Chapter 1258 Peaceful Reception

The vanguard of Austria took over Barcelona, ​​the most important city in Catalonia, without any surprise.

In fact, Friedrich personally disliked Franz's approach. After all, it was a bit mean to occupy a region by conspiracy and intrigue instead of bloodshed and sacrifice.

But Friedrich also knew that Franz was right.

Otherwise, even if he did not take the Spanish fleet seriously, if the defenders defended the port fortress, the Austrian Empire Fleet would inevitably suffer some damage.

At this time, if the British, French and Spanish fleets were outflanked from behind, it would indeed be possible to defeat the main force of the Austrian Imperial Navy.

But if it was a frontal battle, the possibility would not exceed 1%. At this time, the Austrian Imperial Navy was in an absolute advantage in the Mediterranean.

In terms of intelligence, the Austrian Empire was unilaterally transparent. Friedrich was very clear about the intelligence of all opponents, and those opponents saw only the tip of the iceberg of the Austrian Navy.

In addition, the Austrian Empire had allies in the Mediterranean. The fleet of Duke Omar in Algeria was the original French Grand Orient Fleet, and its strength was far stronger than the Spanish Navy and the newly formed New Orient Fleet of the French.

Greece, Tripoli, and the Two Sicilies were all allies of the Austrian Empire, and they could provide some support.

Friedrich was not a battle maniac. He was very proud but not arrogant, and he would not look down on his opponent just because he surrendered.

On the contrary, due to his long-term relationship with Franz, he began to be cautious. In addition to the six main battleships, the vanguard troops were all the latest clippers, which could quickly leave the battlefield once they found that the opponent was cheating.

As for the six main battleships, Friedrich felt that the old-fashioned coastal defense guns of the Spaniards could not even break the defense.

The first to land were the marines of the Austrian Empire, whose equipment and training were much better than those of the general army.

They also had an ability that all Austrian troops could not match, that is, survivability.

Survivability is a compulsory course for the marines, because the situations they face are often more complicated and worse than those of the army.

Many times, they cannot rely solely on equipment and training advantages to save the defeat, so they must learn how to survive in a harsh environment and regroup again.

This time, they were the first to land because of this outstanding ability.

However, the expected ambush did not occur, nor did the bloody mutiny. The Spaniards simply calmly accepted the fact that the Austrian army entered the city.

For safety reasons, General Iglesias still drew a red line, not allowing civilians and non-military personnel to approach.

After the Austrian army completed the occupation of Barcelona, ​​Iglesias took a boat to Friedrich's flagship "Trieste" and handed over his command knife.

Friedrich had long been accustomed to such scenes, and the command knife could not arouse any interest in him. Moreover, according to traditional etiquette, he had to return the command knife to the other party as a sign of respect.

So the whole process was just a routine for Friedrich.

"General Iglesias, I hope you and Mayor Urfas can continue to jointly rule the city.

We, the Austrian Empire, came here for liberation and do not covet the power in your hands. But we also hope that you understand that all those villains who harm the people and betray their faith are our targets for elimination."

"Yes, sir."

Iglesias knew that this was a warning. He had no doubt that the vanguard of the Austrian Empire alone could take down the city of Barcelona.

Iglesias himself was a naval technical expert. He was very excited about the flagship of the Austrian Navy, but he also knew what kind of terrifying power such a warship would have.

If the two sides fought a real battle, Barcelona might not last a day.

Before Iglesias left, Friedrich said another sentence.

"Thank you for saving this city and its residents from the war."

In fact, this sentence was what Franz wanted to say. Although it was not difficult to take down Barcelona, ​​a complete city was much better than a ruin.

And since he said that he came to save people, it would not be good to start killing people right away.

However, it was not Franz's request that Iglesias let the young officer go. He would not be soft-hearted at such a critical moment, nor would he deliberately pursue the so-called perfection.

Iglesias felt differently when he heard this sentence at this time. He did not say anything but just turned around and left, but the blood in his heart was stirred again.

After the vanguard completely mastered the defense of Barcelona, ​​the main force of the Austrian Empire began to land.

In addition to more soldiers, there were many priests, as well as some chefs and doctors who were obviously non-military personnel.

Soon someone posted a notice of recruitment near the dock and the square. The work content was some simple carrying, construction, cleaning, etc.

However, the salary was very generous, and it was noted that it was paid on a daily basis.

At least it was very generous for the Spaniards at this time, but it might be a little lower for the Austrians.

Although Barcelona is one of the most prosperous cities in Spain, it has long been ruined by years of war and government extortion.

Except for a few rich people who still live a luxurious life like hundreds of years ago, most people in the city can only survive, and often they can only barely survive even if they try their best.

However, there are still many people who cannot even reach the minimum standard of living. Because of the terrible taxes, tithes, and exploitation by the rich and gangs, they often have no choice but to wander in order to avoid starving to death.

This also contributed to the unique picaresque literature in Spain, but the funny thing is that with the complete cutoff of the upward path, the picaresque literature that once caused the Spanish government a headache was also completely ended.

It was the former tramps who put an end to tramp literature with their own hands.

The conditions are so attractive that it is impossible for local residents not to be tempted. Just when everyone was eager to give it a try, someone stood up and said.

"Do you think this is such a good thing? The Austrians have overseers, and the whips are made of steel wire.

If you are slow, a few whips will kill you! If they don’t give you money then, do you want money or your life?

Now the city is full of Austrian soldiers, and they have real guys in their hands! "

"Yes! I heard that Austrians are demons who eat human flesh and drink human blood. Otherwise, how could they grow so strong.

You guys have thought it through! That's your life money! "

Due to the elite military policy of Franz and Friedrich, the average height of the Austrian Imperial Navy was more than ten centimeters higher than that of the army.

Combined with plenty of food, and a lot of training and work, the Austrian Navy had a lot of strong men.

After several people said this, most of the public's enthusiasm was immediately dispelled. After all, no one wants to be someone else's dinner.