Mercedes prepared breakfast for Arcado herself, but the meal was a modest one, featuring only two slightly overcooked omelets alongside two slices of store-bought bread. This simple breakfast made Arcado reflect on the fact that no woman is omnipotent, and it also seemed to intentionally maintain a certain distance between them.
"My dear," Arcado began as he cut into his fried eggs, "lately, Krupp has been rather overzealous. While I appreciate his dedication to the factory's interests, he must exercise restraint! I need you to travel to the Ruhr area and speak with him on my behalf."
Mercedes, sitting across from him with her chin rested on her hand, gazed at her husband with a look of affection. "I can arrange for a flight this afternoon," she replied.
"No, darling! Don't worry," Arcado responded, almost choking on his food and coughing twice before continuing. "We should at least enjoy our time as newlyweds! I can't bear the thought of being apart. You need to take some rest. My God, I want to come home every day to see you!"
"I'll be waiting for you at dinner!" Mercedes replied, her smile widening, clearly delighted by Arcado's words and basking in the joy of their new marriage.
...
The external signs of Germany's prosperity under the rule of the Great German Party were evident to even the most casual observer. Construction was booming everywhere, smiles of contentment adorned people's faces, and the newly built highways stitched the cities together. Factory chimneys belched black smoke as production plans improved daily. The gross national income had nearly doubled over four years, and unemployment had plummeted from 6.5 million during the Weimar Republic to under one million.
However, despite these advancements, there were still significant issues. Workers often found it difficult to purchase necessary goods due to chronic shortages and frequent disruptions in the supply chain. The Great German Party had repeatedly emphasized the importance of agriculture in parliament, yet the production of agricultural products continued to decline. From 1935 to early 1936, the reduction in grain exports from the Soviet Union to Germany had led to a grain shortage, causing unrest in some regions.
The economic advisor Schacht had urged Arcado to scale back military expansion and war preparations, arguing against excessive military spending. However, his advice went unheeded by other senior leaders of the Great German Party, leading Schacht to resign from his position overseeing foreign currency exchange and merchandise imports. He handed these responsibilities over to Krug, the second-ranked official in the party.
Krug, under the influence of the party, had unexpectedly doubled the defense expenditure, with Germany spending over 15 billion in 1936 alone, accounting for 15% of the nation's GDP. In April of that year, Krug was entrusted by Arcado with full responsibility for the "4-year preparation plan" announced at the annual Congress of the Great German Party in Hanover. In May, Arcado detailed this ambitious plan in a memo to Krug, emphasizing the growing international security threats and Germany's role in safeguarding Europe. He spoke of securing reliable sources of raw materials and, if necessary, occupying their places of origin. The plan also called for the development of new living spaces for Germany's burgeoning population and the strategic stockpiling of materials to boost domestic production and prepare the military within four years.
As Germany embarked on this wartime economic plan, Krug and his associates took control of the nation's trade production, which had far-reaching effects on the economy. Arcado, in his speeches, stressed the importance of unrestricted armament reorganization, declaring that the "final decisive battle" was near and that all obstacles must be overcome with tanks and aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Great German Party launched an intense propaganda campaign. Nationwide initiatives like the scrap metal recycling drive and the conversion of gardens and parks into vegetable plots were promoted to address the growing food shortages. Propaganda teams encouraged people to replace luxurious foods with cheaper alternatives, fostering a spirit of sacrifice among the compliant German populace.
During an internal meeting of the Great German Party, Fanny, an assistant, quoted the head of state: "We can live without butter, but not without weapons; we love peace, but we do not use bread to shoot, we need guns!"
The storm of activity within the Nazi Party eventually subsided, and Arcado found himself in a meeting with Hitler, who was visibly trembling. The two old friends and rivals, who had known each other since World War I and had vied for the future of the German nation since 1920, faced each other in a tense, uncomfortable silence.
"Would you like something to drink?" Arcado asked, breaking the silence.
"Are you mocking me? Do you think I'm here today because I've failed?" Hitler retorted, his gaze chilling.
"Adolf," Arcado sighed, looking at Hitler with a mix of concern and frustration. "We are both fighting for the future of this country. Does it really matter who wins or loses between us?"
After a long stare, Hitler seemed to relax slightly, leaning back on the sofa. "Akkado, I've always thought you were a formidable person. Only today must I admit that I cannot surpass you."
"The tactics of transferring hatred and nationalistic fervor were always beneath us. I wished you hadn't resorted to them, but you wouldn't listen," Arcado lamented, reminiscing about their past. "I miss the days when we were both in the field hospital."
"Back then, I admired you as one would admire an emperor," Hitler said wistfully, recalling those years. "You never disappointed me. Now, you are the 'Head of State' of this country."
He stood up, looking at the tricolor flag of the Weimar Republic hanging behind Arcado. "This flag is truly ugly, but I like the title you've taken... 'Head of State'. If I ever become the head of state of Germany, I'll use my own designed flag."
"I'll make that happen for you," Arcado replied thoughtfully. "In a few days, I will issue an order to commemorate the countless Germans deceived by the scoundrel Adolf Hitler. Germany will adopt the 4D flag as its national flag."
"Damn it, I've been hated all my life... when I die, I'll be betrayed by my friends," Hitler said bitterly as he paced in front of Arcado, his voice breaking. "Are we still friends, Akkado? After all this, you'll treat me like a traitor to the death."
"If we are still friends," Arcado responded softly, "then you should tell me who supported your plan to hinder my progress in Germany, who turned you into an enemy of the German people."
"It doesn't matter who it was anymore," Hitler dismissed with a snort. "Remember our oath, Akkado? Rudolph! Lately, I've been dreaming of hiding in a basement, surrounded by the sound of cannons, having to shoot myself to avoid capture... I hope that's not how you meet your end."
"I will march forward over corpses!" Arcado declared resolutely. "I will not look back or falter. If my actions cause suffering to the German people, I will join you in hell. But if destiny leads my people to glory, I will persevere through all hardships until my death."
"You know I've always wanted what's best for Germany, right?" Hitler suddenly asked, looking up.
"Yes, I know. You've always wanted what's best for Germany," Arcado acknowledged, realizing that not all actions deemed bad were done with bad intentions. Some were merely the result of extreme and narrow views, the aspirations of being a national hero without regard for the lives of others.
"Will killing me as a traitor unite the German people more? Make them fight harder?" Hitler questioned further.
"There's no other way, Adolf! Your death will save many Germans," Arcado affirmed.
"The French secretly support the Nazi Party. The evidence is in an apartment on Berliner Strasse," Hitler revealed as he walked toward the door, his steps heavy. "The Crown Prince of the Netherlands is also involved. I hope you keep your promise to me."
"Thank you! We will always be friends..." Arcado murmured, rubbing his eyes as he watched Hitler leave.
...
On the execution platform, the judge addressed the condemned man. "As a Communist international activist who incited conflict among the people, you have been sentenced to death for murder, treason, corruption, and attempts to split the country. Do you have anything to say?"
"I dedicate my loyalty to the longevity of my nation! I hope my death spares this nation from suffering. Long live Germany!" Hitler proclaimed boldly in front of the assembled crowd of over 500 civilians.
"So, execute!" the officer commanded.
As the order was given, Hitler raised his hand and shouted, "Long live the head of state!"
The gunshots rang out, marking the end of Adolf Hitler, a controversial figure who had shaped history, now exiting the world's stage.