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In St. Petersburg, watching the report of the battle in his hands, Alexander II's face lost its joy, leaving only a heavy sorrow.
The Russian Army had achieved a major victory at the front, strategically pressing the enemy to the point they could barely breathe, inching closer and closer to war victory.
Yet, behind these victories lay stacks of white bones built by Russian soldiers. Seeing the ever-increasing number of casualties, Alexander II admitted he was afraid.
This world was not only made up of Prussia and Russia; the Russian Empire had many enemies. What to do after winning the war at such a great cost?
…
Foreign Minister Gerard Yeserot: "Your Majesty, this morning the Austrian Envoy in St. Petersburg sent us a diplomatic note, with the Vienna Government proposing an international conference to mediate this war."
Alexander II nodded his head: "It has finally come."
It was as if a sigh of relief, mixed with a hint of unease, escaped him.
