The Greek Rebellion Ends.
Otto I was sent back to Athens once more. This time, there was no grand welcoming ceremony—only devastation strewn across the ground and wary loyalist guards.
"Long live His Majesty the King! Long live Otto I!"
Otto I's supporters shouted his name. Though nowhere near as fervent as during a victory parade, it brought tears to his eyes, for he believed that this time, there was no false devotion in their cries. Only the most loyal subjects would shout such acclaim at a time like this.
Journalists from the Austrian Empire recorded this historic scene: Otto I had returned once again to his loyal Greece.
In truth, the newspaper editors had plenty to say about it, since the headline was far too vulgar. But they could only complain in private, because Franz himself had coined it.
The lightly traveling Otto I, the travel-worn loyalist soldiers and officials, the city scarred beyond recognition, and the Austrian Empire's modern warships and honor guard formed a striking contrast within the same scene.
Otto I looked at the shattered ruins of Athens, then at his own hands, and suddenly burst into tears.
Ioannis Makriyannis was, without any surprise, executed for treason. Even in court, he continued to insist that he was a patriot.
Yet no one believed his nonsense. The jury unanimously affirmed Ioannis Makriyannis's conviction for treason.
Before his execution, Ioannis Makriyannis once again voiced the question in his heart. Still, no one answered him. Perhaps they could not answer; perhaps they did not wish to; perhaps there was simply no need to.
Even the commander of Athens's city garrison had joined the rebellion—something Otto I had never imagined. But in Franz's words, misjudging one person might be a momentary lapse, but entrusting several successive city garrison commanders to