Capitolo Secondo: Ambizione (30)

This was going to be a big affair if I managed to sell it to my ‘clients’.

The humongous room, filled with so many paintings, portraits and events, was of a beauty well beyond the common halls of London. It was a symbol of wealth, of power, of imperial control. And, truth be told, I expected no less from this cleverly planned visit. Berlin was already starting to get improved through contracts Made in Heaven had made in the last few years and the ‘miraculous’ recovery of Friedrich III, Kaiser of Germany, by my hand. 1888 was a tedious year as I carefully planned the expansion of the company in Central Europe.

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Switzerland and Romania. All the while dealing with the first few years of my firstborn. Giorno was a joy to the eye, a child that was as mischievous as polite, this behavioral swing depending on the circumstance. All in all, a clever boy that didn’t exceed like some children would, seemingly ‘appeased’ by the care and affection he received most of the time. He wasn’t pampered, even though Hannah would want to just cuddle up with him all day long and almost ignore I existed within her world. It was an amusing thought to rely on at times, but right now my smile was one of craftiness.

1891 was going to be one of the biggest years ever, with the main focus having the Kaiserreich but also the Russian Empire and other large countries as the newest ‘goal’ for Made in Heaven. An ambitious blueprint I had styled for months- no, years before deciding today was going to be the first ‘step’ into the incredibly complex ordeal I had in mind to deal with. Right now, as I sat calmly by a comfortable wooden chair, I provided the two most influential men in the nation a clear explanation of what my offer was and what the large map of Germany was meant for.

“Which is why I seek to reach out to the government of the Kaiser with the intention of creating a commission to oversee the construction of new infrastructure to bolster mobility between German cities,” I hummed calmly, using a thin wooden stick to detail the various white lines connecting all major settlements and minor ones. “The project would be financed by Made in Heaven Gmbh, the German branch of my company, while the government would retain 85% of the entire project’s control.”

“While your company will just retain the leftovers… Do you seek a reduction of the taxes on your company, Herr Joestar?” Otto von Bismark guessed, but I took a moment to actually think about the notion that I had saved his butt from being fired by healing the current Kaiser before answering.

Had I not, the next one would have started to set up pieces for WWI and created me and the world a non-negligible amount of trouble. Obviously I didn’t expect this to calm things up, but it allowed for a chance to avoid the conflict altogether. That, WW2 and the Holocaust. I had high hopes to prevent that and even more. The pogroms were still a thing, but I managed to lessen those in Poland as I got enough favors from the Russian Governor in Warsaw to not do anything too extreme about it. It was a small effort, but actually the best I could get at the moment.

“That would be correct. To further make my offer feasible, I wish to recognize that any monetary acquisition in German land will remain in Germany, within the autonomous branch of Made in Heaven Gmbh.”

“Any particular reason for this move, Herr Dio?” The Kaiser inquired carefully.

“Beyond the betterment of the German people? I have no intention whatsoever to impose London’s ruling over the country if that’s what worries you, your majesty.”

“Herr Krupp mentioned that you sought to broaden trades between Made in Heaven, the main branch, and his company,” The Iron Chancellor argued and my smile could only widen.

“Only Made in Heaven, and mostly through tools that the company requires and doesn’t wish to buy off from France or Russia.”

That answer satisfied any remaining issues before a final verdict. I was confident of success now, especially as I had made it clear how London had little to no influence with the main branch when it comes to where the business is going. In fact, one could rightfully say the opposite was correct: we were in charge of some policies that were tied to London's government. New elections, more support, more power within the Parliament and, eventually, a hand in internal and external affairs.

We had a greater range of action, and no one strong enough to stop us. Or, if there was, not having an interest in stopping us for their own interests. Queen Victoria was more than delighted of the current take approached by Made in Heaven, so much that her own support behind the government stifled any effort from the House of Lord, that part that still opposed the change of course when it came to Imperialism and other affairs of that kind, to force any cabinet’s falls.

“Well… I see no issue with this. In fact, this is a complete win-win situation for us all. Us and Germany,” Friedrich hummed cordially before offering a smile. “We have an agreement, Herr Dio. I shall ask the Kanzler to style the final notes to show this to the Reichstag and then see it enacted with the government’s blessing.”

Bismarck nodded without any doubt behind that choice of action, almost smirking at the advantageous plan. What was left untold but only the Chancellor could pick up was that a large number of workers would be employed with good services. Made in Heaven had brought forth a greater list of workers’ rights that had forced the government to ‘concede to the rightful’ decision. The end result was that an annoyed Bismarck didn’t have to create a socialist uprising, suppress it and then keep the previous rules set to further cause rebellions in Germany. At the same time, he didn’t get to notice how MiH was actually funding the socialists themselves to follow the ‘English Paradigm’ when it comes to reforms. Slowly but surely, I would end up mollifying the country and lessen the chances of wars being caused by it. Small steps, but I knew I could do it just like I did with France, Spain and Italy.

But for now, the first step was dealt with and I could now leave the palace to get to where I had made plans with Hannah to make a rendezvous once I was done with this meeting. The walk was quite lengthy, but uneventful as Berlin was as peaceful as I expected it to be. A pleasant stroll and one that ended on a higher note as I spotted my wife sitting by one of the benches, giggling as she entertained a certain six-years old boy smiling at her, standing in front of her and resting his arms and head on her lap. It didn’t take too long for them both to notice and the little blond bolted from his mother’s side and towards me. I crouched instinctively and I braced for the tackle-hug that was soon to come.

“Papa!” Giorno exclaimed, hair quickly ruffled as I lifted him up and noticed the giddy smile on his face. “Mama had me ride one of the horses!”

“Oh?” I hummed with a curious tone. “Is that so? Did you two have fun?”

“Lots!” The child said before giggling as I had him hugged tightly. “What about you? Had fun?”

“Lots,” I replied jovially before bringing him back to his mother.

“Dear,” Hannah beamed mirthfully and I nodded. “The meeting went well.”

“Yes,” I confirmed while going for a quick hug, a giggling Giorno enjoying being sandwiched between us. “And I guess you had the chance to explore the scenery.”

“Giorno felt the need to explore a lot. So we did and… it could be a nice place to visit for some holidays in the future. Maybe with Jonathan, Erina and little George.”

“Jojo!” Giorno squeaked and I chuckled as I decided to tease him a bit.

“You mean uncle Jojo or cousin Jojo?”

The boy hummed. “Cousin Jojo.”

“And not you, Jojo?”

He huffed. “I am not ‘Jojo’! I’m Giorno.”

This was one of the repetitive situations that just amused me immensely. Only because Giorno was incorrect about it. He was a Jojo, except missing the classic Joestar’s star-like birthmark. But the goodness of heart and determination was all there. And Hannah and I weren’t going to let these beautiful traits be ruined by the cruelty of life. He shall grow happy and become a man of virtue. For the rest, he shall be free of pursuit the goals he seeks to achieve.

“What about Santana?” I asked, noticing just now the towering ‘guard’ wasn’t nearby.

I swiftly spotted an amused look on Hannahs’ face as the woman aimed a finger to where the Pillar Man was and… I could instantly see why she was this entertained by what I just inquired about. Santana had six years of learning about humanity beyond mere first impressions and… the overall result was deeply interesting. Despite retaining his ‘calm and somber’ look wherever he went, his actions suggested that he was slowly growing accustomed to humans and ‘be part’ of that. Truth be told, Kars and his group minus Santana were the ones that decried humans as inferiors, so it would make sense for the former ‘guard dog’ to behave so moderately around new circumstances.

It made me relieved that I had already dealt with the rest of the Pillar Men, using a combination of my Stand, the Spin and Hamon to kill them as they slumbered. There was an effort from Kars to fight back against me, managing to outlive his subordinates by a few minutes despite being bombed with the Ripple, his skin burning and sizzling at the fierce ‘fire’ of the sunlight power. It wasn’t that much of a troublesome skirmish. Desperation motivated Kars, while I was several steps beyond him. He looked surprised by what was happening, asking- no, begging to understand who or what I was. For a moment, I could tell he thought I was a Pillar Man he missed when he murdered his whole race, but then he seemed to accept I was a human. His race, his plans- all dead due to a human.

And right now, as proof of what I deduced through the years about Santana, I could see the ‘small giant’ calmly lifting a few giggling children off the ground and keeping them mid-air. Two police officers were staring at the scene with confusion and awe, clearly unsure on what to do since the man wasn’t doing any sort of crime. Truly entertaining, but there was still much to do before tomorrow so… I decided to deal with this with Hannah.

“So, I suppose you are ready for what comes next, dear,” I half-asked and Hannah nodded.

“Saint Petersburg. Do you think the Tsar will accept your offer to discuss a new infrastructural reform?”

“I got a positive response from the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers. He will listen to what I have to say.”

“Oh? Do I hear arrogance, my dear husband?”

Frowning, I replied with a peck on her lips, inducing a disgusted ‘bleah’ from Giorno. “None of it. In fact, the Chairman is a man that has been looking for means to expand Russian infrastructure to bolster industrialization. Even though he is a protectionist, he knows Made in Heaven will not impose British control over their territory.”

“Hmm, then I guess it’s going to be a fun trip.”

“It would have been whether I got that permission or not. Russia has many monuments and places to visit. Some of which I bet Giorno will like.”

“Really?” The boy asked, enticed by the new cities we were visiting. How many kids could say their childhood was tied to a trip around the known world?

“Really. And you will have to be polite with a few people. Even if they look yucky or mean.”

His lips twitched and he pouted. “I don’t do that.”

A brief staring contest ensued and the child was giggling at a round of tickles, urging some giggling from my own wife in the process and… yes.

The world was my goal now. I staked my ambitions, now I would get those imposed and consolidated. Russia was the next step and then… who knows. There was so much to explore and so many places to visit, but only a few really mattered for my ambitions. For the rest were for my family to enjoy and learn to love.

For this beauty was only going to be groomed into an absolute quality of this crazy and bizarre planet.

Of that, I could swear a full oath on. For myself, my wife, my son and everyone else. A world made by Dio for everyone.