Switzerland was a country jointly made up of Germans who did not want to be Germans, Frenchmen who did not want to be French, and Italians who did not want to be Italians.
So they could only remain permanently neutral. Their relations with all three neighboring countries were rather ordinary, with the occasional flare-up of tension.
Now their conflict with Italy had intensified. Naturally, it had begun with internal contradictions among the Italians, rapidly escalating from a minor dispute between two people into an issue of national dignity.
However, the Swiss government was highly efficient. It quickly identified the parties involved in triggering the public-opinion clash and brought the situation under control.
"Mr. Luca, please describe the situation at the time in detail!"
"Of course, Mr. Luke! But this really wasn't my fault. He provoked me first, so I got rough with him!" Luca explained.
"Mr. Luca, I believe this time it wasn't your fault. The Italian media merely exaggerated things, didn't they? Isn't the domestic media supporting you as well?" Luke said with a faint smile.
"Very well, Mr. Luca. We can basically confirm that you were only the victim in this matter. But until it is resolved, we may still need to trouble you," Luke explained.
"Certainly, Mr. Luke!"
As the investigation went deeper, the Swiss government naturally discovered traces of human manipulation. Someone was clearly steering public opinion.
The Swiss federal government reacted swiftly, following the trail all the way to Italy. Then there was no then.
The Kingdom of Italy had its pride as well. Although it had been beaten half-crippled in World War I, nationalism was now surging among its people once more.
At this point, whether or not someone had guided public opinion no longer mattered. They could not yield, because this