Paul Boselli's expression darkened significantly, his distress evident. The Crown Prince's tone was unforgivingly aggressive, as if determined to squeeze every last drop of Italy's wealth, leaving no room for negotiation. It was clear to Boselli that the terms presented would be extraordinarily harsh.
Although Boselli had prepared himself for such a scenario, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. The Crown Prince's demeanor was no different from that of a brigand, intent on seizing Italy's wealth as if it were their rightful spoil.
"Ahem!" German Foreign Minister Wahit cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room, before continuing, "The Kingdom of Italy committed an unforgivable error in this war, and punishment is inevitable. The German Empire has the following demands: First, Italy must pay a war indemnity of 20 billion marks. Second, Italy is to cede Sicily and Sardinia to the German Empire. Third, Italy is to transfer the colony of Libya to the German Empire. Fourth, Italy's military power must be severely restricted: the army is to be no more than 100,000 strong, without tanks or artillery of over 100 millimeters. The navy is to be prohibited from building ships exceeding 5,000 tons, and Italy must not possess submarines, aircraft carriers, or airplanes. Fifth, until these conditions are met, the German Empire will station 50,000 troops in Italy!"
Wahit laid out the conditions bluntly. Aside from the additional demand for Sardinia, the terms were close to Germany's bottom line, leaving no room for negotiation.
"My God! Minister Wahit, these conditions are too harsh! The Kingdom of Italy simply cannot bear them!" Paul Boselli exclaimed. Though the demands were severe, he had expected nothing less. What truly worried him, however, was that if Germany had already set such unforgiving terms, then Austria-Hungary's demands would likely be even more stringent.
Wahit, however, said nothing further, as if unwilling to engage in further discussion.
The Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary seethed with fury, his face practically ablaze. The Germans had preemptively set forth their terms, showing utter disregard for Austria-Hungary's role. He had already briefed the German Emperor on Austria-Hungary's conditions, but it seemed clear that the German Emperor had no intention of considering Austrian interests. This was an insult that enraged the Crown Prince even more.
"The Austro-Hungarian Empire demands the following reparations from the Kingdom of Italy: First, Italy must pay 50 billion krone in war indemnity. Second, Italy must cede the territories east of Venice to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Third, Italy must transfer all its colonies to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fourth and fifth, our terms mirror those of the German Empire," the Crown Prince announced.
Paul Boselli was left dumbstruck. As expected, Austria-Hungary's demands were no less severe than Germany's. Germany had requested 20 billion marks in war reparations, but Austria-Hungary demanded a staggering 50 billion krone. Such immense reparations were beyond the ability of Italy to meet, even if they sold their entire country. Worse still, Germany and Austria-Hungary both made territorial demands. Germany wanted Sicily and Sardinia, while Austria-Hungary sought Venice and the lands to its east. With the loss of these territories, Italy's landmass would shrink drastically. To add insult to injury, Italy's overseas colonies would be taken, and its military power severely restricted. It was clear that any hope of recovery for Italy was near impossible under these conditions.
"Your Highness, these terms are too harsh. Italy cannot accept them!" Boselli protested.
"If Italy refuses to comply, the Austro-Hungarian army will march into Italy, flatten Rome, and annihilate the Kingdom of Italy! The cost of refusal is not something you can afford," the Crown Prince threatened.
"If Italy must pay such a heavy price, we would rather fight to the death. Even if that means our destruction, we will not accept these terms. They are far beyond what the Kingdom of Italy can bear," Boselli replied resolutely.
"Hmph! Minister Boselli, are you truly going to reject Austria-Hungary's goodwill? Your actions may well lead the Kingdom of Italy to ruin!" the Crown Prince warned harshly.
"If accepting these conditions is tantamount to the death of the nation, then we would rather fight to the end," Boselli retorted, standing his ground.
The negotiations had reached an impasse. The Crown Prince was seething with rage, furious at Boselli's defiance, yet powerless to force a resolution. If the Kingdom of Italy was prepared to fight to the death rather than accept the terms, even a military intervention by Austria-Hungary might not yield the desired results.
While Italy's military was not strong, the pressure of annihilation could awaken a ferocity previously unseen. Over forty years ago, when Italy was unified, its fighting spirit had been formidable. Though Austria-Hungary could likely defeat Italy, destroying it entirely would prove much more difficult, and the cost would be immense. The outcome might well prove more damaging than beneficial.
"No, if we truly intend to wipe out Italy, it will be far too difficult, and the cost will be too high. Even if we proceed with an invasion, we must involve the Germans. Without their assistance, it would be highly disadvantageous for the Empire," the Crown Prince thought to himself, a glint of pragmatism in his mind. He knew well that Austria-Hungary's military could never match the might of Germany's forces. With German involvement, victory would be much more assured.
"Minister, Italy's refusal to accept punishment is an affront to both the Austro-Hungarian and German Empires. We must take decisive action," the Crown Prince declared, turning to Minister Wahit.
Wahit smiled, then turned to Boselli. "Minister Boselli, does the Kingdom of Italy intend to accept the conditions laid out by the German Empire?"