The Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.
Baron Marshal Hindenburg, Chief of the General Staff, returned from the front to report to Emperor Franz Joseph I on the current state of affairs.
"Your Majesty, in close collaboration with our allies, we have nearly annihilated the Russian Southwestern Army at the front. Originally boasting an army of 1.2 million, only about 200,000 have managed to escape back to Russia. With the forces previously defeated in the Northwest, we have effectively neutralized two hundred thousand Russian troops," Marshal Hindenburg declared with evident pride.
A long-awaited smile broke upon the face of Franz Joseph I, a welcome sign for both him and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Since the war began, the Austro-Hungarian forces had found themselves in a precarious position on the battlefield. Now, at last, the tide had turned.
"Our allies have not disappointed us! At this crucial moment, they have helped us secure victory!" Franz Joseph I exclaimed with joy.
"The combat prowess of our German allies is truly unmatched!" declared Archduke Friedrich, the Supreme Commander of the Austro-Hungarian forces.
The other dignitaries and military leaders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire readily agreed, extolling the formidable military strength of the German Empire.
However, Crown Prince Karl's countenance darkened upon hearing such praise. Though the victory on the Eastern Front was undoubtedly advantageous for both the Austro-Hungarian Empire and his own position, he could not abide the sycophantic attitude of his compatriots, who regarded Germany as their superior.
To Crown Prince Karl, Austria was the rightful core of the Germanic world. Had Prussia not wielded overwhelming military might to vanquish Austria, they would never have withdrawn from the German Confederation. Perhaps, had Austria achieved unity over the German states, it would have emerged as Europe's preeminent power by now.
Karl hoped that even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire allied with the German Empire, both sides would maintain an equal partnership rather than one of subservience—a relationship he deemed profoundly unjust.
Most importantly, Karl did not wish to be overshadowed by QinTian; he aspired for an equal footing with him, and if he could rise above him, that would be even better.
"Excellency, what are the military's plans for the Eastern Front? Since we have decimated the bulk of the Russian forces, this undoubtedly presents a splendid opportunity! If we could launch an offensive against Russia, we could seize vast territories," Crown Prince Karl proposed.
Instantly, all eyes turned to Karl, many with eager expressions, nodding in agreement with his sentiment. Indeed, this was a prime chance to expand the borders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Wasn't their participation in this world war aimed at securing greater benefits? The prospect of rewards now lay before them, and they could not afford to let it slip away.
"Your Highness, I previously raised this suggestion with the German Crown Prince. However, His Highness Oscar had other considerations. His Eighth Corps is set to return to Germany and is likely to be deployed to the Western Front, where the battles are of utmost importance for Germany," Marshal Hindenburg explained.
Franz Joseph I nodded in agreement. "Oscar's reasoning is sound."
"Then it is fortuitous! Without Germany's involvement, we need not share the spoils. If our army advances and defeats the Russians, we can occupy vast swathes of western Russian territory," Crown Prince Karl exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Marshal Hindenburg frowned slightly. While bypassing Germany could yield greater gains for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it would likely leave them to face Russian retaliation alone—an outcome that could prove perilous given their current capabilities.
Yet, the other high-ranking officials and military leaders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire were visibly invigorated by the prospect. The allure of securing benefits alone was far more appealing than sharing them with Germany.
In the murky depths of Franz Joseph I's eyes, a flicker of disappointment emerged. He harbored reservations about Crown Prince Karl, finding him shortsighted and easily blinded by immediate gains. If time permitted, he would have carefully chosen a different successor. Regrettably, his health did not allow for such deliberation.
"This matter requires further contemplation. I shall provide you with a response in a few days," declared Franz Joseph I.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the assembly replied in unison.
However, caught up in their excitement, they seemed oblivious to the underlying implications of Franz Joseph I's words. They were blinded by the prospect of imminent rewards. Only Archduke Friedrich and Marshal Hindenburg noted this nuance, understanding that with Crown Prince Karl leading the charge, persuading everyone to abandon thoughts of further advancing into Russia and expanding their territory would be nearly impossible.
The First World War was essentially a struggle among great powers to seize more territory and redivide the world. Thus, the nations embroiled in this global conflict were driven by their own interests. The Austro-Hungarian Empire originally sought expansion in the Balkans; however, now that opportunities for growth on the Eastern Front had arisen, they would not shy away from seizing this chance.
Crown Prince Karl believed there was nothing amiss in the Austro-Hungarian choice. They had emerged victorious from the war and thus deserved commensurate rewards. If Germany wished to participate, they could naturally share in the spoils; since the Germans had opted out, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would rightfully claim all benefits for themselves.
"Let the Germans contend with the Anglo-French in a life-or-death struggle! We will reap the rewards from the Russians. If we can secure a significant portion of territory from them, it will further enhance the power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that point, we will compel the Germans to recognize our strength. I am doing this entirely for the sake of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, not for personal gain. Surely, His Majesty the Emperor will understand and support me," Crown Prince Karl thought to himself.
He mistakenly believed that his actions would earn the praise of Franz Joseph I, unaware that he was actually courting disaster.