"Your Majesty, I have just received news that Emperor Karl I of Austria-Hungary and President Woodrow Wilson of the United States have held a secret meeting. At present, the content of their discussions remains unknown. However, it is certain that they have reached some form of covert agreement. When President Wilson left the Vienna Imperial Palace, his expression was one of great satisfaction," reported Admiral Berleming, Director of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau.
With the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary, Karl I ascended to the throne, leading to the sharp deterioration of relations between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This has resulted in the Imperial Intelligence Bureau focusing its efforts primarily on Austria-Hungary. It can be said that any stir within the empire is now known in minute detail to Germany.
"Gentlemen, it appears that Austria-Hungary has indeed lived up to our expectations by abandoning the Empire as an ally and instead aligning itself with the Americans. I believe our esteemed Emperor Karl I will soon sever ties with our alliance, signaling that war is imminent!" Qin Tian remarked with a smile.
He was actually eager for Karl I to dissolve the alliance with Germany, as this would provide Germany with a pretext to declare war on Austria-Hungary. Though such a pretext might seem somewhat contrived, by the time the war broke out, who would care? The outcome would be all that mattered, and no one would question the process if Germany emerged victorious.
"Your Majesty, it seems our military actions are now ready to be initiated at any time," Marshal von Falkenhayn declared. His eyes burned with fierce determination. At over fifty years of age, Marshal von Falkenhayn was uncertain whether he would remain in his position by the time the next world war broke out. He hoped that while he still held his post, he could lead the German army to several victories and eliminate the threats surrounding Germany. This, he believed, would fulfill his aspirations.
Qin Tian nodded in agreement. "Are the troops fully prepared? Once Austria-Hungary announces its departure from the alliance, we can strike at any moment. I hope we can decisively crush Austria-Hungary without delay. We cannot afford to drag the war on. Once it turns into a stalemate, it will be detrimental to us."
If Germany could swiftly defeat Austria-Hungary in this military campaign, it would reap immense benefits. First, the threats surrounding Germany would be neutralized, ensuring its security. Second, Germany could annex Austria, strengthening its power. The other nations within the Austro-Hungarian Empire would also fall under German protection, allowing Germany to have several smaller allies who could serve as cannon fodder once war erupted. Finally, Germany's display of military prowess in vanquishing Austria-Hungary would serve as a deterrent to other nations, further solidifying Germany's dominant position. In the short term, no one would dare to provoke Germany without absolute certainty of success.
"Your Majesty, we are prepared. The Imperial Army's 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th Armies have already been mobilized in secret. Once the attack begins, the 3rd and 5th Armies will enter Austria from Bavaria, while the 6th and 7th Armies will advance into the Kingdom of Bohemia. The 9th Army will serve to intimidate the Kingdom of Hungary. If the Foreign Ministry can persuade the other nations, excluding Austria, to remain neutral, we will concentrate our forces and launch an offensive against Austria. With the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Army, they will not be able to withstand the Empire's advance," Marshal von Falkenhayn stated with confidence.
Qin Tian nodded, reassured by the strength of the army.
"Vashit, how was your recent visit to Austria-Hungary?" Qin Tian inquired.
Vashit had represented the German Empire at both the funeral of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the coronation of Emperor Karl I.
"Your Majesty, it was dreadful. After the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire descended into chaos. Many of the constituent nations of Austria-Hungary seem to have their own agendas. Although Karl I has ascended to the throne, his true authority extends only over Austria and a few other nations. The other nations do not recognize him as their ruler. After all, his performance as heir to the throne was not commendable," Vashit explained.
Qin Tian agreed with this assessment. In reality, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was held together solely by the prestige of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Without him, no one else possessed the authority to govern such a vast and diverse empire. The Empire consisted of a multitude of nations with differing languages and cultures, and forcing them into a cohesive whole was nearly impossible. Among them, the Kingdom of Hungary occupied over a third of the empire's territory and population. As a result, Qin Tian had already decided that, even if Germany were to defeat the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it would not annex the entire empire. Although the vast expanse of over 600,000 square kilometers of land was tempting, forcibly absorbing it would lead to indigestion for the German Empire. Qin Tian planned to annex only the most valuable part—Austria—whose population was primarily German. This would be easily integrated into Germany. The other nations would be allowed to remain independent but would become German protectorates.
"Furthermore, perhaps it is because Your Majesty did not personally visit Vienna, but many high-ranking officials of Austria-Hungary are deeply dissatisfied with us. As for Emperor Karl I, the hostility toward Germany has only increased. Neither during the funeral of Emperor Franz Joseph I nor at the coronation of Karl I was I ever received. Clearly, his antipathy toward Germany has grown stronger. So, when the Americans approached him, it was inevitable that he would side with them. This, I believe, is unquestionable!" Vashit remarked.
"Regardless of Emperor Karl I's sentiments, since the Empire is prepared to take action against them, other matters no longer matter. Once the Empire has defeated Austria-Hungary, Karl I will realize how laughable his previous actions were, like a mere jester," Qin Tian said with a smile.
Indeed, from the outset, Qin Tian had never regarded Karl I as a serious threat. Even though he knew of Karl I's hostility toward the German Empire, he paid it no mind.