Did Maximilian have the ability?
The answer is: Yes!
As long as he wasn't inherently deficient, a person raised by the royal family was bound to be more capable than the vast majority of commoners.
However, capability often came with arrogance, which needed polishing. Only after taming their sharp edges could one truly excel.
Maximilian had never faced setbacks. Spoiled by Empress Sophie in his early life, his path had been smooth sailing, cultivating a spearhead of idealism.
Idealism is a monarch's greatest foe. Once smitten by it, the best outcome is to become a rubber stamp, the worst yet can be seen in the history of Maximilian.
Franz sneered, "This is your prepared plan? My foolish brother, has your brain taken on water?
Is it your belief, by governing with your plan, that Mexico is not chaotic enough and needs another fire set, followed by a bloodbath, and by the way, sending you, the Emperor, to the guillotine?"
