Tyranny of Steel

Nearly five hundred thousand people had gathered in the streets of Kufstein to witness the Victory Day Parade, which was being broadcasted across the Reich via radios that were gifted by the Crown to every major beer house.

The soldiers were lining up in their ceremonial uniforms, which were based upon the designs used during the German Unification Wars. The Black and gold outfits were on full display as the individual soldiers proudly marched through the streets. 

Those who were high ranking had specialty plumed pickelhaube helmets, which swayed with the slight breeze on this warm summer's day. Each soldier had a Gewehr 25 shouldered in his arm, with its bayonet attached as they moved forward to the beat of the drums. 

Many of the citizens of Kufstein recalled previous military parades that had been used to celebrate great victories. However, something was different this time around, something that shocked the city's inhabitants. As the Infantry passed by the crowds of people, some terrifying new devices followed them 

A total of two Panther Tanks and two Fuchs IFVs drove behind the Infantry, displaying the next generation of warfare to the people of Germany and Europe's monarchs. More than one of the foreign Kings dropped their jaw when they saw the massive hunks of steel propel themselves through the streets. 

Following behind these armored prototype vehicles was a fleet of five-ton trucks, which were equally as impressive as the armored vehicles. Why was this? Because each and every one of these trucks was towing the new artillery pieces behind them. 

The people of Germany could see before their eyes the devices that Berengar would use to bring the world underneath his rule, and they could not help but cry out in cheers. Eventually, the Parade winded its way to the Reichstag, where the foreign Monarchs stood waiting for their host's arrival. They thought for sure he was taking part in the Parade, but there had been no sight of the Kaiser or his family until now. 

The people of Germany were starting to become quite worried about the Kaiser's absence until they noticed the sky darken. For the entire day, so far, the weather had been bright and sunny without a cloud in sight. So why now was the sky darkening all of a sudden? Most people began to pull out their umbrellas, expecting a sudden storm. That is until a young boy in the audience pointed to the sky above and screamed as loud as he could.

"Oh my God! What is that!"

One by one, the crowds that had gathered around the city stared into the air to see what was blocking the sun. Only to find that the day was still as bright as ever, instead a behemoth of an airship was preventing the light from shining upon the city.

The miracle of flight was on full display as a rigid airship the size of the Graf Zeppelin flew proudly through the air. The people of Germany could hardly believe their eyes. Had Germany conquered the skies?

Among the guests who were in the city for the event was Sultan Salan of the Timurid Empire. He gazed upon the Zeppelin with complete and total fear in his heart. The words of the Kaiser flooded his mind as he recalled what Berengar had once said to him. 

"I simply have superior artillery. In a world where man can not own the skies, artillery is the most important weapon on the battlefield."

The Sultan, like many in the audience, could not help but mutter a silent prayer as he thought about what this meant. He had invested significant time and resources into the development of artillery. After hearing Berengar's words, and witnessing how effective artillery was in the recent Crusade, he was certain he could rebuild his army to rival any in the world. However, that dream was instantly dashed the moment he saw the Rigid Airship. Not only was the magnificent vessel blotting out the sky, but there was a notable painting on its sides.

On the left side of the airship was a painting which displayed the stunning beauty of the second Empress Linde von Kufstein, who took a glamourous pose. The people genuinely did not know how such a lifelike painting could be emblazoned on the side of such a massive vessel. However, those who were lucky could witness a similar scene on the other side, depicting Kaiserin Adela von Kufstein in an equally alluring posture. 

Aside from the two heaven defying beauties, there was the city of Kufstein and the Tyrolean Alps painted behind them. As if the two women were posing while overlooking the capital of the Reich. This painting was a true masterpiece of propaganda and the people could not cheer enough. 

Eventually the Airship stopped above the Reichstag, where it was tied onto a nearby mooring station that had been established for the sake of the ceremony, and brought down to the ground, where the Kaiser and his family departed from inside the vessel. 

The people of Germany continued to cheer, as Berengar waved to them all before stepping foot on the highest steps of the Reichstag, where the monarchs of Europe kneeled around him in a giant circle. One by one, he called them up to sign a treaty with him. In the end, all of Europe's Catholic Kings except for Aubry signed the treaty, officially bringing an end to the war that had been in a state of armistice for two months. 

Once the last man had given his signature to the treaty which pertained to his country, Berengar stepped up to a podium where a microphone sat waiting for his speech. The words he spoke on this day would be remembered throughout history as the first recorded speech of any politician.

"I gaze upon you all, my people. The German people, and I can only smile at the thought of how far we have all come. Many of you already know this, but ten years ago I was nothing more than the spoiled son of a small time feudal noble. This city that we have all built together was but a small agricultural town ruled by my father, Baron Sieghard von Kufstein. 

Yet, throughout the years, we have all worked together to build the greatest city in the world. One whose only rivals are seen throughout the rest of the Reich. It has been my dream, since that day I came so close to death near Wildschönau, to unite the German People into a single Empire, one that has no equal in this world or its history.

However, as I fought alongside the men you see here today in uniform, towards that purpose. The Papacy and their pawns sought to prevent our rise as a people at all costs. Through years of proxy wars, the Pope prepared to invade our lands, and butcher our people, and for what? Because we have a different interpretation of the bible? Surely that is the lie that the Church has said in the past. However, the reality was that our unification as one people, and one empire, posed a threat to the power that the Papacy as an institution had wielded for centuries.

Because of that, we have not only fought against each other, but also against all the Catholic Kingdoms of Europe. Culminating into the massive invasion of our borders that these men who stand before you today, and many others, have bravely prevented through the might of German steel and ingenuity!

For the first time in history, an army of a million men was gathered for a single purpose: to crush the reich, and yet despite their numerical advantage, our enemies could not step a single foot into our borders! We showed the world that a unified Germany has never been, nor shall ever be, defeated! The men you witnessed just now signing these treaties are the heirs of those foolish kings who marched their armies onto our lands, at the behest of the Pope.

However, the papacy is gone, and so too are its pawns. Now I am a merciful man, and because of that, the only lands I have taken in this campaign are those that rightfully belong to the German people! I could have marched my armies across all of Europe and put every man, woman, and child to the sword. But that is not who we are!

It is the dawn of a new era, a German era! Because of this, the old families who have fought and conspired against us all for the past decade are stepping down, and in their place, German houses, whose loyalty is to the Reich and its Kaiser, shall rule over the Kingdoms of Europe! Come, celebrate with me, as I reward the men who have made this reality possible through their blood, sweat, and tears!"

Upon hearing Berengar's epic speech, the crowd of German citizens erupted into thunderous applause. Every soldier in the parade threw up their salutes to the Kaiser and responded with their chants.

"For Kaiser and Fatherland!

After Berengar returned his soldier's salute and responded with a quick "Hail Victory!", he walked over to a nearby page and grabbed hold of the first box that was waiting for him. From this moment forward, he would begin providing medals to those who were most influential in this victory.