Allied Nations' Reward, The Youngest General

Several days later, noon.

A few jeeps slowly drove into Venice Square, carrying Colonel Phillips and Peggy Carter.

The circular square, paved with white marble and located in the heart of Rome, was surrounded by Italian guards.

They had completely encircled Venice Palace, which stood majestically on one side of the square, even setting up machine guns.

It wasn't surprising that these Italians had mobilized such a grand and astonishing display.

The massive commotion at Venice Palace a few days prior had nearly convinced the King of Italy that Allied tanks had entered the city and the air force was bombing, scaring him out of bed in the middle of the night, leaving him sleepless.

Later, upon learning that Hitler had sent people to attempt to rescue Mussolini, the royal family had urgently mobilized troops, using the guise of protection to surround Venice Palace tightly.

"It seems Captain Cavill really gave these Italians a good scare," Colonel Phillips said with a victor's air.

He opened the car door and stepped out, gazing at Venice Palace.

Everyone else's attention also turned to the balcony on the second floor.

Mussolini had once lived there and delivered his famous "balcony speech."

He had also given fiery speeches to the Italian people, promising many seemingly wonderful futures.

And now, the dictator had been overthrown, and the country had chosen to surrender.

All the promises had turned to dust.

Venice Square gradually filled with Italian citizens.

A moment later, a tall, upright figure emerged and stood on the open-air balcony, holding the once-powerful Italian dictator.

Mussolini, who had once dictated the fate of nations and was arrogant and invincible, now looked like a wilted eggplant, his shoulders slumped, being held up in humiliation.

His gaze towards Luke was filled with hatred and fear. It was this young Allied captain who had ended his dictatorial rule!

The man had descended like a divine soldier, suddenly charging into Venice Palace, defeating all the guards, and repelling Hitler's rescue team.

This had reduced him, the ruler of Italy, to a prisoner of a mere captain!

The silent square soon erupted in cheers, followed by a thunderous, overwhelming wave of applause.

The sound waves, one after another, spread out from Venice Square in all directions, from one block to another!

"Liberate Italy! Long live freedom!"

"Down with the dictator! Mussolini step down!"

"Hang him! Hang that devil!"

Amidst the fervent and grand cheers, such slogans continuously emerged, and more crowds began to gather in Venice Square.

Everyone looked excited, raising their arms and shouting!

Mussolini's dictatorial rule had led to the prevalence of Fascism.

Food was rationed, freedom of speech was banned, people took to the streets to protest and demonstrate daily, and strikes never ceased.

Therefore, in the eyes of the people who had suffered immensely, Luke was not a detestable invader but a great hero who had liberated the country from the dictator!

Well, this was quite fitting for the romantic nature of the Italians!

"My decision back then was indeed correct."

Seeing the reputation points on his status panel refresh rapidly like a waterfall, Luke expressed his satisfaction.

He preferred taking the initiative to passively completing missions!

As the cheering crowds gradually dispersed, Colonel Phillips, with Carter, entered Venice Palace.

The Howling Commandos put away the heavy machine guns they had set up in the hall, awaiting greetings from their allies.

"Long time no see, Luke!"

Colonel Phillips' calm expression could no longer be maintained as he excitedly grasped Luke's hand.

Judging by his demeanor, he seemed eager to take a commemorative photo with this legendary figure and get onto the Allied Nations' newspapers as soon as possible!

"You truly didn't disappoint me! Mr. President speaks very highly of you. You'll be awarded a medal immediately upon returning to New York!"

Colonel Phillips leaned close to Luke's ear and whispered this news.

Carter, standing beside him, her beautiful eyes sparkling, hadn't expected that the young man from Brooklyn she met at the Stark Industries Expo would one day become an Allied war hero.

The wonders of life's encounters were truly remarkable.

Under the direction of the American military, Luke's name had spread throughout the Allied Nations, and his legendary deeds had deeply resonated with people.

Compared to Captain America, who became widely known by selling war bonds on stage and performing in costume, someone like Luke, who single-handedly infiltrated the enemy's rear stronghold and accomplished world-shaking feats, was more likely to gain the soldiers' respect!

"I've merely made a small contribution to the Allied Nations winning this war, just like every soldier fighting on the front lines."

Luke humbly responded to Colonel Phillips' praise, a demeanor that only made him more admirable.

A soldier who could remain calm amidst applause and flowers was precisely the right candidate to become a general.

Night descended, draped in a sheer veil, arriving gracefully.

The Venice Palace, having endured a fierce battle, was cleaned and tidied by the Italians, appearing completely renewed—if one overlooked the open-air balcony of the destroyed sleeping quarters, or the collapsed dungeon.

The walls, resembling a hornet's nest, were repainted and adorned with more exquisite patterns.

The marble floors, stained with dried blood, were scrubbed and polished until they gleamed like flawless mirrors.

The fallen crystal chandeliers, damaged oil paintings, and broken railings… all were restored to their original state, replaced with new ones.

Soothing music filled the air of the Venice Palace.

Princes, ministers, and nobles, all dressed in their finest attire, arrived as if attending a grand ball.

The guest of honor at this banquet was, naturally, Luke, clad in a crisp military dress uniform.

Everyone was curious to see what this war hero, who had single-handedly led a team to breach Rome and liberate Italy, would look like.

Upon seeing the tall, upright Luke, they were not disappointed.

His stern face and deep eyes, like a hero from Greek mythology, inspired reverence.

Although this Allied Captain was still young, his presence was already on par with the princes and nobles present; no one dared to underestimate him!

—This was not unrelated to the influence of the "Legendary Figure" achievement.

"Guess what position the Allied Nations are planning to promote you to?"

Amidst the clinking glasses and joyful conversations, as if the war had been forgotten, Luke finished socializing with wave after wave of royal family members and high-ranking officials. During a moment of leisure, Colonel Phillips pulled him aside.

"Colonel? Or Vice Captain?"

Luke held a glass of champagne, a relaxed smile on his face.

He was too young; despite his concrete achievements, he still lacked seniority.

After all, Douglas MacArthur, the most famous general in American history, was only promoted to Rear Admiral at the age of forty-five.

Luke understood that neither the military nor the President could promote him too high too quickly.

Firstly, it would invite criticism and cause discontent.

Secondly, it would be difficult to gain acceptance, as he currently had no foundation.

Relying solely on the title of war hero wouldn't be enough to appease the powerful figures within the various military factions.

Moreover, the title of "hero" could be fabricated; it was the most worthless thing!

"Initially, they planned to award you the rank of Colonel. A Colonel under twenty years old would have been quite a commendation, but..."

Colonel Phillips's aged face broke into a broad smile.

"The Italians disagreed! Especially the royal family. If a mere Colonel had conquered Rome, it would have been a complete loss of face for them!"

The Italian Kingdom's government would absolutely not accept that a Colonel, with fewer than thirty men, dared to storm Rome, brazenly kidnap Mussolini, strike fear into forty million people, and then reside in the Venice Palace like an emperor, issuing orders.

It was too humiliating!

And it would make Italy a laughingstock!

"So?"

Luke raised his eyebrows, quite surprised. This outcome was unexpected.

"Congratulations, Luke, on becoming the youngest General in American history!"

Colonel Phillips replied.

ps2: Failed to evolve into a perfect creature. Little breads who can eat and be used, you need to work harder (_).