The peace talks, originally scheduled for the following morning, were abruptly canceled, much to the dissatisfaction of Crown Prince Karl and the members of the Kingdom of Italy's delegation. However, there was little they could do. After all, this was the home turf of the German Empire.
Emperor QinTian of the German Empire was in the process of meeting with Imperial Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and Foreign Minister von Kidleren-Wascht. Although Foreign Minister Wascht had dark circles under his eyes and appeared slightly fatigued, his mental state remained sharp.
"Your Majesty," Wascht began, "last night I reached an agreement with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Boselli. The conditions proposed by the Empire have been fully accepted by Italy. The peace treaty can be signed this afternoon."
"Excellent, very good," replied Emperor QinTian. "The benefits we've gained from Italy, while not as substantial as those from France, are still quite significant. This will greatly promote the Empire's development moving forward."
Although the German Empire had secured 55 billion marks in war reparations from France, the 20 billion marks from Italy was still a considerable sum. This would play a crucial role in fostering the recovery and growth of Germany's economy, as well as in developing its newly acquired territories and colonies. With these funds, the German Empire would only grow stronger.
"Your Majesty, with this capital, we will have enough to launch large-scale infrastructure projects in Eastern Europe. Within five years, we will have fully consolidated control over the region. With Eastern Europe's resources, the German Empire will become even more powerful," Chancellor Bülow remarked.
It was well known that the German Empire had begun preparing for war long before the conflict broke out. The government was already deeply in debt, and these war reparations would not only help repay those debts but also provide much-needed capital for other projects. It could be said that this war's spoils would allow Germany to break free from its previous hardships and emerge as the world's most formidable power. The German people, too, would soon experience the fruits of their nation's victory.
The German public supported the continuation of the war with the expectation of a better life afterward, a promise that the government had made to them. Fulfilling these promises would only strengthen the people's loyalty to both the government and the monarchy.
"Your Majesty, I have reached a preliminary agreement with Italian Foreign Minister Boselli regarding the peace treaty between Austria-Hungary and Italy. Italy will pay 5 billion marks in reparations to Austria-Hungary, cede Venice and the eastern regions, and transfer the Italian East African colonies to Austria-Hungary. The remaining terms are similar to those we've agreed with Germany. The only uncertainty is whether Austria-Hungary will accept this," Wascht said.
"These terms, apart from the reparations which might not satisfy Austria-Hungary, are acceptable," Chancellor Bülow replied. "After all, the war indemnity demanded by Austria-Hungary was far too high — double what we requested. No wonder the Italians rejected it."
"If the Austrian government is wise, they should accept these terms," said Emperor QinTian, "but Crown Prince Karl is far too obstinate and self-assured, with boundless ambition. I doubt he will accept these conditions."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Crown Prince Karl is not an ideal candidate for emperor," Bülow commented.
"Is that so? I believe Crown Prince Karl is actually the best candidate for Emperor of Austria-Hungary!" Emperor QinTian said with a smile.
Both Bülow and Wascht were momentarily taken aback, before breaking into knowing smiles. They understood Emperor QinTian's subtle implication. Once Crown Prince Karl succeeded the throne, Austria-Hungary's decline would be inevitable. In that case, the threat Austria-Hungary posed to the German Empire would diminish drastically. If the opportunity arose, Germany might even be able to deal Austria-Hungary a decisive blow.
Europe, as small as it was, could not accommodate two great powers. To ensure Germany's dominance, it would have to step over the corpses of other nations. While Austria-Hungary's strength was inferior to Germany's, the two were geographically close, and an unexpected conflict could easily lead to an attack on Germany. For the safety and prosperity of the Empire, Germany had to be vigilant against Austria-Hungary.
"As for the peace treaty between Austria-Hungary and Italy, let this be the framework," Emperor QinTian instructed. "If Austria-Hungary does not agree, the Empire can mediate and offer Italy some support if necessary."
"Understood, Your Majesty," replied Bülow and Wascht in unison.
Emperor QinTian had clearly already set his sights on Austria-Hungary. If the Empire could fracture Austria-Hungary, this once powerful dual monarchy would no longer pose a threat to Germany. And this opportunity would soon present itself. Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary was near the end of his life, and when Crown Prince Karl ascended the throne, any provocations toward the German Empire would surely lead to a fierce retaliation. This could very well be the moment to resolve the issue with Austria-Hungary once and for all.
Of course, Emperor QinTian kept these thoughts to himself, revealing nothing to others.
In the afternoon, the peace talks resumed. But to the astonishment of Crown Prince Karl and the Austrian delegation, German Foreign Minister Wascht immediately announced that an agreement had been reached with Italy, and the peace treaty was ready for signing.
Wascht's secretary presented the prepared treaty. Wascht and Paolo Boselli, representing Germany and Italy, respectively, signed the document. The Austrian delegation looked on, dumbfounded, as though they were mere bystanders in the process.
The *German-Italian Peace Treaty* stipulated that Italy would pay 20 billion marks in war reparations to Germany over three years, cede Sicily to the German Empire, transfer the Libyan colony to Germany, limit Italy's army to no more than 100,000 troops, and ban the construction of heavy artillery, tanks, aircraft, aircraft carriers, or submarines. Until the treaty was fully implemented, Germany would maintain a military presence in Italy, with no more than 50,000 troops stationed in the country.