The Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.
The aged imperial ruler, Franz Joseph I, reclined on his throne, his eyes gently closed, appearing almost asleep. The high officials of the empire were reporting to him on the war situation and the current international climate.
Crown Prince Karl stood respectfully at the side, absorbing the teachings of Franz Joseph I. Following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, Karl had swiftly ascended to the role of heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a premier power in Europe, the empire could not afford to be without an heir. Karl, the grandson of Archduke Karl Ludwig, became the designated successor in the absence of any direct heirs to Franz Joseph I. Although the emperor was not entirely pleased with this arrangement, it was unavoidable, particularly since his own son was long gone.
The current international landscape posed significant challenges for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Franz Joseph I had not anticipated the war unfolding in such a manner; it was utterly divergent from his initial expectations. The empire, undoubtedly one of the world's foremost powers, was now grappling with a disheartening predicament.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a traditional stronghold in Europe (alongside Russia, Britain, and France) and one of the great powers of the time (including Britain, France, Germany, America, Russia, Austria, Italy, and Japan). It was a vast empire in Eastern Europe, with its territory ranking third in size, surpassed only by Russia and the Ottoman Empire; its population, though numerous, ranked just below that of Russia and Germany, placing it third in Europe; its manufacturing sector in machinery and arms was robust, ranking fourth globally, behind Germany, Britain, and the United States; its extensive resource reserves and considerable mobilization potential were also fourth in Europe, trailing only Russia, Germany, and France; furthermore, its agricultural diversity and oil production surpassed even the refined agricultural output of France and the grain-focused economy of Russia, making it the leader in Europe; and the advanced craftsmanship of heavy artillery produced by Skoda was unparalleled worldwide.
Given the formidable capabilities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, its performance in the ongoing war was decidedly underwhelming. The emperor felt a profound sense of shame over the military's failures on the battlefield. On the Southern Front, despite deploying two army groups against the diminutive Serbia, they still could not secure victory. Even after capturing Belgrade, Serbian resistance continued, forcing the empire to maintain a heavy troop presence in Serbia, with casualties steadily rising.
The Eastern Front was even graver; had the German 8th Army Corps been deployed to defeat the Russian Northwestern Army, inflicting substantial damage and compelling Russian forces to reallocate troops from the Southwestern Front, the Austro-Hungarian army might well have faced annihilation. The brutal Russians had already breached the rich territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, commencing rampant pillaging.
Now, with Italy betraying the alliance and becoming an enemy of the empire, it was anticipated that an Italian offensive would soon commence. The Austro-Hungarian Empire's Southern Front would likewise confront formidable foes, exacerbating the dire situation it faced.
"Your Majesty, the imperial government has declared war on the Kingdom of Italy. The German Empire declared war on Italy two hours prior to us," stated Prime Minister Mario Weber.
"Indeed! Italy has betrayed the alliance and become our adversary; declaring war upon them is warranted. But are our forces prepared to confront the Italians?" Franz Joseph I inquired.
"Your Majesty, the 1st Army Corps has returned from the Eastern Front and will be deployed to the Southern Front to thwart any Italian advances. Furthermore, the German Empire will send three infantry divisions to assist us in defending against the Italians. We are confident that, utilizing the terrain of the Alps, we can repel the Italian assault," responded Duke Kaspar, the Minister of the Army.
Franz Joseph I nodded, "In that case, the Italians do not pose a significant threat. Once we have dealt with the Russians, we can turn our attention to them."
"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Duke Kaspar concurred. The brutal Russians were evidently more formidable foes than the Italians, who had never truly garnered their respect. For years, both nations had competed in the Balkans, but the Austro-Hungarian Empire had consistently suppressed the Kingdom of Italy.
"What about the Eastern Front after the 1st Army Corps has been reassigned?" Crown Prince Karl asked. The Russians on that front were a formidable challenge. The Austro-Hungarian army had long endured heavy losses in the East. Would pulling a main army group exacerbate their predicament?
"Regarding the Eastern Front, Germany has proposed a joint effort against the Russian Southwestern Army. The German 8th Army Corps will advance southward to attack the Russians. With the combat strength of the 8th Army Corps, coupled with our forces, defeating the Russian Southwestern Army should pose no insurmountable challenge," replied Duke Kaspar, beaming with confidence. Previously troubled by the situation on the Eastern Front, he felt greatly reassured upon learning that their German ally would extend a helping hand.
"Indeed, Crown Prince Oscar's 8th Army Corps possesses formidable strength. In less than two months, they have decimated nearly a million Russian troops. With their support, we will undoubtedly vanquish the Russian Southwestern Army," a faint smile appeared on Franz Joseph I's face, marked by age spots. This was one of the few pieces of good news he had received in recent months.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Crown Prince Oscar's 8th Army Corps is indeed the most powerful among several divisions of the German Army," Duke Kaspar remarked.
"Crown Prince Oscar is truly a genius. The German Empire is blessed to have him as an heir; it is as though divine favor is upon Germany!" Franz Joseph I exclaimed. Had the Austro-Hungarian Empire possessed such a successor, perhaps the situation would not have escalated to this point.
Upon hearing Franz Joseph I's praise, Crown Prince Karl couldn't help but sneer at the younger German heir. In his view, Qin Tian was merely fortunate. Had he been the heir of the German Empire, he believed he would undoubtedly have performed far better than Qin Tian.