Spain Military Academy Begins Classes

Just as Carlo was still immersed in the grand expansion of his royal estates, Prime Minister Primo hurried over, bringing Carlo a piece of news that was likely bad—the Basque Separatists had allied with the Carlists.

It was inevitable that the separatists and the Carlists would mix together, because their individual strength was negligible compared to Spain and posed no real threat to the Spanish government.

But if the Catalonia and Basque separatists joined forces with the Carlists to launch a rebellion, the upheaval in northern Spain would be quite significant.

These rebels were spread across Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Navarre, and neighboring regions like Aragon and La Rioja would also be affected.

However, this was also good news for Carlo. Spain's most troublesome rebels had gathered in one place—wasn't this the perfect opportunity to wipe them all out in one fell swoop?

"How are the government's preparations? Can our army handle the alliance between the Basques and the Carlists?" Carlo turned his gaze to Primo, asking the question that concerned him most.

"The Spanish army will crush every enemy of Spain, whether they are Carlists or Basques, without exception." Primo replied calmly.

"Excellent, Prime Minister. I await your good news at the palace, and I hope the day of our victory is not far off." Hearing Primo's composed response, Carlo nodded with considerable satisfaction.

As the captain of Carlo's palace guard, Giotto had naturally heard the news of the rebellion in northern Spain.

After spending a long time together, Giotto had already decided to pledge unwavering loyalty to Carlo, and naturally wanted to share Carlo's burden regarding the Spanish rebellion.

"Your Majesty, the Red Army still has a force of over ten thousand men, and they can be quickly mobilized into an army. If Your Majesty requires it, I believe my father would be willing to lead the troops to assist Your Majesty and thoroughly resolve this rebellion in northern Spain." Giotto proactively suggested to Carlo.

"The situation in Spain isn't that dire yet." Carlo certainly understood Giotto's loyalty, but Spain's internal strife hadn't yet reached the point where outside intervention was needed.

"Very well, Your Majesty." Hearing that Carlo was still unwilling to request the Red Army's help, Giotto could only nod helplessly.

"But you've reminded me of something, Giotto." Carlo said with a smile. "Since the Carlists have decided to resist my rule, I absolutely cannot sit idly by.

It's time to make all Spaniards and the Carlists understand that the Bourbon Dynasty is long gone, and this is now the era of the House of Savoy.

I, Carlo of the House of Savoy, am the master of Spain, the true King of Spain."

"Giotto, I need you to do me a favor. This might be something only you can accomplish." Carlo smiled, as if he had thought of something worth mentioning.

"I am at Your Majesty's service." Giotto stepped forward, listening to Carlo's plan.

A few days later, a rumor spread through Madrid that their King Carlo would give a speech in the central square of the city.

Although the rumor didn't specify the content of the speech, given recent events in Spain, it was likely meant to stabilize the morale of the military and the people.

This rumor quickly attracted the attention of many Madrid citizens, including workers who had benefited from the implementation of the labor law and farmers who had gained from agricultural tax cuts.

And indeed, thanks to the two beneficial decrees—the agricultural tax reduction bill and the labor law—Carlo had considerable popularity and support in Madrid.

Soon, the day of Carlo's speech arrived. The central square of Madrid was packed with people; at least ten thousand had gathered around the square.

With the podium at the center, the area within a few dozen meters was not very crowded. To ensure Carlo's safety, those allowed within that radius had been screened, making it highly unlikely that any assassin from the opposition could infiltrate.

At noon, Carlo's carriage slowly approached, driving straight toward the podium along a pre-arranged route.

Wearing a crown and a custom-made royal robe, Carlo stepped down from the carriage with the help of guards and walked directly to the podium.

The podium had already been equipped with amplification devices to ensure that most people in the square could hear Carlo's speech.

As for those too far away or hard of hearing, there was no helping it. They might learn the content of Carlo's speech from newspaper reports later, or get a general idea through word of mouth from those nearby.

"My people, I am your King, Carlo.

It is my great honor to be the king of this great nation, Spain, and to witness with all of you the revival of this great country once more.

Some may ask, what qualifies me to bring about Spain's revival?

Spain once stood at the pinnacle of the world, and Spaniards were once the greatest people on earth. Making Spain regain its former glory is extremely difficult, and the path to revival is bound to be fraught with challenges.

But I want to say, I have confidence—confidence to witness all of this happen together with every Spaniard. Spain's greatness does not lie in the fact that it once stood at the world's peak.

Rather, it lies in the fact that Spaniards, after enduring long periods of hardship and low points, still firmly believe that Spain is the greatest nation, and still hold onto the hope of Spain's revival.

The agricultural tax reduction bill and the labor law are only the first steps. I will enact more decrees to drive Spain's progress, protect the interests of all Spaniards from infringement, achieve industrialization, and lead Spain toward strength.

We have already dealt with the capitalists who exploited the workers, and we are now fighting against the enemies who seek to tear this country apart.

My people, trust me—I will lead Spain to strength, I will ensure that the interests of all Spaniards are inviolable, I will stand against anyone who blocks Spain's progress, and I will take pride in the great Spain and its people, forging a golden age for all Spaniards.

My people, though the glory of the past is no more, the future still belongs to Spain, and to all Spaniards.

Let us together shout the slogan 'Make Spain Great Again,' and let Spain achieve its great revival once more!"

"Make Spain Great Again!"

A heartfelt speech is what truly moves people. For Carlo, everything he said was what he genuinely wanted to accomplish, and that was exactly what the Spanish people most wanted to hear.

Because of this, the Spaniards below the stage immediately echoed his slogan: "Make Spain Great Again!" "Long live Spain!" The scene was lively and stirring.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Suddenly, several gunshots rang out, cutting off the crowd's cheers.

People looked up in shock, and a puff of white smoke rose from the area closest to the podium.

On the podium, several guards had already rushed toward Carlo, shielding him with their bodies.

The guards below the podium reacted quickly as well, swiftly locking onto the shooter near the smoke and making an arrest.

"An assassin!"

"The King is injured!"

"Protect the King!"

The guards' panicked shouts mixed with the crowd's cries below the stage, and the situation seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control.

Protected by the guards, Carlo stood up once more. Amid everyone's astonished gazes, he raised his right arm and shouted, "Nothing can bring me down. Long live Spain!"

At this, the scene completely erupted.

The crowd below watched as the assassin was subdued, and some of their panic began to fade. Seeing Carlo rise again after being shot to encourage the people, their emotions could no longer be contained.

"Long live Spain! Long live His Majesty Carlo!"

"Long live Spain! Long live His Majesty Carlo!"

Hearing the fervent cheers from the crowd, Carlo seemed to falter, collapsing into the arms of his guards.

The guards immediately carried him onto a carriage, heading for the nearest hospital in Madrid.

Make Spain Great Again!