Empire Rising: Spain

Moreover, both of Garibaldi’s sons were loyal under Carlo’s command. For both emotional and rational reasons, Carlo needed to meet Garibaldi in person.

Unlike the ordinary Italian country old man Carlo saw for the first time, this time when he saw Garibaldi, he was significantly older and more despondent.

But thinking about it, it was normal—Garibaldi was a full thirteen years older than Vittorio Emanuele II, now having reached the ripe age of 70, a veritable senior age.

Seventy years of age in this era was equivalent to ninety years in the future, for the average life expectancy was only thirty to forty years, living long was indeed rare.

Garibaldi was not surprised by Carlo’s arrival because Carlo had sent someone to notify him in advance.

Since Garibaldi was already serving as an Italian parliamentarian, it was impossible for him to spend all his time on Capri.

The reason Carlo informed him in advance was also to prevent a wasted trip.

Seeing Carlo again, Garibaldi felt somewhat sentimental.

When he first got involved with Carlo, Carlo was just an ordinary prince of Italy, only sixteen years old at the time.

But unexpectedly, Carlo succeeded in winning the Spanish election to become the new King of Spain. Not stopping there, after becoming King of Spain, Carlo regained some power through various means and closely collaborated with Spanish Prime Minister Prim, strengthening Spain through reforms.

Although it had been previously established that Carlo had a certain ambition and capability, Garibaldi did not expect Carlo to be this outstanding, able to stabilize his throne in such a short time.

"Long time no see, Your Majesty Carlo." Garibaldi first spoke, smiling as he did.

"Long time no see, Mr. Garibaldi." Carlo nodded in return, stepping forward.

"Time sure flies! We old guys are getting ready to see God." Garibaldi said with a hint of emotion.

"The development of the nation still relies on dedicated contributors like you, maintaining the peace and stability of Italy still needs your effort," Carlo replied.

Although Italy seemed stable, there were still some internal issues.

Currently, Italy could be divided into four parts: the Sardinian Kingdom under the Savoy Family was the first part, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in the south was the second part, Rome formerly under the control of the Pope State was the third part, and the states in Northern Italy were the fourth part.

Among these four regions, the most problematic were the states in Northern Italy.

The southern Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a feudal autocratic state; the Sicilians did not reject Italian rule.

After all, during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, they were subjected to even harsher exploitation and oppression than in the period under Italy.

The industrial and economic backwardness of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, although partly due to a lack of mineral resources, was also significantly influenced by the kingdom’s despotism and corruption.

Unlike the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the states in Northern Italy were relatively developed in industry and economy, and more thoughts and ideologies emerged here.

Republicanism took root and sprouted here, resulting in quite a few advocates of the republican system in Italy. Currently, the biggest issue facing the Kingdom of Italy is these supporters of republicanism attempting to overthrow the kingdom’s rule.

Fortunately, Garibaldi saw the dangers republicanism posed to Italian unification. If Italy’s republican factions were not restricted, they would certainly undermine Italy’s current unified status.

The reason Garibaldi was willing to support Vittorio Emanuele II’s Sardinian Kingdom was precisely due to recognizing the added value monarchy brought to unification.

Monarchy might not be the best solution for Italy, but for a newly unified Italy, it was the easiest way to maintain stability.

The reason Vittorio Emanuele II reappointed Garibaldi when he was seriously ill was to recognize the threat republicanism posed to Italy.

Reliance solely on Crown Prince Umberto made it difficult to fight against Italy’s republicans. However, with Garibaldi’s assistance, suppressing Italy’s republicans was not difficult.

Hearing Carlo’s words, Garibaldi nodded.

The main reason he was willing to come out of retirement after more than a decade was realizing the threat republicanism posed to Italian unification.

This reason was similar to why Spanish Prime Minister Prim chose to maintain the monarchy; only monarchy could safeguard the country’s unity.

If Italy switched to a republican system now, it would inevitably break into several states. This was something Garibaldi, who helped bring about the unification of Italy, most dreaded, so he was willing to continue cooperating with the Savoy Family for Italy’s unification.

"Fortunately, His Majesty Umberto has decent abilities; Italy’s stability and peace can continue," Garibaldi said of Umberto, expressing approval.

Umberto was Vittorio Emanuele II’s carefully trained heir to the throne; his abilities were at least considered competent.

At least during Umberto’s reign, Italy wouldn’t face major issues. But to completely resolve the issues brought by republicans, Italy had to hope for a truly capable and visionary monarch to emerge.

Thinking of this, Garibaldi’s gaze naturally fell on Carlo, with a slight hint of regret in his expression.

In his view, Carlo’s capabilities were superior to King Umberto’s.

Moreover, Carlo was younger, able to remain on the throne longer, and with more time to address Italy’s issues.

But unfortunately, Carlo had become the King of Spain early on, having no connection with Italy.

Garibaldi could only hope that King Umberto’s son, Prince Vittorio Emanuele, could grow into an excellent monarch like Carlo, or at least like his father, King Umberto, to become a competent monarch.

Only in this way could Italy’s throne be steadily passed down and Italy’s situation remain long-term stable.

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