Chapter- 24 Ionian islands (Part-3)

23rd January ,1832

Nafpilon, Greece.

Otto was sitting in the diplomatic reception room in Palamidi Fortress with the British diplomat Sir Stratford Canning. The room was decorated in a formal style, with a large table in the center and chairs arranged around it. The walls were lined with paintings of Greek landscapes and historical figures.

"Thank you for coming, Sir Stratford," Otto said. "I am glad we could finally have this conversation."

"It's my pleasure, Your Majesty." Canning said. "I have been also looking forward to this meeting with you. Well, first of all, allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved ascension to the Greek throne."

Otto smiled.

"You can offer your congratulations after the official coronation ceremony concludes. I've already extended an invitation to you, so please make sure to attend the event."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Can I know the purpose behind your summons?"

Canning asked politely.

Otto said. "I am sure you are aware of the situation in the Ionian Islands. The people there are restless, and there have been calls for independence and unification with our country."

"Yes, I am aware," Canning said. "It's a delicate situation."

"I'm concerned that the situation could escalate," Otto said. "I would like to know what your government's position is."

"Our government's position is that we support the status quo," Canning said. "We believe that the Ionian Islands should remain under British control."

"But why?" Otto asked. "The people there don't want to be ruled by Britain. I believe they would feel more content if they were ruled by individuals from their own cultural background. As for why I have this idea, it's because I believe in having a government representative from same culture who can truly understand and advocate for people, ensuring their voices are heard and decisions are made in their best interest, which will provide a sense of security and empowerment."

"I understand that, " Canning said with a small pause. "But we believe that it's in the best interests of the islands to remain under British control. We can provide them with proper stability and security."

Otto frowned and said,

"I disagree. The people of the Ionian Islands are Greek, and they have a right to self-determination. They should be allowed to unite with Greece peacefully, without fear of conflict."

Otto and Canning continued to discuss the situation for a while longer. By the end of the meeting, they had agreed to disagree.

"I will take your concerns into consideration," Canning said. "But I cannot guarantee that the British government will agree to your proposal."

"I understand," Otto said. "But I will not give up until the people of the Ionian Islands are united with Greece. Thank you for your time, Sir Stratford."

"Of course," Canning said. "I wish you all the best in your efforts."

With this, their meeting came to an end.

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Two days later,

Under the shimmering blanket of night, the moon stood proudly overhead, casting its ethereal glow upon the deserted streets. The area that was once crowded with people and activity was now deserted due to the intense protests. Sometimes this stillness was broken by the occasional hoot of owl. Suddenly, a solitary figure emerged, slowly cutting through the darkness with caution in his mind.

The figure was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a long cloak that billowed out behind him as he walked. He wore a hood that obscured his face, but his eyes were sharp and alert. He scanned the area carefully as he walked, taking in every detail. The man reached the edge of the deserted area and paused. He saw two British military men patrolling with guns at the end of the street. He moved with purpose. But he was still careful not to draw attention to himself. He knew that the streets were dangerous, and he didn't want to attract the attention of anyone. So, he hid himself behind a small building skilfully to avoid their detection.

He heard them talking,

"Do you know anything about when will this unrest cease? I am feeling frustrated with this regular night works."

"I also want to know about of it. I think the situation is already in our control. So, it's a matter of time. So, just bear it for now, buddy."

"Everyone has given me same answer as you. I can't even go for drinking."

"Well, now is an emergency situation. So, you cannot do anything about it. You should just focus on catching rats for now."

After they left, he also patiently left that place. He avoided the main streets, sticking to the back alleys and side streets. He kept his head down and his hood pulled up.

Finally, the man reached in front of the entrance of a small and silent tavern. He knocked on the door of the closed tavern for four times consequently. After a brief pause, the distinct sound of footsteps resonated from within, followed by a subtle creak as the door cracked open. As the woman opened the door, she saw him and spoke,

"Leader is expecting you. Follow me."

The man raised his hood and nodded.

"Let's go."

The woman led the man through a maze of underground corridors until they reached a large office. The door was open, and the man could see a man sitting at a desk. The man at the desk looked up as the woman entered.

The man at the desk stood up.

"Thank you," he said to the woman. "You can go now."

The woman nodded and left the office. The man at the desk turned to the man in the cloak.

"Welcome," he said. "I've been expecting you, Sir."

The man in the cloak removed his hood, revealing a face that was lined with worry. He was none other than the personal secretary of British Governor General of Ionian Islands, Elias. He had switched side three months ago when Otto's spy agency offered him the position of administrator of Ionian Islands in exchange for his assistance. Now, he was meeting with the spy who was operating the agency in Ionian Islands.

"I have urgent news," he said, his voice low and urgent, as he revealed two letters to the spy. "The government is preparing to launch a brutal crackdown on the protests. Their intention is to employ violent measures starting from the day after tomorrow, at dawn."

His heart raced with the gravity of the information he carried. He had risked everything to gain access to these confidential documents and now, in the hushed ambiance of the tavern, he hoped that his actions would make a difference. The spy's eyes darted over the letters, absorbing the crucial contents. The tension in the room was palpable as they both understood the implications of the impending crackdown. Time was of the essence, the fate of Ionian Islands hung in the balance.

"We know." he said. "We've been expecting this."

"We need to be prepared," the man in the cloak said. "We need to have a plan."

"We do," the man at the desk said. "We've been planning for this for months. We're ready."

The two men talked for a long time, discussing their plans for the future. They discussed how to organize the resistance, how to distribute supplies, and how to protect themselves from the government's violence.

When they were finished, the man in the cloak stood up.

"Thank you," he said. "I'll be in touch."

The man in the cloak turned and left the office. The man at the desk watched him go, a thoughtful expression on his face.

The man in the cloak had brought important news, and the two men had made some important plans. But the man at the desk knew that the battle was not over yet. The government was still determined to crush the protests, and the resistance would need to be ready for whatever came next.