“So, I hear you were enjoying yourself until quite late last night.”
“Haha…
Word certainly travels fast, my Fuhrer.”
As was often the case with dictators, Hitler’s intelligence network was remarkably efficient.
I’d already heard all about how Goring had spent the victory celebration enthusiastically lecturing people about fine liquor while making the most of the festivities.
More accurately, Himmler and Goebbels had been the ones to report it.
The labels are a bit simplistic, but if I had to put it one way, Himmler and Goebbels were introverts.
Goring, on the other hand, was the life of the party.
Considering he’d been one of Germany’s celebrated fighter aces in the First World War, his outgoing personality wasn’t exactly surprising.
Honestly, it was a wonder Hitler had managed to keep such wildly different personalities working together at all.
“There’s nothing wrong with celebrating,” I said.
“But it’s about time you stopped accepting under-the-table gifts.”
“Haha…
You’re as strict as ever, my Fuhrer.
They’re only small tokens of appreciation, really…
I mean…
well…
yes…”
Sweat beaded across Goring’s forehead as his voice gradually trailed off.
Judging by how quickly he wilted, he’d probably accepted a fairly generous “gift” this time.
Bribes from people hoping to curry favor were common enough.
But Goring’s reputation as a decorated war hero also made him immensely popular among Germany’s industrialists and old aristocratic families.
Many of them willingly poured money into his hands.
To be fair, before the Nazi Party came to power, he’d contributed a great deal to its finances.
“Hmph.
Very well.
In two days, there’s a meeting at the Air Ministry, isn’t there?”
“Y-Yes.
We’ll be meeting with Udet, the head of the Air Ministry’s Technical Office, to discuss the next generation of fighter aircraft scheduled for adoption.
My Fuhrer, the Bf 109 is finally entering full-scale production!
The Bf 110 heavy fighter is ready as well, along with several new bombers.
This year’s shaping up to be an excellent one!”
As he spoke, Goring’s excitement became contagious.
Before long he was practically overflowing with enthusiasm.
Sorry, Goring.
Most of those projects are about to be put on the chopping block.
I offered a silent prayer in my heart.
“Excellent,” I said with a nod.
“The Luftwaffe is about to be reborn.
A meeting of such importance is hardly one I should miss.
I’d like to attend.”
“W-Well…
of course!
It would be an honor to have you there, my Fuhrer.
We’d be delighted by your presence.
Though…
if I may ask…
is there a particular reason for your sudden interest?”
“Goring…”
I let my gaze settle on him.
“Are you telling me you require a reason before carrying out my wishes?”
“N-No!
Not at all!
I would never suggest such a thing!
I’ll make the arrangements immediately!”
He hurried toward the door.
“Oh, one more thing.”
He froze.
“Will Dr.
Schmitt be attending?”
“Naturally.
We’ll be discussing the fighter aircraft he designed.”
His expression practically said, Isn’t that obvious?
“Good.
Then invite several others as well.”
I began counting them off.
“Representatives from Focke-Wulf, Heinkel, Junkers, and Dornier.
And make certain that Dr.
Kurt Tank from Focke-Wulf attends personally.”
I paused.
“Oh, and invite representatives from Daimler-Benz and BMW as well.”
“M-My Fuhrer?!”
Goring stared at me.
“That would amount to nearly the entire German aviation industry!
O-Of course, your orders will be obeyed immediately, but…
with only two days’ notice…”
“Then when can it be done?” I interrupted.
“Set a date at once.”
“Understood!
Heil, my Fuhrer!”
This time Goring practically fled the room.
He looked suspicious on his way out.
Most people would assume that expression came from being handed an impossible assignment.
But thanks to the memories I’d inherited, I understood what had really surprised him.
He couldn’t believe I’d accepted postponing the meeting so easily.
Just how unreasonable did everyone think this dictator was?
Then again…
The answer was extremely unreasonable.
Hitler really was the ultimate one-man CEO—except he ruled a nation instead of a company.
Well…
This is where it truly begins.
I had no way of knowing it then.
But historians would later look back on the next three months and give them a name:
The Ninety-Day Reforms.