Published at 13th of February 2023 07:05:18 AM

"This time, the German Empire has indeed betrayed the Empire. Not only did they sign a peace treaty with France behind their backs, completely excluding the Empire. This time they even signed a peace treaty with Italy in secret, and at the same time helped the Italians to suppress Empire. This is indeed a huge blow to the Empire!" Imperial Prime Minister Mario Weber's face was serious.

"How could the Germans do this? We are their allies! When the Italians betrayed the covenant, we were the only ones who stood by the covenant and fought alongside them. Now, they are still treating us like this, it is simply ungrateful!" Chancellor of the Exchequer Ann Duke De Las also looked angry. Now, the financial situation of the empire is already very bad. If a large amount of war reparations can be extorted from the Italians, this will greatly improve the poor financial situation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"Your Majesty, we absolutely cannot just compromise like this. Otherwise, the Germans will definitely make progress!" Duke Kasbah, the Minister of War, also said.

Obviously, almost all the imperial ministers were very dissatisfied with the behavior of the German Empire. What the German Empire did was beyond their imagination, and it also made them feel that the relationship between the two countries was changing. The original allies are gradually disappearing, replaced by opponents, even enemies.

Franz Joseph I looked at the crowd and said, "If we continue to attack the Kingdom of Italy, can we destroy them?"

"Your Majesty, with the strength of the Italians, they are not the opponents of the empire at all. The army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire will definitely defeat the Italians. However, this war may last for a while. If the Germans secretly support the Italians , then we may have to pay a greater price in the war." Duke Kasbah said.

"Your Excellency Chief of Staff, what do you think?" Franz Joseph I asked.

"Your Majesty, if possible, I hope to avoid the outbreak of war as much as possible. The Italians are nothing to fear. With the strength of the empire, it is not impossible to defeat them. Even if the price is higher, we will inevitably Victory. However, the Germans have made it clear that they do not want the war to continue. They have signed a peace treaty with the Italians. If we destroy Italy, the war reparations paid to France in Italy will not be able to be paid. Therefore, the Germans will never be willing to see us destroy the Kingdom of Italy. I am even worried that they will send troops to intervene when necessary. That will be a disaster for us. Our army, no matter what It will not be the opponent of the Germans." Baron Herzendorf said.

The important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell silent after hearing Herzendorf's words. The expressions on their faces became a little unnatural. Some people even had a flash of fear in their eyes.

The army of the German Empire is strong, of course they are clear. If they want to be an enemy of the German Empire, they definitely don't have the guts. Therefore, almost everyone knows that it is not realistic to use force against the Kingdom of Italy.

"It seems that we will not be able to gain much benefit in the Kingdom of Italy this time." Franz Joseph I sighed. In fact, he also hopes that they can plunder more interests in the Kingdom of Italy. In that case, the Austro-Hungarian Empire will be able to use the benefits of plunder to solve domestic problems and restore national strength.

"Your Majesty, do we have to compromise in the face of the persecution of the Germans? This is really very reconciled!" Duke Andras said.

"I don't want to compromise. However, the Germans are pressing every step of the way, and there is nothing we can do. Who made the military strength of the empire much weaker than the Germans? If we go to war with the Germans, we have no chance of winning Therefore, there is no way to temporarily compromise with the Germans!" Franz Joseph I said.

As an emperor, it is undoubtedly aggrieved to have to compromise when the empire faces threats and persecution from the enemy. However, Franz Joseph I had no choice! If he were twenty years younger, he might still have enough energy to deal with domestic problems, carry out reforms slowly, and even confront Germany. But it's not going to work now, his body can't last much longer. And his heir is too incompetent. Franz Joseph I didn't even know how long the empire could last after his death. Under such circumstances, he does not want to be an enemy of Germany even more. In that case, the situation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire will be even more difficult.

"Your Majesty, there is no way to compromise with the Germans for the time being. Fortunately, the war indemnity given by the Italians is still five billion marks, which is actually a lot of money. If you don't win the war with Germany Comparing the reparations, the war reparations are pretty good," said Mario Weber.

When there is no other way, maybe I can only comfort myself like this. In this case, maybe it can make them feel better.

Indeed, the war reparations of five billion marks is indeed not a small amount. It's just that compared with the war reparations Germany received in this war, it seems to be much less. It is precisely because of this comparison that the important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire feel a little unbalanced. But if you don't look at how much war reparations Germany has received, the war reparations of 5 billion marks can indeed satisfy them.

"Send a telegram to the crown prince, let them accept the mediation of the Germans, and sign a peace treaty with the Italians!" Franz Joseph I said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Imperial Prime Minister Mario Weber nodded.

"Your Majesty, the Germans are eager to suppress us before the war is over. It seems that our honeymoon period with Germany is over. For the next time, we have to focus on defending against the Germans." Cass Duke Ba reminded.

Franz Joseph I nodded solemnly.

Germany's military power is too strong. Judging from their performance in this war, they undoubtedly far surpassed the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Especially since the two countries are bordering each other. This made the situation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire even more dangerous. Once Germany launches an attack on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire may not be able to withstand the German attack at all. This is beyond doubt.