Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 19: Chapter 18: Preparations Before Departure

Vittorio Emanuele II seemed to have long understood that Carlo would say this, and he sighed, but still nodded helplessly, saying, “Alright, my child, I can only wish you the best, may God bless you, my child.”

“Father, I’m going to Spain. Aren’t you going to give me any funds?” Carlo suddenly spoke up, looking like he was asking for money.

“Haha, of course I am, child.” Carlo’s interruption successfully lifted some of Vittorio Emanuele II’s somber mood, and the old king smiled and said, “However, I must remind you that the king’s funds cannot be mixed with the government’s finances. No matter how much the government is short on money, you can only offer funds to the government through loans, understand?”

This is indeed a lesson learned the hard way. If it were an absolute monarchy, it would be fine; the king with strong power could freely extract funds from the state treasury, and only the government would suffer.

But Spain is a constitutional monarchy, if you don’t separate the king’s private funds from the government treasury, the one who suffers will be the king.

Moreover, it’s easy to be exploited, easily bearing the blame of embezzling government funds and incurring the resentment of the Spaniards.

This is why Vittorio Emanuele II emphasized to Carlo that the king’s private funds and the government’s treasury must be clearly distinguished. Even if it’s a loan, specific interest and repayment terms must be written out.

Carlo nodded. He understood these matters. Many of Carlo’s plans required large amounts of funds, and his private funds could not be mixed with the government’s treasury.

After a brief silence, Vittorio Emanuele II looked at his youngest son and said, “Although Italy’s finances are not affluent, the Savoy Family does have some capital.

I will give you 30 million Lira, along with some servants to take care of your daily needs. Child, if you feel that being the King of Spain is not the life you desire, Italy will always welcome you.”

Carlo was quite surprised by the level of support from Vittorio Emanuele II.

million Lira is equivalent to 1.2 million Pounds, seemingly not a huge number, but in the era of Dreadnought battleships, it was sufficient to build a main battleship grade Dreadnought.

Even in the United Kingdom, the nation with the strongest comprehensive national power, a skilled worker’s weekly salary was only 9 shillings and 6 pence, and this was for adult male workers; for women or children, the income would be even lower. (1 Pound = 20 shillings, 1 shilling = 12 pence)

1.2 million Pounds is equivalent to more than the annual income of over 50,000 British workers, which fully proves the immense scale of this funding.

Even the Italian Royal Family, after all expenses, only has an annual income of 300,000 to 400,000 Pounds, at most not exceeding 500,000 Pounds.

This means that Vittorio Emanuele II handed over almost three years of the royal family’s income to Carlo, providing him with ample funds to carry out his plans in Spain.

Although Carlo had not experienced father-son affection with Vittorio Emanuele II since childhood, he was moved by his father Vittorio Emanuele II’s genuine sentiments.

This also made Carlo resolve to prevent the Italian Royal Family from disappearing alongside Mussolini. As long as the Savoy Dynasty holds Italy, Carlo’s Spain will definitely not actively become hostile to Italy.

A few days later, Carlo met Primo again.

Although less than ten days had passed between their two meetings, their conversation became closer and friendlier.

Primo looked at the king candidate he personally chose, expressing his respect and support: “Respected Prince Carlo, on behalf of the Prime Minister of Spain, I invite you to inherit the Spanish throne and become the king of all Spaniards.”

“It is my honor, Marquis Primo.” Carlo nodded with a smile, having no hesitation about the legitimately competed throne.

“Looking forward to working with you, Marquis Primo.” Carlo continued, “As I mentioned before, I will unconditionally support your reforms and will not be a trouble during your reform process.”

Upon hearing Carlo straightforwardly express support for reforms, the mountain in Primo’s heart finally lifted, and he became very relaxed and joyful.

“Serving you is also my honor, Your Highness.” Primo performed a standard Spanish aristocratic salute to Carlo and said very earnestly.

For a monarch he recognized, Primo did not mind serving them. Although Primo’s loyalty was dedicated to all of Spain, as long as Carlo held the Spanish throne and did not show signs of a tyrant, Primo would also remain loyal to Carlo.

“Now that the throne has been confirmed, I will return to Spain in the coming days. Your Highness, I hope you can arrive in Madrid within a month, and we will prepare a grand coronation ceremony for you.” Primo smiled as he spoke to Carlo.

“No need, Marquis Primo.” Carlo shook his head, declining Primo’s proposal.

Seeing Primo’s slightly puzzled expression, Carlo smiled and explained, “Give me a few days to prepare, and I will set off to Spain with you all.”

Though the Spanish throne advanced by over a year, similar to the Franco-Prussian War, Carlo was still concerned about any unforeseen events.

If Primo were assassinated upon returning to Spain, Carlo would still face the same situation as Amadeo in Madrid, having no one to appoint.

Although the subordinates Carlo chose, including Garibaldi’s son Giotto, already possessed decent abilities, these individuals couldn’t immediately take high positions.

Carlo could only rely on two people in Spain, Primo and Serrano, who held power in the Spanish government and military.

The most important among them was Primo. Not only was Primo a key figure in the Reform Faction, but his capabilities also exceeded those of Serrano.

In Carlo’s plans, Primo would continue to serve as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain until his body could no longer bear the burden or Spain’s reforms were completed.

Compared to Primo, Serrano was more suitable as a stabilizing force for the army. As a military officer, Serrano had sufficient prestige in the army; leading the Spanish army was his best option.

During the initial years of Carlo’s governance, power would remain in the hands of Primo and Serrano. It was during this time that Carlo’s several prime ministers would undergo training and build their reputations.

Once someone among them was deemed capable of taking over the positions of Primo and Serrano, Carlo would consider retiring the two stabilizing forces, Primo and Serrano.