Akado shook his head in dismay as he watched Krupp leave the room. He couldn't help but reflect on the nature of his interactions with businessmen—driven purely by profit, their relationships were straightforward but burdensome for him. The concept of rest seemed alien to Akado now; he couldn't recall the last time he had been to his apartment. Was it three days ago? Four? He felt himself teetering on the edge of exhaustion.
His aspirations had always been clear: to lead the German Empire's army to victory against well-known adversaries and to secure a position of unrivaled power on the global stage. However, instead of strategic military maneuvers, his days were now consumed with endless financial reports and calculations. His business empire spanned across Germany and extended to the United States and China, bringing him immense wealth but also a never-ending list of responsibilities. Each day, he meticulously reviewed financial statements to ensure that every possible penny was funneled into supporting his defense army—a seemingly insatiable endeavor.
The rejuvenation of the defense force was progressing rapidly, yet managing the logistics of feeding and equipping 330,000 soldiers, nearly 200 tanks, thousands of trucks, and hundreds of the latest field artillery was a colossal task. Much of this equipment had to be kept secret, adding another layer of complexity to his already strenuous duties.
Moreover, Akado had to navigate the political landscape, lobbying ministers and even the president to support his plans while countering secret sabotage from various quarters. He was acutely aware of the looming threat of the Nazi Party, a formidable adversary that could capitalize on his efforts if he faltered.
Running on a mere two to six hours of sleep, Akado longed for a respite, a break from the relentless demands of his roles. He knew that no one else was willing or able to manage the chaos he orchestrated—after all, his position paid him a bonus of $150,000 every month, a sum that could make him one of the richest men in Germany within five years.
His current motivation was to endure until 1930, when the anticipated global financial crisis would offer him an opportunity to implement a grand, long-term plan. With a resigned smile, Akado picked up a document from his desk and continued his work, setting aside his complaints for the moment.
The document detailed grim actions: the IDF had arrested and secretly executed five businessmen who were clandestinely supporting the Nazi Party, seizing their assets. These funds were quickly depleted as they were distributed as subsidies to officers and soldiers. The second page reported on the Gestapo's crackdown on 15 speculative businessmen, labeled as traitors for their disruptive economic activities, who were also executed, their assets seized to settle debts with major companies like Krupp.
The third page was even more chilling, detailing how 21 businessmen affiliated with the Social Democratic Party, who had opposed the German Party and dissuaded others from joining, were dealt with harshly. Strikes organized by the German Party led to the deaths of several businessmen, with others assassinated or arrested by the police. Their considerable financial assets were now in the defense force's coffers.
On the fourth page, the allocation of these assets was outlined: factory equipment was handed over to Krupp, funds were designated for the production of military hardware, and a portion was earmarked for public relations efforts of the German Party.
As Akado absorbed the contents of the report, he was struck by the ruthless efficiency of the capitalist-led National Defense Force in appropriating the wealth of at least 50 individuals, amassing benefits amounting to nearly $10 million. The distribution was calculated to the last detail, ensuring that every party involved received a slice of the pie.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Akado called out, his voice tinged with fatigue.
The door opened to reveal General Kurt von Hammestein, the commander-in-chief of the National Defence Force, followed by his secretary and, surprisingly, seven women in the uniforms of the German Wehrmacht. These women, all lieutenants, looked at Akado with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"God, General Hamelstein, what are you doing? Bringing a group of beautiful women to arrest me?" Akado joked, hastily covering the sensitive document on his desk.
"Ha! General Akado, I've taken the advice of many and decided to lend you a hand," Hammestein chuckled.
"A hand? Who told you I needed a hand?" Akado asked, a mix of surprise and irritation in his voice as he gestured dismissively.
Hammestein smiled wryly, "Believe me, General, at least four other generals suggested it. They think your schedule is too chaotic and that you should have both a working secretary and a personal secretary."
He gestured towards the women, "These ladies were selected from different departments of the National Defense Forces. Don't be fooled by their looks; each has a special expertise."
Pointing to one, he explained, "She speaks four foreign languages and serves as a diplomatic liaison. Very professional." He then indicated a strikingly attractive young woman with long blonde hair, "And her, she's a combat specialist with excellent marksmanship. Plus, she'll represent you well in public."
Akado, still covering his face in exasperation, asked, "And what brings you here, really?"
Hammestein took a seat and leaned back, "We've heard about a certain lady named Mercedes that politicians and businessmen have introduced you to."
Akado sighed, "Yes, but I haven't had the time to meet this Mercedes."
"So, we're assigning you two secretaries, inseparable from you. Fair, right?" Hammestein grinned.
Akado, feeling cornered yet amused, agreed reluctantly. "Fine, I'll keep the two. But don't interfere with the blind date Krupp arranged; they need to maintain their balance too."
Hammestein nodded, "General Akado knows best. And your influence within the army will help the Grand German Party navigate smoothly through these interactions between arms dealers and soldiers."
He added thoughtfully, "And as for the lady Mercedes, if she's as beautiful and gentle as they say, it might be good for a young general like you."
This arrangement was a clear compromise between the top brass of the National Defense Forces and the influential arms dealers within the Grand Deutsche Party, signaling a period of lucrative cooperation fueled by the sale and production of more arms.
Akado was a man of few words. With a decisive gesture, he pointed towards a strikingly attractive woman with long hair draped over her shoulders. "You'll be my personal secretary, responsible for my personal safety and my daily life arrangements. Oh, and what is your name?" he inquired.
"Army Lieutenant Anna Geral salutes you, General! Long live the Great German Party!" Anna responded enthusiastically, raising her arm to execute a precise military salute. It was clear from her fervor that she was a staunch supporter of the Great German Party. As she saluted, her chest heaved noticeably, almost causing Akado to have a nosebleed. Akado couldn't help but wonder where Kurt von Hammetstein had found such an exceptional "blonde" – a woman with a stunning figure and remarkable poise. It seemed that the National Defense Force had made an excellent choice in assigning her as his private secretary. There was an unspoken rule within the army: if one was a member of the Great German Party, they would proclaim "Long live the Great German Party" during salutes; otherwise, they would say "Long live Great Germany." Akado nodded in approval; it appeared General Kurt von Hammetstein had gone to great lengths to ensure loyalty among his staff.
"What about you? What is your name?" Akado asked, turning his attention to the next officer, a second lieutenant. The girl seemed somewhat shy and was shorter than Anna, but her hair caught Akado's attention and he found it quite appealing.
"My name is Sindra, Sindra Marcus. General, long live the German Party!" she replied, also giving a crisp salute before introducing herself. "My specialty is codes and I am a detective from the Interrogation Section of the National Defense Force."
Akado was taken aback; he hadn't expected this timid young woman to be part of the notoriously harsh and effective interrogation department of the IDF. He nodded, stating, "Very well, Lieutenant Sindra, you will be my working secretary from now on."
"You have been promoted. Congratulations, Captain Anna, Captain Sindra," announced Kurt von Hammerstein, who stood and clapped while the other female officers exited Akado's office, their expressions tinged with disappointment. Not only had they missed out on a promotion, but they also lost the opportunity to work closely with a young, handsome, and affluent male superior, which was a source of their discontent.
However, disappointment for some meant opportunity for others, as evidenced by the smile on Anna's face and the blush on Sindra's cheek. As for Gore, a consistently loyal subordinate, Akado had also prepared a significant role for him. He was to be promoted to Major of the National Defense Army, commanding the guard battalion of the General Command, responsible for the security of Akado's base camp.
Thus, General Akado Rudolph suddenly found himself surrounded by good fortune, not only having a beautiful blonde like Anna as his private secretary but also a demure and meticulous beauty like Sindra as his working secretary. Generally speaking, life seemed to move more swiftly and pleasantly when accompanied by beautiful women, at least that was what Akado believed.
Time flew, and before Akado realized it, more than a month had passed since Anna and Sindra joined him. It was now April 2, 1925. He remembered the date clearly because he had received a report about an American invasion scam on April Fools' Day. With his secretaries' efficient organization, Akado managed to secure at least six hours of sleep each night, and his office was always immaculate with documents neatly prepared for his review. He was thoroughly impressed with Anna and Sindra's performance.
At the end of March, Akado had personally visited a secret military base in Bavaria where he inspected a tank unit consisting of 100 P-2 tanks and 10 No. 3 assault guns. He briefed the instructors on the use of the assault guns and discussed tactical precautions. Guderian, one of his commanders, had excitedly assured Akado that the newly equipped assault gun, with its 75 mm caliber short-barrel gun, could easily destroy a French tank, the hypothetical enemy. The German armored forces, both tactically and technically, were now superior to their neighbor, France.
"General, you have an interview this afternoon at the headquarters' reception room," Anna, who was always by Akado's side except when he was in the restroom, reminded him as she glanced at her notepad. "So you need to have a quick lunch."
"Understood, let the chef prepare the steak and wait for me," Akado replied. "You have some too. We'll head over after we finish eating."
This interview had been scheduled in advance. The newspaper conducting it was affiliated with the German Party and was known as the German Newspaper. This publication was also the party newspaper of the Great German Party. Akado felt that Krupp, as the vice-chairman of the German Party, was well-qualified. He had acquired four newspapers the day after the public emergence of the German Party and merged them into the German Newspaper to dominate public opinion. This strategy, known as the "Speaker Plan," was part of the propaganda war of the German Party and had successfully made the party a household name.
After lunch, Akado and Anna proceeded to the designated location where they met two journalists assigned to interview him: a photographer and a fashionably dressed beautiful female reporter. This reporter was so striking that Akado couldn't help but take a few extra glances. She wore a form-fitting long dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Though she wasn't as voluptuous as Anna, her beauty was undeniable. Despite the chilly April air, her dress revealed shapely, smooth calves that hinted at her vitality. Her alluring, sparkling eyes blinked at Akado, her long eyelashes fluttering as if they could speak. At that moment, those eyes curved into a charming crescent and she smiled at Akado: "Hello, Chairman, I am a reporter from the Deutsche Börde. My name is Fanny Duke, but you can call me Fanny."
"Miss Fanny, hello," Akado responded warmly, gesturing towards the front sofa. "Please have a seat."
Anna, standing beside him, silently mouthed a derogatory term, clearly unimpressed by the newcomer.
"Thank you," Fanny replied in her melodious voice, gracefully taking a seat. "Mr. Krupp said he wanted the best reporter, so here I am."
Confident women often carried an inherent allure, and the reporter named Fanny was no exception. Following her introduction, Akado remarked, "I asked them to find a good reporter, not necessarily the best one. Ha ha ha."
"Why? Doesn't everyone appreciate beautiful women?" Fanny quipped, raising an eyebrow and speaking eloquently. As she finished, she pointed her pen towards Anna, who was standing behind Akado.
Akado laughed heartily. "Of course, I like beautiful women, especially impressive ones like Anna and yourself. But today, I am here to be interviewed, and your beauty is quite distracting."
"That said, Chairman, your youthful and handsome appearance is equally distracting, perhaps even more so," Fanny replied with a smile, seemingly unfazed.
"Let's refrain from exchanging compliments, Miss Fanny. Otherwise, I might end up inviting you to dinner at the headquarters," Akado said, deciding to steer the conversation back to professional matters. He didn't want to spend the entire afternoon flattering a beautiful woman.
"Chairman Akado, you're quite the charmer. If you don't wish to invite me to dinner, perhaps I can invite you instead. I'm very interested in everything about you. If you have the time, I could even conduct a personal interview and document all aspects of your life," Fanny suggested, her lips curving into a smile, her demeanor both generous and impeccably graceful.
Akado gestured towards the documents on the table. "Let's get started. I have another important meeting this afternoon and time is precious."
Setting aside her playful demeanor, Fanny also adopted a more formal tone. "Very well, first, I need to take a photo for the newspaper. Is that okay?" She gestured towards a bearded man who had accompanied her. "This is our newspaper's best photographer."
Akado nodded, adjusted his uniform, straightened his military cap, and assumed a relaxed pose in the chair, crossing his legs and leaning back. The photographer adjusted his equipment and took the shot. However, at that moment, Akado subtly lowered his head, shielding his eyes.
"Sir, you moved slightly. Your eyes might not be visible in this shot. Let's take another one," the photographer suggested, slightly puzzled.
"No need, just use this one," Akado replied. He preferred not to reveal his face too openly; he had noticed several people following him lately, and he didn't want his plans disrupted by excessive exposure.
"Are you sure you want to use this photo? It might not look as good," Fanny remarked, seemingly anticipating his refusal, but she asked with a light-hearted laugh nonetheless.
"Just use this one," Akado confirmed.
Little did they know, this image of Akado, sitting casually with his legs crossed, leaning back, his eyes obscured by his cap, and a mysterious half-smile, would soon become the most iconic promotional photo used by Akado.