1885, I came to save Greece

Chapter 252 A Kiss in the Ruins Shocks Europe, Great Powers Issue a Note to Greece

A photograph taken by a war correspondent captured Sophia's embrace amidst the smoke and ruins of war. Titled "A Vow on the Ruins," the photograph spread like wildfire across Europe. Constantine and Sophia dominated the front pages of major newspapers. They were the embodiment of "war and love." In Athens, nationalist sentiment reached its boiling point. Citizens took to the streets, waving flags and chanting "Long live the King!" Constantine's fame reached its zenith; he became a national hero of Greece.

However, the atmosphere in the palace was somber and oppressive, a stark contrast to the fervor of the people. Three strongly worded joint diplomatic notes were delivered to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the ambassadors of Britain, the Second German Empire, and Tsarist Russia, respectively. The notes were strikingly consistent: demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the withdrawal of Greece to its pre-war borders. Otherwise, the powers would take "necessary joint action."

In the dimly lit study of King George I, his knuckles turned slightly white as he held the several diplomatic notes in his hand. He handed them to Constantine, his voice filled with worry: "Connie, this is the final ultimatum."

Inside the British Embassy, ​​Sir Charles Harding sat at a large desk, a newspaper with a photograph of "The Vow on the Ruins" in front of him. Liaison Officer Major Lionel Harrison stood beside the desk. Harrison said, "Princess Sofia has successfully portrayed herself as a national saint, binding the interests of the Royal Family and the common people together."

Sir Harding put down his cigar. His eyes were icy: "Then we must make it clear to her that the Holy Maiden is worthless in the face of absolute power. We must unite all forces we can to crush his will once and for all."

Ignoring the Foreign Ministry's panic, Constantine unexpectedly extended a private invitation, in the name of the Crown Prince, to the ambassadors of the three countries. He invited them to Tatoy Palace the following day for an "informal dialogue on the future peace of the Balkans." This proactive move left everyone puzzled.

At a horse farm on the outskirts of Athens, German Ambassador Baron von Schneider and Russian Military Attaché Vasily Orlov held a secret meeting. Schneider represented Germany's position, hoping for stability in the Ottoman Empire to contain Russia. Orlov, on the other hand, hoped Greece would escalate the situation so Russia could take advantage of the chaos. The two temporarily reached a consensus on the point that "a ceasefire in Greece is necessary." Each harbored their own ulterior motives and remained wary of the other.

Constantinople, Topkapi Palace. Ottoman Foreign Minister Said Harim Pasha received assurances from the British ambassador that the great powers would unite to contain Greece. He confidently reported to the Sultan that the Greek offensive was nearing its end and the empire was about to have a chance to recover.

On the eve of the meeting, Sophia straightened Constantine's uniform. She pinned a small Prussian eagle insignia to his collar. She whispered, "My brother Wilhelm, in his letters, is more concerned about the performance of Krupp artillery in mountain warfare than about my health. Baron Schneider is the same." With a single sentence, she highlighted the core demands of the German Empire.

The next day, outside Tatoy Palace, the ornate carriages of the three ambassadors arrived one after another. Reporters were kept at a distance. Their cameras captured the ambassadors' somber and grave expressions. All of Europe's attention was focused on this small palace.

Constantine, dressed in a crisp marshal's uniform, stood at the entrance to the conference hall to personally greet them. He showed no sign of the awkwardness of being forced into negotiations; his demeanor was composed, as if he were entertaining a familiar guest. He shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with each ambassador. His calm and collected demeanor made the previously aggressive ambassadors feel a slight unease.

Sir Harding shook Constantine's hand. His hand was firm. Constantine's gaze fell on Sir Harding, a smile on his face.

"Sir, welcome to Tatoi Palace. I hope the air here is less noisy than in Athens," Constantine said.

Sir Harding said, "Your Highness, only an atmosphere of peace can truly restore tranquility to the Balkans."

Constantine turned to Baron Schneider: "Baron, it is a great honor to meet you. I hope His Majesty the Emperor is in good health and all is well."

Baron Schneider said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. His Majesty the Emperor is in good health." He looked Constantine up and down.

Constantine finally looked at Captain Orlov. His gaze swept over the captain's uniform.

"Captain, Russian vodka is said to dispel all sorrow. Today, the palace's wine cellar is open to you," Constantine said.

Captain Orlov said, "I will remember Your Highness's kindness. The arrival of peace requires Your Highness's wisdom."

Constantine greeted each of the ambassadors. He led them into the meeting room, which was elegantly furnished with a fireplace. A long table was placed in the center, covered with a large map of the Balkans. Constantine gestured for the ambassadors to be seated. He himself stood before the head of the table, his hands resting on the edge of the map.

An attendant served tea and refreshments. Constantine gestured for the attendant to leave. The doors to the meeting hall closed.

Constantine glanced at the three ambassadors. His smile remained unchanged.

"Your Excellencies, the situation in the Balkans is affecting the nerves of the whole of Europe. As a member of this land, Greece desires peace more than any other country," Constantine said.

Sir Harding said, "Your Highness, your army is on Ottoman territory. It is hard to believe that Greece is sincere in its pursuit of peace."

Baron Schneider said, "Military operations must cease. Otherwise, the balance of power in Europe will be completely disrupted."

Captain Orlov said, "Your Highness, our Orthodox brothers should not shed any more blood. His Majesty the Tsar desires stability."

Constantine said, "Stability? Gentlemen, we all know that the stability of the Ottoman Empire was built on the blood and tears of millions of Greeks and Slavs. Such stability was a sham."

He traced the locations of Epirus and Crete on the map with his finger.

"The Greek people in these places yearn to return to their homeland. Our army is simply responding to their call," Constantine said.

Sir Harding interrupted Constantine. He said, "Your Highness, no nation can use national self-determination as a pretext to wantonly violate the sovereignty of another. International law is inviolable."

Constantine said, "International law? Our army has achieved a decisive victory at Epirus. Our army is capable of defeating the main Ottoman force at Thessaly. Doesn't such a victory say something?"

Baron Schneider said, "Victory is one thing, the international order is another. Your Highness, the great powers of Europe will not allow a rising power to disrupt the old order."

Captain Orlov said, "Greek military action has threatened the security of the Black Sea. Russia cannot stand idly by."

Constantine said, "Gentlemen, I think what we are discussing here is not whether Greece should cease fire, but how to cease fire. And how to ensure that the Balkans can truly achieve peace after the ceasefire."

He picked up the pen on the table and gently tapped it on the map.

"Peace requires strength to maintain. A strong and stable Greece is the cornerstone of peace in the Balkans," Constantine said.

Sir Harding said, "Your Highness's idea is far too naive. Peace in the Balkans is maintained by the great powers together."

Constantine said, "Maintainment? Every attempt by the great powers to maintain their dominance in the Balkans has been accompanied by bloodshed and conflict. We've had enough. The Greeks have the ability and the determination to fight for a just future for themselves."

Baron Schneider said, "Your Highness, do not misjudge the situation. A joint note from the three great powers carries sufficient weight."

Captain Orlov said, "That's right. Your Highness, pulling back from the brink is the choice of a wise person."

Constantine did not argue. He stepped back. He looked at the map.

"Gentlemen, before we discuss how to achieve a ceasefire, I would like to hear whether you have a full understanding of the situation in Greece on the Epirus front," Constantine said.

Sir Harding said, "Our intelligence indicates that the Greek army, though making progress, is exhausted. They are facing supply difficulties and heavy casualties."

Constantine said, "Oh? At the end of its rope?" He walked to the map and pointed to the Epirus region.

"Our army has deployed its newly formed elite troops to Epirus. They are well-equipped and highly trained. The Ottoman 2nd Corps, which served as the reserve force in Epirus, has been largely disintegrated," Constantine said.

Baron Schneider said, "His Highness's information seems to differ somewhat from what we have received."

Constantine said, "Perhaps the information is outdated. But that's alright, I've prepared a small 'gift' for you all today."

He clapped his hands. Captain Alexandros opened the door, holding several documents. He distributed the documents to the three ambassadors.

The documents consist of hand-drawn battle maps and detailed battle reports. They mark the Greek army's advance route, the Ottoman army's retreat, and precise casualty figures. More importantly, they contain detailed data on the performance of Krupp artillery in actual combat.

Baron Schneider took the document. He flipped through it. His eyes swept over the numbers in the battle report.

Sir Harding also looked through the documents. He saw the topographical maps and troop deployments.

Captain Orlov observed very carefully. His gaze was fixed on the retreat route of the Ottoman army.

Constantine said, "This battle report is the latest compilation from our military observation team. It accurately reflects the situation on the front lines."

Baron Schneider said, "The battle report is very detailed. Your Highness, did you review it yourself?"

Constantine said, "Yes. Every word, every punctuation mark, has been reviewed by me."

Sir Harding put down the documents. He said, "Your Highness, this will not change the position of the great powers."

Constantine said, "Of course not. But at least it will give you a clearer understanding of the future of the Balkans."

He walked back to the map. His hand gently traced its surface.

"Greece is not a small country that can be easily bullied. We have the strength and the determination to rewrite our own destiny," Constantine said.

Captain Orlov said, "His Highness's determination is impressive."

Constantine said, "So today's meeting is not about whether Greece should cease fire, but about how to bring about a new order in the Balkans under the strength of Greece."

He looked at the three ambassadors. There wasn't a trace of a smile on his face.

"Welcome, gentlemen, to my palace," Constantine said.