Re: Blood and Iron-Chapter 433: A Glimpse of the Future

The world was left in complete and utter disbelief, not just by the first match of the day, but by all the games held thereafter. From the first punch thrown to the last shot fired, Germany had swept the competition.

Gold, silver, bronze—all were claimed by German athletes. On multiple occasions, the International Committee paused the contests, investigating suspicions of cheating because the results seemed so improbable. Yet every time, no violation of the rules was found.

Germany and its athletes were simply that superior—not because of some imagined "Übermensch" genetic advantage, as had been falsely claimed during the 1936 Olympics of Bruno's past life, but because Bruno had spent nearly two decades carefully cultivating the world's greatest athletes from among his own people.

His knowledge of future developments in sports, access to unmatched training facilities funded by the state, and advanced insights into nutrition and human biomechanics had all contributed. The result of raising an entire generation under these conditions was now undeniable.

The events were more than mere spectacles of athletic dominance; they showcased perfected sportsmanship between victorious Germans and their defeated opponents. An expression of chivalry in an era where wars were no longer fought in the old ways—these notions had found new life within the civilian athletic arena.

As the day's events neared conclusion, the Kaiser took the stage, stepping to a microphone to deliver a grandiose speech of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. However, just as he began, Bruno stepped forward and whispered something into his ear that only the two of them could hear.

Yet, the gathered crowd and those listening to radio broadcasts clearly heard Wilhelm's surprise:

"What? Here? Now? Well, if you insist… I suppose it could be one last exciting bout of entertainment…"

Bruno stepped back towards his seating area, while the Kaiser explained to the crowd that the day's festivities were not yet concluded, as Germany had prepared an unorthodox exhibition for the world to witness.

To everyone's surprise, Bruno stopped in front of his eldest daughter, who was still seated, puzzled by the unfolding scene. His expression was filled with fatherly pride as he extended his hand in invitation.

"Eva, my beloved daughter, would you do me the honor of being my dance partner on this fine evening?"

Eva knew her father wasn't referring to dancing, and she immediately became embarrassed as all eyes turned toward her. Still, she wanted confirmation and stammered out her response:

"You… You can't possibly mean—"

Bruno cut her off quickly with a smirk and a promise.

"Yes, baby girl. Now go fetch your sword and let's dance…"

The crowd waited anxiously, murmuring in confusion and excitement over what might occur next. When the stadium's lights illuminated once more, they were astonished to see two fencers upon the stage in full protective gear, wielding neither foil, saber, nor epee, but rather old-school rapiers—blunted and tipped with rubber for safety.

Yet one thing was immediately apparent as the two duelists raised their blades in an honorable salute: one of these fencers was a woman. Outrageous, unorthodox, and provocative, too many traditional nobles in attendance.

However, they had no time to protest as steel clashed against steel. This wasn't the brutish hacking of barbarians, but the elegant and graceful dance of Renaissance duelists.

An ancient tradition reborn, performed by opponents of opposite sexes. Despite Bruno's clear physical advantages, Eva stood her ground expertly, using refined techniques to parry, riposte, and counter her father's moves flawlessly.

Finally, her blade struck true, landing squarely on Bruno's chest. The judge raised a flag decisively.

"Point confirmed, blue corner!"

Bruno chuckled as he twirled his sword in a stylish flourish, pride evident in his voice as he complimented Eva's improved technique.

"That's my little girl—you've gotten better since we last sparred."

Eva's posture, however, showed a slight pout. Too enthralled in the contest to remember the watching audience and global listeners, she dropped her usual proud and formal demeanor into the tone of a bratty child, admitting a truth only the most knowledgeable fencers present had realized:

"Daddy, you cheated! It's not fair if you let me score!"

Bruno didn't admit guilt; instead, he acknowledged his daughter's talent by launching into an expert assault, displaying the full extent of his mastery—a flurry any lesser opponent would have succumbed to immediately.

The crowd watched, bewildered, but no longer outraged. They were witnessing something unusual, perhaps unorthodox, yet deeply inspiring—a father teaching his daughter to fence, not for honor or blood, but to strengthen their bond.

Though no one knew precisely who was beneath the masks, they were captivated, eyes fixed intently on every swift movement, fearful of missing even a moment.

Eva performed admirably under immense pressure, demonstrating that despite physical disparities, her technique might even surpass her father's—who, during his academic years, had been the undisputed empire-wide champion of mensur.

By the end, Bruno narrowly secured victory, finishing just one point ahead. As the swords lowered and bows were exchanged, the hundred-thousand-strong audience exploded into thunderous applause.

Eva stood stunned, looking through her mask at the adoring crowd. Bruno stepped forward, gently patting her shoulder and whispering words she'd never forget.

"Congratulations. Through sheer elegance and grace, you've convinced even the most stubborn traditionalists that women belong in athletics—even a discipline as ancient, noble, and masculine as fencing. You just changed the world, baby girl… I'm proud of you."

Eva stood in silence, instinctively bowing to the crowd with her father at her side. The applause swelled even louder as she processed his words. He had used the sport she loved—one she'd fought her way into as a child, back when Bruno had only been teaching her younger brother Erwin the art of the sword—as a lesson. A lesson not just for her, but for the world.

That even if female athletes lacked the explosive power of their male counterparts, even if they differed in endurance or agility, they could still captivate the world—if trained, refined, and presented with the same respect, dignity, and nobility.

And in that moment, Eva could not help but admire her father's daring. Without realizing it, her hand slipped into his, holding his wrist as he continued to wave to the adoring crowd.

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He couldn't hear her over the thunder of applause, but she said it anyway—softly, from the bottom of her heart:

"I am so blessed to have you as my father..."