A few days later, it was noon.
Several jeeps slowly drove into Piazza Venezia, with Colonel Phillips and Peggy Carter sitting on them.
This circular square, paved with white marble, is located in the center of Rome and is surrounded by Italian defenders.
They surrounded the Palazzo Venezia, which stood majestically on one side of the square, and even set up machine guns.
It’s no wonder that these Italian guys mobilized their troops and created a shocking and spectacular formation.
The huge commotion in the Venice Palace a few days ago almost made the King of Italy think it was an Allied attack. The air force launched a bombing. He was so frightened that he got up from his bed late at night and stayed awake all night.
Later, it was learned that Hitler had sent people to try to rescue Mussolini. The royal family hurriedly mobilized the army and surrounded the Venetian Palace in the name of protection.
"It seems that Captain Cavell has scared these Italians to death."
Colonel Phillips said with a victor's air.
He opened the car door, stepped out, and looked at the Palazzo Venezia.
Everyone else's eyes were also looking towards the balcony on the second floor.
Mussolini once lived there and delivered his famous "Balcony Speech".
And he spoke those inflammatory lectures to the Italian people and promised many seemingly bright futures.
Now, the dictator has been overthrown and the country has chosen to surrender.
All the good things were gone.
The Piazza Venezia was gradually filled with Italian people.
After a moment, a tall figure came out and stood on the open-air balcony, holding in his hand the Italian dictator who no longer looked as majestic as before.
Mussolini, who once guided the country and was arrogant, was like an eggplant beaten by frost, shrugging his shoulders and being lifted up in humiliation.
He looked at Luke with hatred and fear in his eyes. It was this young Allied captain who ended his dictatorship!
The opponent suddenly rushed into the Venetian Palace like a magic weapon descending from the sky, knocking down all the guards and defeating Hillet's rescue team.
Let yourself, the ruler of Italy, become the prisoner of a little captain!
A cheer soon erupted in the silent square, followed by a roar of warm applause.
Waves of sound followed one after another, with Piazza Venezia as the center, spreading in all directions, from one block to another!
"Liberate Italy! Long live freedom!"
"Down with the dictator! Mussolini is out!"
"Hang him! Hang this devil!"
Amid warm and grand cheers, such slogans continued to emerge, and more people began to gather towards Piazza Venezia.
Everyone looked excited, raising their arms and shouting!
Mussolini's dictatorship led to the prevalence of fascism.
Food is controlled, freedom of speech is banned, people take to the streets to demonstrate every day, and the wave of strikes never stops.
Therefore, in the eyes of the people who lived a miserable life, Luke was not a hateful invader, but a great hero who liberated the country from the dictator!
Well, this is in line with Italians’ character of admiring romance!
"The original decision was indeed the right one."
Luke was very satisfied when he saw the reputation value on the character panel refreshing like a waterfall.
He prefers taking the initiative to completing tasks passively!
When the cheering crowd gradually dispersed, Colonel Phillips took Carter into the Venetian Palace.
The Howling Commandos put away their heavy machine guns in the hall, waiting for condolences from friendly forces.
"Long time no see, Luke!"
Colonel Phillips could no longer maintain his calm expression, and excitedly held Luke's hand.
Looking at him like that, it seems that he wants to take pictures immediately and appear in the newspapers of the Allied Powers with such a legendary figure as soon as possible!
"You really did not disappoint me! Mr. President admires you very much and will award you a medal as soon as he returns to New York!"
Colonel Phillips leaned close to Luke's ear and whispered the news.
Carter's beautiful eyes flashed beside her. She never thought that the young man from Brooklyn who met at the Stark Industry Expo would one day become a war hero of the Allied Powers.
There is nothing more wonderful than this in life's encounters.
Under the instruction of the American military, Luke's name has spread throughout the Allied Forces, and his legendary deeds are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
Compared with Captain America, who stays on stage to sell bonds and perform in costumes to become a household name, a man like Luke who sneaks into a base camp behind enemy lines alone and performs astonishing feats that shock the world is more likely to be recognized by soldiers!
"I just made some small contribution to winning the war for the Allies, just like every soldier fighting on the front lines."
Luke humbly responded to Colonel Phillips' compliments, which made him even more admirable.
A soldier who can remain calm in the face of applause and flowers is exactly the right person to become a general.
…
…
The night is covered with gauze and comes gracefully.
The Palazzo Venezia, which experienced a fierce battle, was renovated and looked brand new after being tidied up by the Italians - if you ignore the destroyed open-air balcony of the bedroom and the collapsed dungeon.
The walls, which looked like a hornet's nest, were repainted and carved with more exquisite patterns.
The marble floor, which was stained with blood, had been cleaned and cleaned, and it was as clean as a smooth mirror.
The fallen crystal chandelier, the damaged Renaissance oil painting, the broken railing... all of them have been restored as before.
Soothing music flows in the air of the Palazzo Venezia.
The princes, ministers, and dignitaries all dressed up and came here as if they were rushing to a ball.
The protagonist of this banquet is naturally Luke, who is dressed in a straight military uniform.
Everyone is curious about what this war hero who led a team alone to break through the city of Rome and liberate Italy looked like.
When they saw Luke, who was tall and straight-backed, they were not disappointed.
His face is stern and his eyes are deep, just like a hero from Greek mythology, which makes people feel impressed.
Although this Allied captain is still very young, his momentum is no less than that of the princes and dignitaries present. No one dares to look down upon him!
—It cannot be ruled out that this is the impact of the "Legendary Man" achievement.
"Guess where the Allies plan to promote you to?"
After drinking and drinking, the host and guest had a great time, as if the war had been forgotten, Luke finished socializing with the royal family members and high-ranking officials, and was pulled aside by Colonel Phillips in his free time.
"Colonel? Or lieutenant colonel?"
Luke held a glass of champagne with a relaxed smile on his face.
I am too young. Even if I have solid achievements, I still lack the qualifications.
You know, the most famous general in American history, Douglas MacArthur, was promoted to major general at the age of forty-five.
Luke knew in his heart that neither the military nor the president could promote him too high at once.
First of all, it will attract criticism and cause dissatisfaction.
Secondly, it is difficult to convince the public, after all, he has no foundation now.
Relying on the reputation of a war hero is not enough to deal with the bosses of various military factions.
What's more, the false name of "hero" can be made up, and it is the most worthless!
"At the beginning, we planned to award you the title of colonel. A colonel officer who is less than twenty years old is enough to reward you, but..."
Colonel Phillips had a cheerful smile on his old face.
"The Italians disagree! Especially the royal family. If just a mere colonel conquers the city of Rome, it will make them lose face!"
The Royal Government of Italy will never accept that a colonel with less than thirty people dared to break into the city of Rome, kidnapped Mussolini in a grand manner, frightened 40 million people, and lived in the Venetian Palace like an emperor to give orders.
This is so embarrassing!
And it will make Italy a laughing stock!
"so?"
Luke raised his eyebrows in surprise, this result was beyond his expectation.
"Congratulations Luke, on becoming the youngest general in U.S. history!"
Colonel Phillips replied. (End of chapter)