When Crown Prince Karl left the American embassy with a satisfied smile, it was already the early hours of the morning. Yet, the rewards he had secured from the Americans filled him with immense satisfaction. A low-interest loan of $200 million represented a significant sum for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, sufficient to further develop its military might, strengthening both the army and navy. Such an enhancement would ensure that even in the event of a future rift with Germany, the Empire would not be entirely powerless to resist.
However, Baron Berchtold, the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who shared the carriage with Crown Prince Karl, did not share this optimism. To him, the Crown Prince's actions seemed more like courting trouble for the Empire. While the Austro-Hungarian Empire had emerged victorious in the Great War, the tangible benefits reaped were minimal. At the same time, domestic tensions were escalating, and Emperor Franz Joseph I was nearing the end of his strength. The Empire was facing turbulent times, and provoking Germany under such circumstances appeared perilous.
"Your Highness, this is German territory. Engaging so openly with the Americans might not be prudent. If the Germans were to find out, the consequences could be severe," Baron Berchtold cautioned.
"Rest assured, Baron. The Germans won't know the details of my discussions with the Americans. Even if they did, without concrete evidence, there is little they could do. Germany may be stronger than Austro-Hungary, but we are not a nation to be trifled with at their whim," the Crown Prince replied nonchalantly.
"Your Highness, regardless, Germany remains the world's preeminent power. Their strength is undeniable, and it would be unwise to antagonize them unnecessarily. Such actions could bring severe repercussions upon us," Berchtold advised earnestly.
"Baron, I acknowledge Germany's strength. However, do not forget that Germany has many enemies. While one or two foes may not pose a fatal threat, the combined efforts of all its adversaries could potentially topple them. Germany has made too many enemies, and though they are strong, maintaining their dominance as a global superpower will not be easy," Crown Prince Karl asserted with conviction.
In fact, Crown Prince Karl believed that with favorable circumstances, Austro-Hungary might even have a chance to replace Germany as the dominant world power. After all, Austro-Hungary was still one of the world's major powers. Should they defeat Germany and inherit its legacy, the rise of Austro-Hungary would be inevitable. At that point, the Empire would possess the strength to rival the United States for global supremacy.
After all, the Austrian Empire was once part of the German Confederation. If not for its defeat by Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War, which led to its expulsion from German affairs, Austria might well have been considered Germany's rightful heir. If Germany were to fall again, Austro-Hungary's claim to inherit its legacy would be significant.
Looking at the Crown Prince's expression, Baron Berchtold could tell he was indulging in yet another unrealistic daydream. Still, he refrained from further comment. Emperor Franz Joseph I's impending demise meant that Crown Prince Karl's ascension to the throne was inevitable. Alienating the Crown Prince now would be unwise for Berchtold's own position. Silently, he prayed that God would watch over Austro-Hungary and steer it away from disaster.
"Baron, has Admiral Anton Haus arrived yet?" the Crown Prince inquired.
"According to our information, Admiral Haus arrived at the embassy earlier tonight," Berchtold replied.
Admiral Anton Haus, the commander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, had been summoned to Berlin by the Crown Prince. Upon learning that the German Navy intended to sell off several battleships, Crown Prince Karl insisted that Admiral Haus evaluate their value, as the Crown Prince himself lacked the expertise to make such judgments.
"Your Highness, are you planning to bid on the ships? We lack the funds to purchase Germany's warships," Berchtold reminded him.
"Do not worry, Baron. The funding issue has already been resolved," the Crown Prince replied with a smile.
Berchtold immediately guessed the source of these funds.
"Your Highness, American money doesn't come without strings attached. What if they use this as leverage to coerce us?" Berchtold voiced his concern.
"Relax, I'm not a fool. I know how to handle this," the Crown Prince replied impatiently, prompting Berchtold to fall silent.
Upon returning to the embassy, Crown Prince Karl immediately summoned Admiral Anton Haus.
The Austro-Hungarian Navy, in general, was weak by global standards, ranking far behind the leading naval powers. However, in the aftermath of the war, the destruction of other major navies had elevated Austro-Hungary's naval status by default.
The British, French, Italian, and Japanese navies had been decimated by the Germans, while the United States Navy had transferred its active fleet to Britain, only to see it annihilated in turn. As a result, the Austro-Hungarian Navy had unexpectedly risen to become one of the most formidable in the world, albeit more due to the decline of others than its own strength.
Crown Prince Karl understood the daunting superiority of the German Navy. It was virtually impossible for the Austro-Hungarian Navy to challenge German naval dominance. Even so, he sought to enhance the Empire's naval presence in the Mediterranean to secure its interests, especially given Austro-Hungary's modest overseas colonies.
"Admiral Haus, what is your assessment of the battleships Germany intends to sell? Should we consider purchasing them? If so, acquire as many as possible. Funding is not an issue—I've already secured it!" the Crown Prince declared eagerly.