In the grand Congress Hall, Akado sat with an air of authority, surrounded by key figures including Streisman, Krupp, Karl Benz, Merkel, Jelling Nike Cassia, and Leuker Carter, the head of the personnel department of the Great German Party. Leuker Carter, recommended by Karl Benz for his exceptional capabilities, had rapidly ascended to a pivotal role within the party, managing an array of internal affairs and earning the nickname "Carter the Caretaker" due to his unwavering loyalty to Akado. His influence was growing, potentially surpassing even Karl Benz as the fourth most influential member of the party.
Reinhardt Heidrich, another prominent figure, controlled the SS and was known by titles such as "The Hawk of the German Party" and "Akado's Enforcer." He was implicated in numerous SS-led assassinations, though no one dared to testify against him. Meanwhile, Merkel had been making waves as the special envoy of the National Defense Force, handling significant overseas assets and fostering diplomatic relations with nations including the Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. His achievements included persuading the Soviet Union to invest in battleship development despite their economic constraints.
Jelling Nike Cassia, leveraging her connections and the endorsement of Karl Benz, had been appointed as Vice President of the Bai Lanhua Group, quickly proving her mettle in sales and driving the stocks of BMW Motorcycle and Mercedes-Benz Motor Company to sell out. Her staunch loyalty and alignment with Akado's vision earned her the affectionate title "Father-in-law" within the party.
These elite members were now candidates for the upcoming congressional term, with the Great German Party poised to secure a significant victory and dominate the Congress.
During the announcement of the election results, an elderly MP proclaimed, "After two weeks of civic elections, we have once again heard the voice of the people! God bless all on German soil!" He went on to reveal the results, "The Social Democratic Party won 97 seats." The results for other minor parties were also announced, leading up to the declaration that the Nazi Party had secured 101 seats, prompting a loud celebration among their members.
However, the climax came when he announced, "The Grand German Party won 217 seats. Congratulations to General Akado! You have become the largest party in Parliament!" This announcement abruptly silenced the Nazi Party's celebration, causing a stir among the smaller party members who struggled to contain their laughter at the turn of events.
Despite the significant victory, the Grand German Party members remained eerily silent, prompting the MP to continue, "Representing the Great German Party, and the new Chancellor as approved by President Hindenburg, is the Nobel Prize laureate and esteemed diplomat Mr. Streisman!"
Streisman, adjusting his attire and receiving a subtle nod from Akado, proceeded to the brightly lit stage. His appointment meant he would soon take the oath of office before President Hindenburg, officially becoming the Chancellor of Germany. Akado, with a smile, encouraged him, "Do what you must do! I am pleased that you will be the first prime minister from the Grand German Party."
Streisman, though momentarily stunned by the gravity of the moment, stepped up and initiated his speech with a robust "Long live the Great German Party!" This rallied all members of the Grand German Party, who stood in unison, overshadowing the earlier cheers of the Nazi representatives, and collectively declared, "Long live the Great German Party!"
The past two weeks had been tumultuous for Germany, with Britain, France, and Belgium imposing diplomatic pressures and restarting the Armed Forces Control Committee. This had led to raids and assessments of the German military's capabilities. However, a publication titled "What is your choice!" had galvanized public support for Akado, praising his contributions to national security and criticizing the betrayal by those who opposed him, despite their patriotic intentions.
Exiting the Capitol, Akado faced the media for the first time. Despite his slightly gaunt appearance, his eyes sparkled with intelligence. Addressing the press, he stated, "The greater the power, the heavier the responsibility. I will lead the Great German Party to victory, and we will lead Germany to glory!"
When questioned about the potential for war due to the expansion of the National Defense Forces, Akado confidently replied, "Every nation strives to strengthen its military, not to start wars but to ensure lasting peace. I admire such strength and am committed to enhancing our forces similarly."
As the questioning continued, Anna, his aide, intervened, directing further inquiries to the party's spokesperson or to Mr. Streisman, as Akado was escorted to his vehicle, leaving the reporters with lingering questions as the car disappeared into the distance.
In the spacious, high-ceilinged conference room of the Bai Lanhua Group, a scene unfolded that was as tense as it was unusual. Several middle-aged managers, all seasoned in the ways of business, encircled a young woman. Her beauty was almost ethereal, and she sat amidst them, her attention fully absorbed by the financial ledgers spread before her. Her delicate fingers, which held the documents, seemed to command envy for their grace. Outside, the sunlight streamed through the windows, its brightness almost harsh against the calm interior of the room.
Time passed silently, save for the occasional rustling of paper. The room remained unusually quiet until the spell was broken by the audible gulp of someone trying to swallow their nervousness. At this sound, the young woman closed the ledger, stood, and stretched languidly, her movements casting a silhouette in the sunlight that emphasized her elegant figure. She turned to face the anxious managers with a disarming smile.
"Don't be nervous, everyone. I'm merely a friend of the general, here to assist him by scrutinizing the accounts closely. My father, Mr. Jerin Nike Cassia, holds the primary responsibility here. I am, in essence, just a visiting accountant," she said, her voice smooth and reassuring.
"Miss Cassia, you are too kind," replied one of the managers, his head bowing slightly in a deferential nod. Internally, they all scoffed at the idea of her being a mere visitor. After all, the patron behind Bai Lanhua Group, often hailed as the 'Napoleon of the German Business Festival,' Akado Rudolph, wouldn't send someone without significant reason.
"Since I'm here and we're all aware of the formalities, may I inquire why there's been a nearly eleven-dollar discrepancy in the accounts?" Mercedes, as the young woman was named, asked sharply, her gaze piercing as it landed on the senior-most manager present.
"Miss, I assure you that the accounts of Bai Lanhua Group have always been meticulously audited by Mr. Akado Rudolph himself. There have been no discrepancies for years," the manager replied, his voice a mix of defiance and the slightest quiver of fear, as he avoided her intense gaze.
Mercedes chuckled lightly, a sound that seemed at odds with the stern set of her eyes. "I began reviewing my father's company accounts at the age of nine and had taken up bookkeeping by eleven. By thirteen, I was already versed in professional financial knowledge, thanks to a private tutor. Mr. Rudolph, with his exceptional capabilities, has indeed built a vast empire swiftly. He is no fool."
She paused, letting her words sink in, then continued, "If this were a matter of a mere ten or twenty million, I could perhaps discuss it here comfortably. But the consistent yearly disappearance of substantial sums leads me to only one plausible conclusion—Mr. Rudolph is siphoning off these funds himself. Would you agree?"
The manager sighed, a look of relief fleeting across his face as he met Mercedes' gaze. "Miss Mercedes, I have great respect for your expertise, but this issue touches upon Mr. Rudolph's personal matters. I must ask you to refrain from further inquiries."
Mercedes smiled again, her demeanor softening. "A man must have his secrets, they make him all the more intriguing, don't they? The more I learn about Mr. Rudolph, the more fascinating he becomes."
"Regarding the other accounts, there's no need to delve into their veracity for now. As for your share..." She trailed off, watching the managers' reactions.
"Miss Mercedes..." the managers began, a mix of apprehension and relief in their eyes at the prospect of not being ousted from their positions.
"It's settled then. I will take $100,000 for a business trip. No objections, I presume?" Mercedes stated more than asked, as she picked up her luxurious shawl from the coat hanger.
"None at all!" the managers responded almost in unison, relieved at the resolution and their retained positions.
With her assistant carrying a suitcase filled with cash, Mercedes left the headquarters in her sleek Mercedes-Benz, observed by the corporate titans of Bai Lanhua Group. Outside, her father, Jerlin Nike Cassia, watched her departure with undisguised pride.
Akado, on receiving a report on the day's events, smiled and turned to his companion, Fanny. "Now, about the propaganda plans against the Nazi Party's rallies—what specifics did you have in mind?"
Fanny, vibrant and eager, outlined a strategy to escalate their current campaign to a national level, ensuring their message drowned out all others. Akado, however, suggested a more dramatic approach involving the SS and torch-lit marches, which Fanny quickly integrated into her plan, envisioning a grand spectacle.
After Fanny left, Mercedes arrived, her presence commanding as she reported on the financial discrepancies she'd uncovered and managed. Akado, impressed, invited her to dinner, acknowledging her invaluable role not just in finance but in his life.
Mercedes, understanding the complexities of Akado's life, accepted her position with grace, knowing her place in his world was secured not just by her skills but by the personal bond they shared. Akado, recognizing the depth of her understanding and the sacrifices she made, could only admit his indebtedness to her, a sentiment that, while simple, carried the weight of profound respect and affection.