"Your Majesty, I have heard that Crown Prince Oscar has already arrived at the front lines. I wish to visit the front as well, to meet this remarkably talented heir and to inspire the troops!" spoke Archduke Karl of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Franz Joseph I pondered for a few moments before nodding his agreement. The astute emperor was well aware of Crown Prince Karl's motives, realizing his jealousy of the young heir to the German Empire, who had achieved such remarkable success at a tender age. Nevertheless, Franz Joseph I deemed it beneficial for Karl to witness the disparity in their standings. After all, Karl was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and the emperor hoped that he would one day lead the empire to greater strength.
The command post of the Austro-Hungarian Army on the Eastern Front was located in Uzhhorod. Given the significance of this front, Chief of Staff Baron Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf personally commanded the Austro-Hungarian forces against the Russians from this strategic position. However, after continuous battles, the Austro-Hungarian forces had suffered more defeats than victories. If this trend persisted, it would not be long before they faced defeat at the hands of the Russian army.
Previously, the Austro-Hungarian Army had mobilized four army groups on the Eastern Front—namely, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Army Groups—comprising their most elite forces. Yet, due to the betrayal of the Kingdom of Italy, the 1st Army Group had to be withdrawn to defend the homeland, leaving only three army groups with over seven hundred thousand troops at the front. Meanwhile, the Russian forces had restored their strength to four army groups, with reports indicating that another Russian army group was en route.
The humiliating defeat suffered by the Russians in Poland infuriated Tsar Nicholas II, making him acutely aware of the German army's prowess. To vent his fury, he directed his wrath towards the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the eyes of the Tsar and his senior commanders, the Germans were formidable opponents, but the Austro-Hungarians appeared more vulnerable. A decisive victory over the Austro-Hungarian Empire could restore Russian pride on the battlefield and potentially create opportunities for defeating Germany later.
This shift in focus from the Russians placed greater pressure on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the Eastern Front.
At the Austro-Hungarian command post, Marshal von Hötzendorf and several army group commanders awaited the arrival of Crown Prince Karl. His inspection of the front lines was of considerable importance to these commanders, especially since Archduke Friedrich, one of the empire's military leaders, would accompany Karl. This elevated the significance of the occasion in their eyes.
"Your Excellency, the current situation is increasingly unfavorable for both the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the entire alliance. The Italians have shamefully betrayed us and sided with the Entente. Had we anticipated such treachery, we should have struck them at the war's onset and defeated them," lamented General Hermann von Kövess, commander of the 2nd Army Group, with evident anger.
"Indeed, the betrayal by the Italians caught us off guard. However, if we are to retain Italy as an ally, we would have to cede extensive territories along the Adriatic coast—an unacceptable compromise for the Austro-Hungarian Empire," Baron von Hötzendorf replied with a stern expression. For the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy was undoubtedly a longstanding rival, and they were grateful that Germany stood by their side in this matter.
"Although the current circumstances are dire, the war has only just begun. The outcome remains uncertain. Our German allies have performed exceptionally well, demonstrating to the world once again that their reputation as the world's foremost military power is well-deserved. The German navy has also excelled, even managing to suppress the British Royal Navy. Thus, we are not without a chance of victory," added General Radetzky, commander of the 3rd Army Group.
The other Austro-Hungarian commanders nodded in agreement, acknowledging this perspective. Despite their army's dismal performance in the war, which starkly contrasted with their national strength and left them feeling ashamed, they found solace in their ally, the German Empire, who was faring remarkably well. If Germany emerged victorious, they would share in the spoils of war.
A convoy of luxurious Daimler A cars, escorted by a contingent of cavalry, arrived at the command post. Marshal von Hötzendorf and the other officers hurried to greet the visitors.
As a close ally of the German Empire, many German products thrived within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Daimler A, a hallmark of luxury, had become a favored choice among high-ranking officials and military leaders in Austro-Hungary. Crown Prince Karl's arrival at the front was marked by his ride in one of these splendid vehicles.
"Your Royal Highness, Your Grace, I extend a warm welcome on behalf of the troops at the front," Marshal von Hötzendorf said, his face beaming with smiles.
"Thank you, Marshal. Has Crown Prince Oscar arrived yet?" asked Crown Prince Karl, scanning his surroundings after disembarking.
"Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Oscar has not yet arrived; according to our previous communication, he is expected tomorrow," replied Marshal von Hötzendorf.
"Tomorrow? How presumptuous!" Crown Prince Karl scoffed, dismissing the delay. In his view, he was equally esteemed as the heir of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and at only a year older than Qin Tian, he felt he should have been the one to arrive first to welcome the German prince.
Marshal von Hötzendorf found himself at a loss for words; he sensed that Karl's presence at the front could prove troublesome. If he inadvertently offended the Germans, their support might dwindle—an alarming prospect.
Quickly, Marshal von Hötzendorf sought assistance from Archduke Friedrich.
Understanding the situation, Archduke Friedrich remarked, "Crown Prince Oscar is making his way from Berlin and requires more time; let us wait a little longer!"
The following day, Qin Tian arrived in Uzhhorod, having journeyed tirelessly. The 8th Army Corps had already advanced to the front lines and was not accompanying him.