"Perhaps we should yield to the Germans' demands! Though it would damage our prestige, at least we would avoid an attack. This might be the best outcome for the Kingdom," said Alfonso XIII.
It was clear that, after being intimidated by the German ambassador, his stance had shifted towards compromise with the Germans.
"Your Majesty, if we yield to the Germans, Spain will become the laughingstock of the world. Our reputation will be shattered, and it is likely to stir domestic unrest, sparking another wave of uprisings against the government. The consequences would be dire," Count Romano Nes expressed with concern.
A look of inner conflict crossed Alfonso XIII's face. At such a pivotal moment, his indecision once again surfaced. For a ruler without resolve, it was exceedingly difficult to navigate such a complex situation and make a decision.
"Your Majesty, the German ambassador has spoken with great severity, but perhaps that is precisely to show that they lack the resolve to go to war with us. They are merely trying to intimidate us into agreeing to their terms. If we capitulate now, we will have fallen into their trap," said Presto.
"Is that truly the case?" Alfonso XIII asked, visibly uncertain.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should wait and gather information from other sources before making our decision," Presto suggested.
"Very well, gather information and report back to me as soon as possible. The Germans have not given us much time," Alfonso XIII said anxiously. He had a nagging sense that his country was on the brink of a massive crisis, and a single misstep could lead to its downfall.
Count Romano Nes and Presto left the palace, hoping to glean further intelligence through their channels.
Romano Nes sent word to the British ambassador, seeking to obtain more information from the British. After all, for the ten million marks offered by the British, he was willing to make every effort.
The meeting took place in a discreet café. The British ambassador was not alone—he was accompanied by the American ambassador. The changing situation in Spain had piqued American interest.
As the only nation capable of rivaling Germany in power, the United States, while slightly weaker than Germany, still possessed considerable strength. If any country could pose a threat to Germany's dominance, it was undoubtedly the United States. However, in the competition with Germany, the United States had always been at a disadvantage. While it worked to bolster its own power, especially its military strength, the United States also sought to undermine Germany covertly, weakening Germany's position.
The British intervention in Spain was similarly supported by the Americans. The Americans hoped for a war between Spain and Germany, knowing full well that Spain, given its strength, would be no match for Germany. However, if they could solidify the accusation that Germany was ruthlessly invading weaker nations, it would deal a severe blow to Germany's already tarnished reputation. The United States would then have the opportunity to expand its influence in other countries, accelerating its own growth. In time, surpassing Germany might not be as difficult as it once seemed.
When Presto saw the American ambassador, he furrowed his brow, increasingly convinced that this situation was a large trap. If possible, he wished this incident had never occurred. He even considered returning the money he had received from the British ambassador. But Presto knew that such a course of action was impossible.
"How fortunate that the two of you should be together?" Presto asked.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is purely coincidental. When you sent word to me, the American ambassador was already visiting. He sympathizes with the plight of your country, and so he has joined me in offering all possible assistance to the Spanish government," replied the British ambassador.
Such words were hardly convincing. Presto was no child, and he understood perfectly well the nature of this collaboration. Clearly, the British and Americans were conspiring together. It was no surprise—after all, the British had fled to Canada, and without American protection, they would have been unable to establish themselves there. Naturally, such an alliance was inevitable.
Presto nodded, not wishing to dwell on the matter. There was little point in further discussion.
"Excellencies, just recently, the German ambassador formally issued a threat of war. He proposed leasing Gibraltar for ninety-nine years at the price of one mark, a request that our government resolutely rejected. Now, the Germans are likely enraged, and we can expect them to declare war on us soon," said Presto.
"Hmph! The Germans remain as domineering as ever. Even before the last war had ended, they were behaving this way. Now, with the world war over, they continue in the same manner. They show such utter disregard for the other nations!" the American ambassador exclaimed, clearly indignant.
"Who can blame them? Germany is the world's dominant power now. They strike at whomever they wish, and other countries are powerless to stop them—they must simply endure," said the British ambassador.
The banter between the British and American ambassadors made Presto's expression darken further.
"Excellencies, our Majesty is nearly unable to withstand the pressure from the Germans. I fear he will soon capitulate to their demands," Presto said, his voice heavy with frustration.
The British and American ambassadors exchanged a glance. If the Spaniards were to back down so easily, it would not serve their interests.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs, the United States strongly disapproves of Germany's actions. The American government will issue a stern condemnation, and we will rally other nations to do the same, applying international pressure. I believe, under the weight of global condemnation, Germany will hesitate to invade Spain," the American ambassador declared.
Clearly, the American ambassador was offering to back Spain. However, Presto was not convinced that Germany would be deterred by mere international censure.