of Savoy, am Spain's master—the true King of Spain."
"Giotto, I need you to do me a favor. Perhaps you are the only one who can accomplish it." Carlo wore a smile, as though he had thought of something worth mentioning.
"At Your Majesty's service." Giotto stepped forward and listened to Carlo's plan.
A few days later, a rumor spread through Madrid that King Carlo would deliver a speech in a square in the city center.
Though the rumor did not specify the content of the speech, judging from recent events in Spain, it would most likely be intended to steady the morale of both the army and the people.
The rumor quickly drew the attention of large numbers of Madrid residents, including workers who had benefited from the Labor Law and farmers who had benefited from agricultural tax cuts.
Sure enough, after the agricultural tax reduction bill and the Labor Law, Carlo enjoyed considerable prestige and support in Madrid.
The day of Carlo's speech soon arrived. The square in central Madrid was a sea of people, with at least ten thousand gathering around it.
Yet within several dozen meters of the speaking platform, there were not many people. To ensure Carlo's safety, everyone permitted into that area had been screened, making it highly unlikely that reactionary assassins could slip in.
At noon, Carlo's carriage slowly arrived and traveled straight along a passage that had been reserved in advance toward the platform.
Wearing a crown and a custom-made royal robe, Carlo stepped down from the carriage with the guards' assistance and walked directly toward the platform.
Amplification equipment had long been set up on the platform, ensuring that most people in the square could hear Carlo's speech.
As for those too far away or simply too hard of hearing, there was nothing to be done. Perhaps they could learn the contents of Carlo's speech through later newspaper reports, or get the general idea from those around them.
"My subjects, I am your King Carlo.
It is my great honor to become king of Spain, this great nation, and to witness with all of you the renewed revival of this great country.
Perhaps some may ask: what gives me the right to lead Spain toward revival?
Spain once stood at the summit of the world. Spaniards were once the greatest people in the world. To restore Spain's former glory is truly difficult, and the road to revival is destined to be fraught with hardship.
But I wish to say this: I have confidence. Confidence that I will witness all of this come to pass together with every Spaniard. Spain's greatness does not lie merely in the fact that Spain once stood at the summit of the world.
It lies in the fact that, after enduring long years of suffering and decline, Spaniards still believe Spain is the greatest nation and still preserve hope for Spain's revival.
The agricultural tax reduction bill and the Labor Law are only the first step. I will use more decrees to advance Spain's progress, protect the interests of every Spaniard from violation, industrialize Spain, and lead her toward strength.
We have already dealt with the capitalists who exploited workers, and we are now fighting enemies who seek to tear this nation apart.
My subjects, believe in me. I will lead Spain toward strength. I will ensure that the interests of all Spaniards remain inviolate. I will make enemies of all who block Spain's path forward. I will take pride in great Spain and the Spaniards, and build a flourishing age that belongs to every Spaniard.
My subjects, though the glory of old is gone, the future still belongs to Spain—to all Spaniards.
Let us cry out together: 'Make Spain Great Again!' Let Spain achieve a great revival once more!"
"Make Spain Great Again!"
Only a speech spoken from the heart could truly move people. For Carlo, everything he had said was what he genuinely wished to accomplish, and it was also what Spaniards most wished to hear.
For that very reason, after Carlo shouted that slogan, the Spaniards below immediately joined in, crying, "Make Spain Great Again!" and "Long live Spain!" The scene was tremendously lively.
Bang! Bang bang!
Suddenly, several successive gunshots immediately cut off the crowd's cheers.
People raised their heads in shock and saw a burst of white smoke rising from the area closest to the platform.
On the platform, several guards had already rushed toward Carlo, shielding him with their bodies.
The guards below the platform reacted swiftly as well, quickly identifying the shooter within the smoke and moving to arrest him.
"An assassin!"
"His Majesty has been wounded!"
"Protect His Majesty!"
The guards' frantic cries and the shouts of the crowd below blended into chaos, and the situation seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control.
Protected by the guards, Carlo rose to his feet once more. Before the astonished eyes of everyone present, he raised his right arm and shouted, "Nothing can defeat me! Long live Spain!"
This time, the scene truly descended into complete chaos.
Seeing that the assassin had already been subdued, the people below felt some of their panic dissipate. Then, seeing Carlo apparently rise again after being shot and encourage the crowd, they could no longer suppress their emotions.
"Long live Spain! Long live His Majesty Carlo!"
"Long live Spain! Long live His Majesty Carlo!"
Hearing the fervent cheers of the people below, Carlo seemed unable to hold on any longer and collapsed into the guards' arms.
The guards immediately carried Carlo into the carriage and rushed him to the nearest hospital in Madrid.
Make Spain Great Again!
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