Chapter 0175: The Resolve of a Small Nation

King Albert I gazed at the German ambassador, his eyes ablaze with fury. The ambassador's words were nothing less than a blatant threat to the Kingdom of Belgium, a flagrant affront to their dignity.

Albert I longed to issue an immediate order for the ambassador's execution to alleviate his indignation. However, he understood that such a course of action would lead to irreparable consequences.

The other ministers in the Belgian government wore expressions of discontent; they perceived the Germans' utter disdain for their sovereignty.

"Your Excellency, the Kingdom of Belgium is a neutral nation, and we intend to maintain that neutrality throughout this conflict. Our sole wish is to remain unscathed by the ravages of war," Prime Minister Brockville stated.

King Albert I nodded in agreement; for a small nation like Belgium, avoiding involvement in a devastating war was paramount. They had no pretext to participate in such a grand conflict, and if drawn into it, they risked being utterly crushed.

A smirk of derision played upon the ambassador's lips. In his view, the Belgians were being naively optimistic. Their fate was no longer in their hands.

"Your Majesty, esteemed Prime Minister. The German Empire hopes that Belgium will join the Allies and fight alongside us. We assure you that, after victory, the spoils of war destined for Belgium will be considerable," the ambassador continued.

His orders were twofold: first, to persuade Belgium to allow German forces passage; if that failed, to invite them to join the Allies. Should Belgium refuse both propositions, Germany would resort to military action to achieve its objectives.

"Join the Allies?" King Albert I was taken aback by this unexpected proposition. However, he harbored doubts about whether the Allies could decisively defeat the Entente powers.

Many of Belgium's military and political leaders were pro-British. Convincing them to oppose the Allies would be a daunting task.

Yet, should they refuse to join, they risked becoming the first target of German aggression. Belgium simply could not withstand such an onslaught.

King Albert I's thoughts were in turmoil, uncertain of the best path forward.

"Your Excellency, may we have time to deliberate?" he asked.

"Of course, that is entirely reasonable. You have 24 hours to consider. Should Belgium fail to provide a satisfactory response, the German Empire will interpret it as a rejection of our goodwill. I trust you are aware of the potential consequences," the ambassador warned, his threats veiled in false politeness.

"Are you suggesting that Germany will invade Belgium? We are a neutral nation, and such an act would invite international condemnation," Prime Minister Brockville retorted angrily.

The ambassador merely smiled, offered a bow to King Albert I, and departed the palace.

The mood among Belgium's military and political leaders plummeted; they had not anticipated such an audacious threat from Germany.

"Gentlemen, the Germans have granted us merely 24 hours to decide. What shall we do?" King Albert I inquired.

"Sire, we cannot yield to German threats. They claim not to endanger our safety, yet their actions clearly threaten the Kingdom of Belgium!" Prime Minister Brockville declared, his anger palpable.

"Are you suggesting we reject the Germans outright? If we do, they will surely attack us," King Albert I expressed his concerns, acutely aware of the vast disparity in military might.

"Even if war is the outcome, so be it! Belgium may be small, but we are not lacking in courage. To defend our independence and interests, we would rather die fighting than capitulate to the Germans!" Brockville asserted resolutely.

"Indeed, the dignity of Belgium is non-negotiable. If the Germans wish to traverse our land, they will do so over our dead bodies! Otherwise, they shall not pass!" the Minister of War echoed, affirming his stance.

The gathered generals expressed their readiness to fight to the last breath for Belgium's honor, moving King Albert I deeply and igniting a fire of determination within him.

"Very well, if this is the consensus, we shall formally reject the Germans' unreasonable demands tomorrow. Even if it leads us to war, we shall stand firm!" King Albert I proclaimed.

"Long live Belgium!" the ministers and generals shouted in unison.

"Minister of War, reinforce the garrison at Liège. Should the Germans attack, that fortress will undoubtedly be their primary target," King Albert I ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Our forces will be mobilized immediately. The first contingent of 30,000 troops will head to Liège, where they will bolster the existing 6,000 defenders. This should afford us some time against the Germans, though halting their advance completely is nearly impossible given our disparities," the Minister of War admitted with reluctance.

King Albert I nodded, recognizing the harsh reality they faced.

"Minister of Foreign Affairs, urgently seek aid from Britain. If Germany launches an offensive against Belgium and we cannot withstand it, it would spell disaster for both Britain and France, as well as the entire Allied cause. I believe that neither nation will stand idly by while we are defeated and occupied by the Germans. If we can hold out long enough, ultimate victory will be ours!" King Albert I placed his hopes squarely on the shoulders of the British and French.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the Foreign Minister, Coleman, replied with a firm nod.