Chapter 970: Sentencing Hearing |
Bruno arrived early in the morning in Vienna to negotiate the conflict between Hungary and Romania. By his side were Kaiser Wilhelm III and Tsar Alexei.
The three of them sat at the head of the table, while the Kings of Romania and Hungary stared menacingly at each other.
Bruno remained utterly silent, sipping coffee as he was more concerned with waking himself after a dreadful night’s rest than he was with the formal proceedings.
Germany and Russia had silently prepared rapid reaction forces in the event that negotiations broke down, but for now, the war had been prevented from further escalation as the European powers all applied the full weight of their diplomatic and economic leverage to force the two nations to the table.
The King of Hungary was the first to speak, as he made unreasonable demands straight from the get go.
"Romania’s army attacked and murdered my soldiers unprovoked, while they were policing the border and overseeing the ongoing construction of the maglev line between our two capitals. I demand satisfaction, either in land or natural resources for the humiliation to Hungary’s prestige and for the wanton slaughter of its soldiers."
Before anyone could get a word in, the King of Romania verbally retaliated with equal intensity.
"Your soldier had violently and viciously assaulted one of my own, and he paid for it with his life. What followed was an absolutely unjustified and reckless assault on Romania’s sovereign territory! I demand justice!"
Bruno knew that both sides were lying about how the fighting had started, but Romania’s lie was far more shameless. Especially when Germany possessed the capacity to discover the truth of the matter.
He rolled his eyes while sipping his coffee, allowing the next generation to take the reins as he watched from the sidelines, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice, but only if necessary.
Wilhelm III shocked Bruno with his cordiality, while Alexei shot him a side-eyed glance, agreeing silently with how ridiculous this whole situation was.
"Gentlemen, I understand that this matter is of grave importance to both of you. And why wouldn’t it be? Gunfire and artillery were exchanged, men were killed on both sides. This is a horrific breach of international peace."
The two kings shot Wilhelm a nasty glare, it was perhaps the only thing they could agree upon at this moment, but Wilhelm was not deterred as he forcefully cleared his throat and met both of them with equal if not greater intensity.
"However... I should remind you that German and Russian stakes exist in both of your countries. In fact, many of our own citizens bore witness to this event as laborers. We, along with your other neighbors, have compiled a litany of evidence into what actually instigated this conflict, and if I may be so bold... you’re both utterly and completely to blame."
The Kings of Hungary and Romania raised to their feet in protest, but Wilhelm raised a single hand and glowered at them, forcing the two monarchs to take their seats once more.
"Provocations were made on both sides, physically in some capacity, and verbally. However, it was not raised to lethal stakes until one Romanian soldier, who met his end in the ensuing conflict, decided to aim his weapon at a Hungarian soldier who had already turned his back and settled the matter. Because of this, the Tsar and I have both spoken at length ,and concluded that Romania is to bear the majority of the fault for escalation beyond verbal insults into armed conflict."
The King of Hungary smirked in satisfaction and victory. But he didn’t speak, knowing that any gloating he could make in the moment would potentially backfire. The King of Romania however immediately began to protest.
"What you claim is utterly false! Our own internal investigation has made a very different conclusion! We will not-"
This time Alexei stepped forward, standing up on his feet, and staring down the King of Romania.
"The investigation was conducted by the joint-intelligence services of the Russian Empire, German Reich, as well as the Tsardom of Bulgaria, and the Kingdoms of Greece and Italy. The conclusion of this international investigation was so conclusive that it was unanimously agreed upon with virtually zero deviation. Romania’s army bears the blame for lethal escalation."
The King of Romania felt his strength collapsing after hearing these words. All the while Wilhelm III nodded in approval at his Russian peer before continuing with his initial thought.
"As a result, it is of the opinion of all foreign observers that Romania should pay reparations to Hungary’s behalf, and in addition shall bear the financial, and material burden of constructing the maglev and high-speed rail lines that connect Budapest to Bucharest. In addition not this, international forces will be stationed in areas of dispute to ensure this does not occur again."
The King of Hungary snickered at the King of Romania, prompting a vitriolic response as he slammed his hands on the table and shouted at all those present.
"Absolutely not! We will not accept foreign troops on our soil as a penalty for defending ourselves! There is no circumstance where such a measure will ever be considered acceptable!"
Wilhelm and Alexei silently nodded their heads, they had come this far and were ready to progress further. They were just about to threaten greater countermeasures when Bruno stole their attention, cursing beneath his breath as he spilled his milk that he was pouring into his second cup of coffee.
"God fucking dammit... it’s always something."
Everyone looked over at Bruno, who until now had been entirely out of their focus, perhaps for the first time since the man was a junior officer in the German Army a lifetime ago.
But once reality settled on them, they all sat down quietly and reserved as Bruno wiped the milk off his hands and the table. Taking a sip from his coffee as he returned his attention to the squabbling monarchs.
"You seem to be under the misassumption that this is a diplomatic negotiation, or perhaps even a criminal trial?"
The room was so quiet that those present could hear the King of Romania gulping in terror. That was before Bruno’s voice echoed throughout the room.
"This is a sentencing hearing, nothing more, nothing less. For its crimes committed, Romania will formally, legally, and irrevocably renounce all territorial claims to Transylvania in perpetuity. The matter is concluded. Any future agitation; political, military, or ideological, will be treated in direct contempt of continental order."
Wilhelm stared at Bruno in shock, while Alexie nodded his head in agreement with the verdict given. Bruno simply looked at Wilhelm and scoffed.
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; it’s not that complicated Wilhelm."
The King of Romania remained utterly silent as Bruno didn’t even bother dignifying him another glance before leaving the room with his cup of coffee in hand.
"Since this matter is settled, I will be returning to the Alps."
Once he was gone, the King of Hungary exhaled heavily, the King of Romania held his head in shame, and Alexei gave some words of wisdom to his peer.
"He’s right you know."