Chapter 266

Chapter 266: The Second Restoration of Rome

As the Austro-Hungarian Expeditionary Force diligently prepared for war, the Roman Liberation Coalition Army, comprising the Italian Kingdom Army and Garibaldi Volunteer Army, was advancing towards the city of Rome. At this moment, they were a mere 20 kilometers away from their destination.

"There has been no resistance along the way. It appears that the Italian people and soldiers in the Pope's territory also support our actions. With their backing, this journey to Rome should easily resolve our final obstacle," Italian Kingdom General Cardona optimistically remarked to Garibaldi.

Garibaldi did not disagree, but he was acutely aware that their path had seen minimal opposition not due to the benevolence of Pius IX. Instead, it was because the Pope had concentrated all his forces within Rome. Garibaldi reflected, "Unification is the shared aspiration of the entire Italian nation, but our true adversary has yet to emerge. Only Rome, the papal seat, stands as the final obstacle to Italy's unification. It's also the last stronghold of resistance on our path to unification. Only by capturing Rome can we consider our mission complete."

"Well, you're right, but our army will surely crush them," Cardona confidently asserted.

In Italy, a region obsessed with military power, the Kingdom of Sardinia was considered the most heavily armed, or perhaps the other unified Italian national governments were simply inept.

Facing the Pope's forces alone, Cardona was confident that he, single-handedly, would complete the unification of the great Italian kingdom today, forever etching his name in Italy's history.

Coincidentally, as Garibaldi and Cardona arrived in Rome on August 30, Napoleon III had also withdrawn to the Sedan region. In the previous war, the Hechingen Brigade had already suffered significant losses before their arrival, with nearly one-fifth of their troops wounded. After delivering the decisive blow against France, Ernst had planned to withdraw them, leaving the remaining tasks to Prussia.

...

In the heart of Rome, Pius IX grew increasingly impatient. He paced back and forth in his palace, having received word that the Italian army was closing in on the city.

As he had anticipated days earlier, the flames of war ignited by the Austro-Hungarian Empire had engulfed Italy, yet they remained absent in Rome. With the exception of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's forces in northeastern Italy, which were not making significant moves, the Pope now stood alone in his battle.

Could it be that he had been deceived by the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Pius IX pondered, recalling his recent conversation with Freud. The Austro-Hungarian envoy had never divulged the Empire's specific plans. Had the Austro-Hungarian Empire merely intended to use them as a diversion?

The more Pius IX contemplated, the angrier he grew, coupled with his growing trepidation. The scorching weather only exacerbated his unease. He urgently commanded his subordinates, "Quickly summon Freud's special envoy from the Austro-Hungarian Empire!"

Shortly thereafter, Freud made his way to Pius IX's palace. Seeing Freud, Pius IX clung to this glimmer of hope.

"Your Excellency Freud! You're finally here!" he exclaimed as he grabbed Freud's arm.

"What can I do for you, Your Majesty?" Freud inquired, observing Pius IX's evident anxiety.

What's going on? Is he pretending not to know what's happening? Pius IX felt that he was being played.

With a sense of sorrow, he implored, "Are you denying the good deeds your country has done? Are you reneging on your word?"

Confusion clouded Freud's face. "?" he wondered aloud.

Pius IX continued his lament, "The countries that were promised to join us in boycotting the Kingdom of Italy—why haven't they acted? Didn't you assure us days ago that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would handle everything? You led us to believe that we could prepare in peace. Is it possible that the Austro-Hungarian Empire merely regarded us as disposable pawns? Does faith hold no sway? The Lord shall not redeem you treacherous people!"

"Oh!" Freud was bewildered by Pius IX's outburst. Why had God been dragged into this? And what boycott of Italy by other nations was Pius IX referring to? He had never mentioned any of this.

In a daze, Freud queried, "Your Holiness, what are you saying? Have other countries been involved? Have you been secretly communicating with other nations? Is Spain behind this?"

Pius IX erupted in fury, "Wasn't it the Austro-Hungarian Empire's plan to incite nobles from various countries, who were reluctant to be annexed by the Kingdom of Italy, to rebel against it? Why are you pretending to be oblivious now?"

"None of that is true! Who told you such things? How could I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire's special envoy