"Your Royal Highness, the Emperor has passed away!"
"What? Summon the imperial ministers immediately!" Crown Prince Karl swiftly concealed the joy flashing across his face, replacing it with a mask of profound grief, and issued the command to the attendant at the door.
Before long, the senior officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire gathered at the palace. Even Archduke Friedrich, who had long remained out of the public eye due to health issues, made an appearance. As the commander-in-chief of the Austro-Hungarian Army, his presence was a rare and significant event.
"Esteemed gentlemen, the beloved and revered Emperor Franz Joseph I has returned to the embrace of the Lord. This is an immeasurable loss for the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire," Crown Prince Karl declared, his eyes red and his expression filled with heart-wrenching sorrow.
"Your Royal Highness, while His Majesty's passing is indeed sorrowful, we should find solace in knowing he has found peace with the Lord. Our priority now is to arrange a dignified funeral for His Majesty and prepare for your coronation. Though the Emperor has left us, the Austro-Hungarian Empire cannot be without its sovereign. We urge Your Royal Highness to care for your health during this critical time," said Prime Minister Mario Weber.
Crown Prince Karl nodded. With the passing of Emperor Franz Joseph I, his ascension to the throne was now a foregone conclusion. Soon, he would claim the coveted crown and become the supreme ruler. The mere thought of this nearly made him tremble with excitement.
After deliberation, the imperial ministers decided that Emperor Franz Joseph I's funeral would be held in a month's time, given his worldwide acclaim as a monarch. Foreign dignitaries, including leaders and high-ranking officials, were expected to attend and pay their respects. Karl's coronation ceremony was scheduled for half a month after the funeral, on New Year's Day of 1917.
Although this left little more than a month to prepare, Crown Prince Karl could hardly contain his impatience. He longed for the coronation to take place the very next day. His dream of becoming emperor had endured for many years, and now it was within his grasp.
The death of Emperor Franz Joseph I shocked the world. At the age of eighty-six, he had garnered widespread admiration and respect. Nations announced plans to send prominent officials to attend his funeral. Even U.S. President Woodrow Wilson expressed his intention to attend personally, drawing global attention to the event.
"So, he truly passed away on November 18th? It seems that the historical timeline of this world possesses a remarkable ability to self-correct, unchanged by my presence," Qin Tian murmured upon learning of the Emperor's death.
"Your Majesty, with Emperor Franz Joseph's passing, who will we send to represent us at the funeral and Crown Prince Karl's coronation?" Prime Minister Bülow inquired.
"Vaschte, you will make the journey," Qin Tian instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied Foreign Minister Vaschte with a nod.
"Your Majesty, the Americans are sending their President in person. Our decision to send only the Foreign Minister might be perceived as a slight by the Austro-Hungarian Empire," Bülow cautioned.
"The Americans seek to woo the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so they require a significant presence. As for Crown Prince Karl, he has always harbored animosity towards our empire. If I were to attend personally, he might misconstrue it as a sign of our weakness. Thus, there is no need for such measures. He will not alter his views of us merely because of my presence. Prepare for war instead," Qin Tian responded decisively.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Bülow conceded, refraining from further argument.
Within the imperial court and military circles, preparations for potential conflict with the Austro-Hungarian Empire were already underway. Bolstered by the triumph of the previous world war, the Emperor and his generals held an unshakable belief that war was the ultimate solution to all problems, provided victory was swift and decisive.
"Marshal Falkenhayn, order the secret mobilization of several army groups. Ensure that at least five groups are prepared to launch a swift offensive against the Austro-Hungarian Empire if war breaks out," Qin Tian commanded.
"Understood, Your Majesty," replied Marshal von Falkenhayn.
"Marshal Scheer, have the Home Fleet, the Mediterranean Fleet, and the Indian Ocean Fleet on high alert. Additionally, ensure the carrier fleet is prepared. Once the order is given, they must enter the Mediterranean within three days."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" affirmed Grand Admiral Reinhard Scheer.
"General Seeckt, the air force must also be combat-ready. However, since the Austro-Hungarian Air Force poses little threat, we must ensure our most advanced aircraft remain undisclosed. Under no circumstances should they be deployed in this conflict," Qin Tian emphasized.
"Understood, Your Majesty," replied General Seeckt. Preserving the secrecy of the empire's cutting-edge aircraft, a key advantage over its adversaries, was imperative.
"Vaschte, ensure the diplomatic envoy is prepared. Once Crown Prince Karl assumes the throne, dispatch them immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Vaschte acknowledged.
"Everyone, this operation against the Austro-Hungarian Empire is our best opportunity to eliminate a significant threat. We must not let it slip away. Victory is our only option!" Qin Tian declared with determination.
"Yes, Your Majesty," came the unified response from his ministers and generals.
On December 18, the funeral of Emperor Franz Joseph I took place in Vienna, attended by dignitaries from around the globe. However, the German Empire's decision to send only its Foreign Minister displeased the Austro-Hungarian delegation. Crown Prince Karl interpreted this as a deliberate affront, further intensifying his hostility toward Germany.
On January 1, 1917, Crown Prince Karl's coronation was held at the Vienna Imperial Palace. Under the auspices of the Archbishop, he donned the crown of the Austro-Hungarian throne, officially becoming Emperor Charles I.
Though Charles I had finally ascended the throne he had long yearned for, he would soon discover that the crown brought with it burdens far heavier than anticipated.