On the outskirts of Madrid stood a magnificent manor glittering with gold and jade. Everyone in Madrid knew that, in Spain, apart from the palace of His Majesty the King, no building could compare with this manor in splendor.
The manor's owner was none other than the residence of Spain's Foreign Minister, Preto. Relying on his high position and his close relationship with Alfonso XIII, Preto had amassed no small fortune. It was simply that no one bothered to rein him in.
"Sir, the British Ambassador has arrived." The moment he returned home, the butler came forward to report.
Preto's brows rose. This time, he too had been scared out of his wits. After all, it had been he who had urged Alfonso XIII to reclaim Gibraltar. Now, the German fleet had massed at Gibraltar and had nearly fought a war with Spain. This was a threat to all of Spain. Although the possibility of war now seemed very small, if war truly broke out because of this, Alfonso XIII would certainly not spare him. It had nearly frightened Preto to death.
"Take him to the secret room!" Preto ordered.
"Yes, sir." The butler immediately went to make the arrangements.
Preto changed into another set of clothes before heading to the secret room to meet the British Ambassador.
"Congratulations, Your Excellency. Your country has successfully recovered Gibraltar." The British Ambassador flattered him as soon as they met.
"Hmph! Mr. Ambassador, you nearly got me killed this time. Our troops had barely entered Gibraltar when the German fleet arrived there. If the Germans had not shown restraint, war would already have broken out. Once war began, His Majesty the King would never spare me!" Preto said furiously.
"Hehe, I gave Your Excellency quite a fright. This is what I promised you."