Iron Cross Fire

Nelson stood before Kuster and conspired loudly:

"One, we can always maintain contact with the trapped troops and make it public. But there is nothing we should do.

Second, we claim we are taking action, but we remain inactive. "

"Third, we realize the seriousness of the situation, but it is already too late and there is no need to send troops."

Kuster took over. Seeing that he was chatting with her very congenially, she couldn't help but smile.

"Although we have prepared for the worst, the strength of the French is there. I don't think we can defeat him even if we give him three months."

Nelson made a casual joke before leaving, and then walked out of the headquarters to do his own thing.

Kuster didn't do much to stop him. After lying on the chair to rest for a while, he got up again and dialed the phone.

He held it to his ear and waited for a while, when a familiar voice came from the other side of the phone.

"This is Franz, Minister of Military Reform of the Austro-Hungarian Cabinet. Who is it?"

"Huh? You're doing well. I'm Kuster, Khalil Wade-Kuster."

When he heard that his old friend had entered the cabinet, Kuster was very happy and even had to suppress his inner excitement to speak.

"It's you, my God! I thought you wouldn't come to me."

"Haha, how is it possible? Am I the kind of ungrateful person? Think about how long you were disabled back then, and I didn't dislike you..."

"Come on, don't play the emotional card with me, the old man is so scared."

Franz pretended to be disgusted, and Kuster stopped being polite and went straight to the point:

"You said you are the Minister of Military Reform. What do you mean? Do you have this position?"

"It didn't happen before, it didn't happen after, but it does now."

Franz said mysteriously.

"I am a pure soldier, not someone who hangs out in politics all day long. Let me be clear."

Although Kuster just said it casually, he forgot that Franz had been involved in politics for a long time.

But Franz didn't care, just thought it was a joke among old friends, and explained to himself:

"As the name suggests, the Minister of Military Reform is responsible for military reform. In fact, this position should be held by you, but since you are not here, it can only be filled by me, the person closest to you."

Kuster tapped his fingers and nodded again, as if mocking himself.

"I am not a person like Falkenhayn, who holds two major positions by himself. Now that I am abroad, a ministerial title with nothing but reality is enough to satisfy me."

He stood up straight again, leaned against the table, flipped through something, and said slowly:

"Besides, I'm worried about the country."

Hearing that he was worried, Franz understood it and understood the meaning at once. Take the initiative to tell him what he is worried about:

"Wiltok has not done much recently. He has been very honest since last year. Now, he has not done anything detrimental."

"What else but Wiltock? I want to know more than this!"

Kuster said.

“Everything is not going well. Although the empire is winning battles one after another, the conquest of Greece is imminent.

However, ethnic conflicts are becoming more and more serious, and recent reforms have also touched the interests of many people; the old emperor's health is getting worse and worse, and he may die soon. A revolution may be coming. "

said Franz uneasily. Even though he was afraid of the revolution, he still calmed down and comforted Kuster and said:

"Don't worry. Although the Hungarian nobles chatter endlessly, even if the emperor dies, they can guarantee that they will not dare to take any action within five years."

"I hope so. Do you have any countermeasures to delay the crisis as long as possible?"

Kuster exhaled a puff of smoke and said. He had just heard that the situation was urgent and was still a little trembling, so he did not dare to neglect it. But when I heard that it would be at least five years later, I was no longer afraid, and instead started smoking leisurely.

"I could try to assassinate some people with high reactionary sentiments. Let me think of anyone? Hmm... um. Destroy a gathering of Hungarian leftist aristocrats. Or even plant a bomb inside?"

Franz had no confidence and even asked questions at the end. He was truly a soldier, and his plans were so violent that Kuster on the other end of the phone couldn't help but be speechless.

"You are really...forget it, since there are still 5 years, let's go back and talk about it. Now I want you to do something for me. Only you can do these things."

"What is it that only I can do? Let's talk about it first. I am loyal to the emperor and afraid of reputation. If you want me to assassinate the emperor and do some sneaky things, I suggest you hire a few British guys."

Franz said warily. Custer was stunned by his straightforward attitude, and at the same time he insulted the hostile British.

"Aren't you in charge of military reform? Tell the emperor and ask him to expand the army, and then bring him to me."

"It's a bit difficult. And why do I have to drag you there?"

Franz spoke word by word, and suddenly realized:

"Don't you have a lot of troops?"

"Well, let's put it this way, don't you think our share in Moscow is a bit small?"

Kuster was a little embarrassed and couldn't think of an answer for a while. The words were clearly on his lips, but he just couldn't spit them out.

After thinking about it, I gave up my original rhetoric and used a question to answer. At this moment, he was like a pyramid salesman, holding a questionnaire in front of Franz.

"It's okay, I think."

"Then are you willing to correct your habit of inverting sentences?"

"No need, I'll think about it."

"What do you think about money?"

"People can't live without it."

"Do you regard money as part of your interests?"

"An inseparable part."

Seeing him cooperate so well, Kuster on the other end of the phone smiled more and more happily.

"You didn't learn the grammar well in prenatal education. Do you want to have more money?"

"I would rather kill your biological parents."

Franz's words were a bit vulgar, but it did not prevent him from loving money, let alone continuing to ask questions.

"My parents' ashes have dried up. Do you want more benefits?"

"I suddenly want to assassinate the emperor."

"What do you think of unequal treaties?"

"If it is against you, I will sign 10,000 words."

Franz was a little impatient, so Kuster had to end the topic quickly, and all the more than ten questions he had planned at the beginning were wasted.

"What do you think is the best way to fight for interests?"

"Armed raid."

"Then are you willing to give me more troops to fight for your interests?"

"...Okay, you win. I will go to the emperor tomorrow. Why didn't you say it earlier, and go around in such a big circle."

Franz said helplessly. Obviously, he is still too young compared to Kuster.

"Will you agree if I don't beat around the bush?"

Kuster said with a smile:

"How I wish I could see 200,000 people with my eyes."

"Then you are obviously not a person."

"..."

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