Upon hearing his father's decision, Francis leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful hum escaping him as he mulled over the implications.
"We must carefully consider the consequences, Father," he began cautiously and continued. "Supporting Greek independence won't go unnoticed. If we intervene, the Russians are likely to react — they won't simply stand by. Given their ambitions, they might even align with the Ottomans to thwart our influence in the region."
France, having recently carved its influence in Africa alongside its allies, had effectively cornered Russia into seeking glory through territorial expansion elsewhere. The most viable target for Russian ambitions was Central Asia, a region ripe with opportunity and peril.
He reflected on Russia's southern conquests, particularly their aggressive expansion into Kazakhstan. This move was a clear indication of Russia's determination to extend its dominion, a chess game where land and power were the stakes.
