"Your Majesty, the French, as expected, could not withstand the pressure. The moment the Imperial Army launched its offensive, they immediately capitulated and accepted all of our terms without hesitation. This is the original copy of the peace treaty, and Théophile Delcassé has already signed it. The treaty is now in effect," declared German Foreign Minister von Kidron Vashit, his face beaming with satisfaction.
"Excellent, very well indeed. The French have finally admitted defeat. The war on the European continent may now come to a close," Qin Tian nodded with approval.
"Your Majesty, as per our agreement, the French are to pay 55 billion marks in war reparations over the next three years. The first payment of 15 billion marks will be made within three months of the treaty's signing. How shall we proceed with the use of these funds, Your Majesty?" asked Chancellor Bernhard von Bilo. The senior officials of the Empire had already set their sights on this substantial sum.
Qin Tian pondered for a moment before responding, "Let us first use this money to settle the debts incurred during the war. Furthermore, we must prepare for the upcoming invasion of Britain's homeland. The remainder should be directed towards infrastructure development. The vast territories gained in Eastern Europe must be connected by additional railways and roads to ensure the Empire's control over these areas."
Russia had ceded over a million square kilometers of territory to Germany, and with the inclusion of Belarus and Ukraine, Germany's control area had expanded by several million square kilometers. However, these regions were rich in resources yet underdeveloped, particularly in terms of transportation infrastructure. To exploit these areas, Germany would need to prioritize the construction of necessary infrastructure.
Moreover, while these territories were officially under German rule, true control was limited. Vast rural areas remained under the control of local populations, with partisan resistance movements proliferating. Germany would need to mobilize forces to suppress these insurgents. Robust transportation networks would play a crucial role in the defeat of these partisan groups.
"Understood, Your Majesty," replied Chancellor von Bilo, nodding.
"Our negotiations with the French are now concluded. Let us turn our attention to those with the Italians," Qin Tian stated.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The delegation from the Austro-Hungarian Empire arrived in Berlin yesterday afternoon. If you have the time, Your Majesty, perhaps you could meet with them," said Foreign Minister Vashit.
Qin Tian considered this for a moment before nodding. "Let us hold a banquet this evening at the Palace to host the Austro-Hungarian delegation. After all, the Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire remain allies. However, I've heard that recently, there have been some unsettling developments within their ranks."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Empire has secured considerable benefits in negotiations with Russia and France, but the Austro-Hungarians have received little in return. In particular, they were not involved in the French negotiations, which has left them quite displeased," Vashit reported.
"Hmph! They contributed nothing to the war effort against France. Are we supposed to share the spoils with them? That would be absurd," remarked Marshal von Falkenhayn, the Minister of the Army and Chief of Staff.
The military was thoroughly dissatisfied with the Austro-Hungarian Empire's performance in the war. Although their forces had tied up some enemies, their performance on the battlefield had been abysmal. If the German reinforcements had not arrived in time, it was likely they would have been crushed. To perform so poorly and yet still expect to benefit from the spoils was an act of hubris.
Of course, the Austro-Hungarians had suffered significant losses, which was why they sought to gain more during the negotiations to compensate for their domestic setbacks.
However, Germany was unlikely to oblige. Despite their continued alliance, the shifting international landscape had begun to alter the dynamics between the two empires. To safeguard its own interests, Germany was beginning to curb the ambitions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Moreover, the recent display of ambition by Austria-Hungary had made Germany feel threatened.
Meanwhile, in the Austrian Embassy in Berlin, Crown Prince Karl was seething with anger.
Originally, Germany had arranged a hotel for the Austro-Hungarian delegation, but Crown Prince Karl refused the offer and insisted on staying at the embassy. Germany, though displeased, acquiesced to his request.
Once settled in, Crown Prince Karl immediately began inquiring about the terms of the treaty Germany had signed with France.
Although the negotiations with France had been confidential, the contents of the treaty were not. Anyone with access to the right channels could easily learn of its terms. After all, the treaty had already been signed, and it was an irreversible decision.
"Your Highness, according to the information we've gathered, the French are to pay 55 billion marks in war reparations and transfer all their overseas colonies to Germany. Furthermore, the territory north of the Loire River, including Corsica, will be ceded to Germany. The Germans have also imposed strict limitations on France's military strength, capping their army at no more than 100,000 troops, prohibiting heavy artillery and tanks, and forbidding the construction of large warships, submarines, or aircraft carriers. The French police and security forces are also to be limited to no more than 100,000 personnel," reported Count Jüngerbrug, the Austro-Hungarian ambassador to France.
Crown Prince Karl's eyes were bloodshot with fury. He was deeply incensed by the staggering gains Germany had extracted from France. Although he had expected Germany to take substantial advantage of France, the extent of the spoils was beyond his imagination.
The war indemnity of 55 billion marks alone made his mouth water. If Austria-Hungary had access to such funds, it could resolve the domestic crises it was facing.
Moreover, France's vast overseas colonies were a prize Karl greatly coveted. Austria-Hungary had no colonies of its own, and Crown Prince Karl longed for the empire to join the ranks of other colonial powers, exploiting and subjugating distant territories.
But what astonished him most was the cession of half of France's most prosperous territories, including those with thriving industries and rich resources. Germany's acquisition of such a vast expanse of land would undoubtedly enhance its power immeasurably.
At that moment, Crown Prince Karl's heart was consumed by envy.