Banquet's End, A Clash of Wills

"This is an unprecedented supreme honor!"

Colonel Phillips seemed even more excited than Luke himself, his old face beaming with pride and satisfaction.

At twenty years old, he was ranked as a general!

What a meteoric rise!

Not only would Luke be recorded in history as a war hero, but he might also bear the title of "America's youngest general in history."

"You've created an unexpected surprise for me, for everyone!"

Colonel Phillips exclaimed.

Generally speaking, being promoted to general at thirty was already considered young, promising, and full of potential.

Famous generals in American history, like Douglas MacArthur and Dwight Eisenhower, only reached that position in their forties.

The former was considered a legend of his time.

The latter, after retiring, served as president and successfully entered the White House.

One could imagine how bright Luke's future would be, now ranked as a Commodore.

Many saw Luke as a rising star in the military.

Of course, some believed the so-called "Superman" was just another Captain America, a new military mascot.

"The Allied Command actually agreed?"

Luke also appeared surprised.

If it weren't for the ongoing war, the urgent need for a prominent figure, and his impeccable record, this would absolutely be considered the biggest scandal in military history!

The Allied Nations had engaged in heated discussions about it, but ultimately, they couldn't overcome the firm stance of the Italian Kingdom Government!

After all, this concerned a nation's reputation!

When this matter was brought up in the future, people would first think of how incompetent the Italian army was, allowing a mere Allied captain to lead troops and capture Rome, which was heavily garrisoned!

To salvage its already diminished reputation, the Italian Kingdom Government even shamelessly declared that if the Allied Nations did not provide a reasonable commendation to their war hero, they would unilaterally grant Luke Cavill the rank of Army General!

As the two sides bickered and debated, the Allied Command, under pressure from Italy's strong request and its unreasonable stance, had no choice but to grudgingly acknowledge Luke's contributions.

Promoting a soldier who had been enlisted for less than two months, and was only twenty years old, to the rank of Commodore.

The compromise and concession from the Allied Nations finally brought an end to this behind-the-scenes turmoil.

"Actually, the Italians aren't satisfied. They're greedy and even wanted you to directly take the Marshal's seat, thinking it would give them more face."

Colonel Phillips said in a low voice, a hint of mockery in his tone.

To save face for Italy, promoting a young man under twenty to a five-star general, an Army Marshal, was simply ridiculous!

They were the ones who surrendered, not the victors!

"It's lonely at the top, Colonel. Please convey my thanks to Mr. President for his kind intentions."

Luke didn't say much more; this outcome was already an unexpected delight.

With an unstable foundation and insufficient seniority, holding a higher position would be futile.

"I'll hand Mussolini over to Italy. As for the credit for capturing Rome and occupying Sicily, I'll give it to Dwight Eisenhower. I recall he's the supreme commander of the Allies in Europe, so it's a way to build goodwill!"

Luke spoke methodically, clearly not blinded by the sudden honor.

Colonel Phillips nodded in admiration. Eisenhower's prestige within the military was soaring.

Especially after he led 100,000 Anglo-American troops, divided into three routes, to land in the French North African colonies.

Utilizing powerful air cover, they successively occupied Algiers, Oran, and Casablanca in Morocco.

They then advanced westward, forming a pincer movement against the German-Italian forces retreating into Tunisia.

Eisenhower's command put the German-Italian forces in a desperate situation, leading to the surrender of all 250,000 troops, a victory that was a welcome surprise.

This great victory eased the setbacks faced by the Allies on the Eastern Front, once again putting the Axis Powers at a disadvantage.

"General Dwight will remember your gesture. In fact, he himself admires you greatly."

Colonel Phillips couldn't help but praise Luke's foresight.

What Luke lacked now was a solid foundation, a backing.

And Eisenhower, with his growing reputation, was undoubtedly the most suitable ally.

Luke smiled slightly. He remembered that in the original history, it was Eisenhower who launched the invasion of Sicily.

Not long after, he was awarded the honorary rank of five-star general by the Allies!

Even later, Eisenhower participated in presidential campaigns and served two terms, proving to be an outstanding military strategist and statesman.

After finishing his conversation with Colonel Phillips, Luke went alone to the terrace of Venice Palace.

The cool night breeze blew past, the night sky was dotted with stars, and the silver glow of the full moon cast its light upon the earth.

"Why are you hiding here alone?"

Carter, wearing a red evening gown, approached Luke, who was lost in thought, her figure graceful.

"It's a bit noisy inside, and I'd like some quiet. Besides, I don't want to be force-fed alcohol anymore."

Luke leaned against the railing of the terrace and said with a smile.

Under the boisterous night sky, the man and woman began to chat.

"Miss Carter, do you know what Steve is up to?"

Luke thought of Captain America. At this time, he should still be on stage selling bonds, doing tours all over the place.

"He's making a movie with the Senator, doing performances, and recently he even got his own comic book. Rogers is much more popular than you!"

Carter chuckled.

She seemed to recall the Caspian Training Camp, where Luke and Rogers had the best relationship.

Later, they both became Super Soldiers, but their endings were vastly different.

"In about three days, the Howling Commandos and I will be heading back to New York. I'll suggest to the military that Steve be transferred to my command."

Luke spoke to himself.

He had already gained a certain degree of influence and was no longer a private who could be ordered around.

The politicians on the Committee weren't qualified to boss him around!

"He'll be very grateful to you."

Carter crossed her arms, then changed the subject. "Those Italian noblewomen, the way they looked at you was so passionate, as if they wanted to eat you up for dessert."

Luke was the center of attention at the banquet, and she could always hear women discussing how to turn this war hero who liberated Italy into their lover.

"I've had a similar experience. Earlier, a beautiful lady stopped me in the hallway and said she wanted to thank me for liberating Italy and overthrowing the dictator... then she insisted I visit her room."

"It seems you're a little regretful that you didn't go to her room?"

Carter frowned, her attitude turning cold.

She couldn't connect the somewhat flippant young man in front of her with the legendary hero of the Allied Nations.

"Of course. Any man would regret refusing such an invitation."

Luke said frankly.

"Miss Carter, don't look at me with disdain. Even a war hero wouldn't dislike a beautiful girl throwing herself at him; it's only natural. You should admire my honesty, not think of me as a lecher."

"Commodore Cavill, you're even more of a sophist than those politicians on the Committee."

The female agent, radiant in a red dress, said sarcastically.

"It's the art of language, Miss Carter. Many friends have suggested that someone as eloquent as me should write a book after the war, titled—'From Private to General in Just Two Months,' Note: America's youngest general teaches you how to reach the pinnacle of life through his personal experience! What do you think?"

Luke was like an ostentatious rogue, completely lacking the composure he had during the day, which annoyed Carter.

"Alright, our idle chat is over. I need to go visit... Miss Isa's room. Have a pleasant evening, Miss Carter."

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, Luke smiled slightly.

He raised his champagne glass and turned to leave.

Carter behind him looked furious. Her intuition told her this wasn't Luke's true self.

But why was he acting like this?

ps: Thanks to [Departing-SoloDance] for the 500 points, [DesolateMoonTwentyTwo] for the 500 points, [King'sArroganceA] for the 300 points, and [SpringAutumnReincarnationCycleOfLifeAndDeath] for the 100 points. Sending love~

ps2: Dear readers, regular feeding helps the author grow! ()