Chapter 240 Politics Trumps All

A few days remained until Valentine's Day in 1941 when a large delegation from the Spanish government arrived in Berlin by a special train. As the "Empire on which the sun never sets" approached its twilight years, the Franco regime, adept at maximizing its own country's interests, quickly abandoned its previous hesitant facade and eagerly embraced the Axis powers' embrace. With Spain ceding land and air corridors and assisting German forces in attacking Gibraltar, Spain and Germany entered a relative honeymoon period, akin to lovers!

Unlike the visit in the year the war broke out, this time the Spanish delegation flaunted their presence, enjoying a warm welcome from both German military and civilians. Although the Franco regime had only partially repaid the enormous debt owed to the German government for weapons and equipment during the Spanish Civil War, relying on its country's strategic resources essential to Germany, especially in the Mediterranean, Spanish military and political representatives continued to make significant purchases in Germany: industrial equipment was ordered in large quantities, spanning various sectors including armaments, mining, textiles, and chemicals. From these procurement lists, it was evident that apart from revitalizing the domestic economy, the development and exploitation of African colonies had also been added to the Franco government's agenda!

In terms of military matters, the Spanish displayed considerable appetite: impressed by the performance of the Bf-109E on the Western Front and in Britain, they requested a purchase of 200 aircraft, which, once equipped, would place the Spanish Air Force far above those of other Western European countries. The German Army's main battle tanks, the Panzer III and IV, also attracted their interest, with a plan to procure 300 units in two years, indicating readiness to confront Portugal, the Vichy regime in southern France, or the Anglo-French colonies in Northwest Africa. On the naval front, owing to Spain's history of purchasing vessels from the British in the early 20th century, there was great interest in the ships left behind by the Royal Navy. Apart from purchasing and dismantling sunken ships like the HMS Queen Elizabeth, inquiries were made about acquiring British vessels captured by the German Navy. Spain also intended to order around 20 advanced submarines from Germany, aiming to transform its aging navy into a regional powerhouse!

The German leadership, from top to bottom, had little interest in Spain's military expansion plans. Some officers, led by Keitel, cautiously believed that Spain's military buildup would threaten Germany's future occupation of Gibraltar and North Africa. Considering the strategic cooperation about to begin with Portugal, they strongly recommended that the German government reject or significantly reduce the procurement proposals put forward by the Spanish representatives.

Initially, at the Führer's behest, German officials presented various reasons or significantly inflated price tags at the negotiating table. However, encountering stubbornness from the Spanish side, they did not give up. While actively lobbying German high command, the Spanish military and political representatives also played the diplomatic game skillfully.

On the third evening after the arrival of the Spanish delegation in Berlin, poor Logan was still pondering how to spend Valentine's Day when General Hernández, the Spanish Air Force Chief of Staff, unexpectedly arrived at his residence. After a series of flattering words, this noble-born Spanish officer finally revealed his purpose: if Logan, as the German Air Force Operations Chief, could facilitate a deal regarding fighter aircraft, he would receive a substantial commission and a luxurious seaside villa in Barcelona!

To demonstrate sincerity, General Hernández presented a palm-sized pure gold cross. Though Logan did not accept it, the gleaming object looked quite heavy. As for the seaside villa in Spain, it would indeed be a perfect retreat after the war. However, due to his aspirations in the military and his distrust of the Franco regime, Logan straightforwardly declined this "bribery," but he informed General Hernández that the possibility of Germany transferring Messerschmitt fighter planes was not entirely hopeless. Whether the cooperation could be achieved depended on Spain's willingness to offer genuine strategic resources!

After seeing off the Spanish general, Logan couldn't shake off the questions and exclamation marks in his mind. Before going to bed, he spent some time in Doreen and Cerise's room, but neither the intoxicating fragrance of the British woman nor the charming French girl in her cute pajamas could evoke his former strong desires. For the first time, he kissed both of them gently on their foreheads with a sense of tranquility. If they were to marry, it wouldn't be proper or ethical to indulge in such varied delights as he did today!

At noon the next day, Berlin Central Station.

Logan, dressed neatly and wearing his medals, had arranged for a team of unarmed Air Force service personnel and four trucks for the Susmann family. When the large Susmann family arrived by train, he realized he had overthought it—they didn't bring as much luggage as some of the East Prussian nobility and wealthy people did. Sixteen people, thirty suitcases; although their thick winter coats made them look somewhat bulky, it perfectly complied with the German government's call for "traveling light."

Interestingly, apart from not broadcasting to the Russians near the border that "our civilians are evacuating to the rear," everything the German government did in East Prussia and Poland was conducted in the open. Even more surprisingly, the Russians didn't seem to mind the German government's actions—perhaps they believed that the bulk of the German army would remain tied down in the mountainous Scottish terrain until the British problem was resolved. It was the Churchill government's intelligence personnel who paid close attention to this and "friendly" reminded the Russians to be wary of the German army's next moves.

"Wow, Hans, are you a general now? That's great! Is my uncle's rank higher than yours?" Monty Susmann, Lucy's younger brother with golden hair who always rode horses, maintained his playful tone. Standing next to Logan, he was almost as tall!

To Monty's question, Logan smiled without answering, going over to pick up a leather suitcase from Lucy's hands. "Must have been tiring on the journey!"

"Not at all!" Lucy, wearing a windbreaker and trousers, had her fiery red hair tied up today. Even under the beige hat, red strands of hair were visible. Happily, she linked her arm with Logan's—a familiar gesture they had developed at the stable. Considering Lucy's height, she looked quite fitting standing next to Logan.

"Hello! Mr. Susmann! Hello! Mrs. Susmann!" Logan politely greeted the couple walking behind, both dressed in light gray clothes, which matched each other perfectly. At that moment, the service personnel rushed forward to "take over" their luggage.

"Hello!" Mr. Susmann, with a lip beard, was somewhat serious-looking, bearing a slight resemblance to his brother, William Susmann, the commander of the 7th Airborne Division.

"Hello there, Hans!" In contrast to her husband's seriousness, Mrs. Susmann, although with deep wrinkles on her face, always gave off a kind and serene vibe when she smiled.

As for the other members of the family, Logan was not familiar with them and merely nodded politely before turning to Lucy and the Susmann couple. "Your accommodation has been arranged. It's in the suburbs, but it's only a 20-minute drive to the city center, so it's quite convenient! I'll arrange for a truck for you, and if you need a driver..."

"Driving is fine for me, and Monty can manage as well, so there's no need to bother!" Mr. Susman didn't beat around the bush, although his tone didn't sound too pleased.

Seeing Mrs. Susman discreetly tug at her husband's sleeve, she smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Hans!"

"No need to thank me!"

Seeing this, Logan suspected that the Susmans might already know something about Dorine and Cerise, which made him feel a bit uneasy.

"Hans, the military has taken over our stables and horses, but they promised me they would take good care of Natasha and Elisa and never send them to the front lines!" Lucy said with a happy smile, her white teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

Logan wasn't interested in the horses, but from Lucy's tone, it seemed that the old "Hans Logan" used to be quite fond of those chestnut mares.

"Oh! If necessary, I can make sure to pay special attention to them!"

"Well..." Lucy shook her head, "I trust they'll keep their promise!"

To Logan, her words seemed like they were meant for him.

Due to the recent influx of people moving from East Prussia and Poland to the capital, security was tight at the train station exit, but for guests personally welcomed by the Chief of the Imperial Air Force, the Gestapo surprisingly showed a cooperative attitude. Just a week ago, a relative of Field Marshal von Bock was excessively scrutinized at the station, prompting the distinguished old general to complain bitterly, but Himmler didn't offer any explanation or apology.

At that moment, Logan didn't dwell on deeper thoughts.

The new residence prepared for the Susman family was located not far from the southern bank of the Havel River, a three-story house built at the end of the previous century. After being repainted and decorated, it looked quite comfortable, especially with a yard the size of a basketball court. Although it was far from the stable, it was still convenient for parking trucks and storing miscellaneous items!

Considering the long journey the Susmans had made from East Prussia, the chef Logan had arranged had already prepared a delicious lunch. Halfway through the meal, Mr. Susman asked seriously:

"Hans, I remember you saying that you would marry our Lucy when the war ended or when you became a general. Is that promise still valid?"

All eyes instantly turned to Logan and Lucy. Lucy, with her fiery red hair, lowered her head, her expression not purely shy, while Logan calmly set down his knife and fork, took a deep breath, and slowly, heavily said:

"This cruel and great war has changed me in many ways, but my true feelings for Lucy have remained unchanged. In fact, I am willing to take responsibility for Lucy and care for her with all my heart and soul, but... I am committed to following the will of the Führer and dedicating my life and soul entirely to Germany!"

With that statement, everyone at the table fell into a long silence, each well aware that their great leader was determined never to marry, so as to devote all his energy to the nation's cause!