"Your Majesty, the actions of the Germans are utterly intolerable!" Mario Weber exclaimed, his voice tinged with anger as he addressed Franz Joseph I after von Kidlerin-Wascht had departed the palace. The Germans had first negotiated peace with Russia and then casually disbursed a portion of the spoils as if appeasing beggars, an affront that stirred deep indignation.
Franz Joseph I's smile vanished completely. His earlier congeniality had been a mere façade. As the emperor of an empire, he could not endure such treatment, even in his advanced age.
"I share your fury. However, Prime Minister, what do you propose we do now? Should we openly confront the Germans? Or, like the Italians, betray them outright and declare war?" Franz Joseph I retorted.
Mario Weber found himself at a loss for words. He understood that the Austro-Hungarian Empire could not afford to sever ties with Germany. The notion of betrayal was utterly untenable. It was evident to all that the Central Powers held the upper hand in this conflict, and achieving ultimate victory seemed increasingly likely. To betray the German Empire at this juncture and align with the Allies would be a foolhardy endeavor.
Should they betray Germany and join the Allies, a defeat of the Germans would be preferable. However, if they failed to vanquish Germany, it would indeed be a path to ruin. Both Franz Joseph I and Mario Weber were acutely aware of the empire's limitations. While they could muster two to three million troops, they knew that in an actual confrontation, Germany could easily dispatch a few corps to overwhelm them.
Despite the considerable contribution of the Austro-Hungarian army in previous battles against Russia's Southwestern Front, they recognized the extent of their impact. It was the German 8th Corps that had played a crucial role in that victory; without them, the Austro-Hungarian forces would have surely faced defeat. Their subsequent offensive attempt during a time when Russia was at its weakest had ended in significant loss, a stark reminder of their vulnerability.
"Prime Minister, we cannot blame the Germans for their actions; we are merely too weak!" Franz Joseph I lamented. "If we were in a position of strength far exceeding theirs, we too could disregard their sentiments. In the end, this world is governed by the law of the jungle."
Mario Weber nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty, I understand. Given the current situation, the Central Powers are poised for greater success in this war. Remaining with them will yield more benefits. Moreover, if we can secure the Balkans and claim a piece from the Italians, it would be advantageous. The twenty billion marks in reparations is no small sum."
Such is the nature of people; a shift in perspective can elucidate many problems. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was certainly experiencing this transformation.
German Foreign Minister von Kidlerin-Wascht did not linger long in Vienna. After meeting with Franz Joseph I, he conferred separately with Archduke Friedrich and Marshal Count Habsburg. Both leaders expressed their understanding of Germany's handling of Russia, recognizing that the current upheaval was orchestrated by the Germans, with the Austro-Hungarians having contributed little to the war against Russia. While they had indeed suffered substantial losses, this was primarily due to the inherent weakness of their forces. Had they been stronger, Germany might have had to consider their stance and grant them a share of the spoils.
Seemingly, von Kidlerin-Wascht chose to overlook a visit to the heir, Archduke Karl. As the crown prince, Karl held a position of great significance. It was only fitting that von Kidlerin-Wascht pay his respects. However, he departed for Germany the following day, leaving many astonished.
"Those damn Germans! They have utterly disregarded me!" Archduke Karl raged in his palace after the German foreign minister's departure. The Germans' actions had struck him hard, leaving him at a loss for dignity as the heir.
Von Kidlerin-Wascht's slight was intentional. The German intelligence services were well aware of Karl's attempts to sow discord between the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Additionally, during their coordinated efforts against the Russian army, Karl had often targeted QinTian and von Kidlerin-Wascht, and this occasion served as a sharp rebuke.
As Franz Joseph I aged, Archduke Karl's influence within the Austro-Hungarian Empire continued to grow. While Karl was not particularly seen as a wise ruler compared to Franz Joseph I, the latter's inevitable passing loomed. The future of the empire belonged to Karl, leading many nobles and elites to foster favorable relations with him.
However, the slight delivered by the German foreign minister quickly made it clear to many that Germany was dissatisfied with Karl. Although German interests should not intrude upon Austro-Hungarian affairs, a victorious Germany would undoubtedly emerge as a global power. Even if Karl ascended to the throne, offending such a dominant force could lead to significant repression.
This realization prompted many who had considered aligning with Karl to pause and reconsider, awaiting further developments.
Upon learning of the situation, Archduke Karl was seething with frustration. Moreover, Germany's unilateral acquisition of vast Russian territories further fueled his resentment. In his view, those lands rightfully belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.