"Your Highness, this is our golden opportunity! If we seize this chance to launch an offensive against Russia, we could conservatively acquire over a million square kilometers of territory! The western regions of Ukraine and the southwestern areas of Belarus would fall into our hands. This would significantly enhance the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire!" Crown Prince Karl exclaimed passionately to Archduke Friedrich and Marshal von Hatzendorf.
In order to persuade Emperor Franz Joseph I to agree to their plan, Crown Prince Karl had already garnered support from many high-ranking officials and military leaders. However, the two military giants, Archduke Friedrich and Marshal von Hatzendorf, had remained noncommittal, which left Karl feeling increasingly anxious. He was eager to secure their backing.
"Your Highness, this is an unprecedented opportunity! If we let it slip away, we shall surely regret it!" Crown Prince Karl urged.
"Your Highness, although we achieved victory on the Eastern Front and defeated over a million Russian troops, let us not forget that we have not incapacitated their main forces. Russia still has millions of soldiers at its disposal," Archduke Friedrich cautioned.
"The Russians are merely newly conscripted soldiers; how much fighting power can they possess? Even if they dare to confront us, we can easily defeat them!" Crown Prince Karl retorted with enthusiasm, as if the recent battle had already rendered the German forces subordinate to the Austrians. He seemed to have forgotten that they had initially been under significant pressure from the Russians. Were it not for Germany's timely intervention, the Carpathian Mountains might have already fallen to Russian forces, who would be rampaging across the Hungarian plains.
"Your Highness, I too believe you may be overly optimistic. Our victory over the Russian Southwest Front was heavily reliant on the support of our German allies; without them, it would have been difficult to achieve success. Currently, our German allies are not involved in further offensives against Russia, so prudence is advisable," Marshal von Hatzendorf replied.
"Marshal, I cannot agree with your perspective. While it is true that the Germans displayed formidable fighting strength and played a crucial role in this battle, we must not exaggerate their prowess. When the German Eighth Army engaged the Russian Fourth Army, would they have succeeded without our forces holding back the Russians' three army groups? That would have been impossible. Our contribution is equally indispensable!" Crown Prince Karl asserted.
"Even if the Russians complete their mobilization, their new recruits cannot possibly match our battle-hardened troops. Moreover, our own mobilization is complete. The Seventh Army has already been dispatched to the Eastern Front. If necessary, we can also send the Eighth and Ninth Armies. We have nothing to fear from the Russians; in fact, our strength surpasses theirs!" Crown Prince Karl appeared brimming with confidence.
Both Archduke Friedrich and Marshal von Hatzendorf believed that Crown Prince Karl was too optimistic. However, they understood that relentless opposition would yield no positive results; it would only provoke Karl's resentment. Additionally, they were mindful of the significant support for such thoughts among other influential figures within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This sentiment had already become a powerful force that even they could not suppress.
"Your Highness, this opportunity truly cannot be missed! Should we let it pass, we may never encounter such a chance again," Crown Prince Karl insisted.
"Your Highness, perhaps we could initiate a small-scale offensive against the Russians while remaining vigilant to avoid their counterattacks," Marshal von Hatzendorf suggested.
The marshal did not wish to provoke a rift with Crown Prince Karl. After all, Emperor Franz Joseph I was aging, and he might depart for the afterlife at any moment. If that were to happen, Karl would ascend to the throne, and offending the future emperor would be a foolhardy endeavor.
Furthermore, Marshal von Hatzendorf was equally eager for the empire's expansion. As Crown Prince Karl had stated, this opportunity was indeed remarkable for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
With Russia weakened, they would be unable to withstand an assault. Meanwhile, the Germans were preoccupied with their decisive battle against the Anglo-French coalition on the Western Front. Thus, if the Austro-Hungarian Empire wished to gain advantages in this war, this was the most opportune moment. Once Germany and the Anglo-French coalition resolved their conflict, whether in victory or defeat, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would no longer enjoy such favorable conditions.
Archduke Friedrich glanced at Marshal von Hatzendorf, understanding his intent.
"If we proceed in this manner, will it provoke dissatisfaction from our German allies?" Archduke Friedrich inquired. He believed the German stance was crucial. If the Austro-Hungarian Empire were to be defeated in its assault against Russia, it would need Germany's aid. Conversely, if Germany emerged victorious in the world war and harbored resentment towards the Austro-Hungarian assault on Russia, the consequences could be dire.
"Your Highness, how could the Germans be displeased? Even if they were, they would not act against us. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is one of the great powers of the world. In this war, the Germans need our assistance; they would not express discontent over our offensive against Russia," Crown Prince Karl asserted.
"Your Highness, I have gauged Prince Oscar's opinion on our assault against Russia, and he showed no signs of opposition. Therefore, I believe he would not be displeased," Marshal von Hatzendorf added.
"Very well, let it be so. I shall persuade His Majesty!" Archduke Friedrich declared.
"Then everything rests upon you, Your Highness!" Crown Prince Karl replied, his face aglow with excitement.
A smile crept onto Marshal von Hatzendorf's face as well.
Two days later, Emperor Franz Joseph I approved the Austro-Hungarian army's continuation of the offensive against Russia. However, this time, without German assistance, the Austro-Hungarian offensive did not go smoothly, and they quickly tasted the bitterness of failure once more.