Chapter Sixteen: "Fairness"

Frankfurt, Headquarters of the German Customs Union.

"Damn it! The Hungarians from Austria aren’t allowed to join, and the Poles in the Kingdom of Prussia should be kicked out as well."

"Right! The Poles must go!"

Frederick Anselm was weary of this endless quarrel, especially now that someone had directly targeted the Poles within Prussia.

"If Austria has separated from Hungary, then Prussia should also sever ties with those Poles!"

"Exactly! Why should those filthy Poles enjoy the benefits of the German Customs Union?"

At that moment, the representative from Baden saw his opportunity. Having long been bought by the French, he was here to aid the Prussians in preventing Austria’s entry into the German Customs Union.

With Prussia’s faction weakening, he had another goal: to attempt to bring France into the union. Though nearly impossible, the French had promised him a handsome reward.

He had also been warned of a grim fate should he fail.

Baden, bordering France, was heavily influenced by the French and often had to act as their vanguard.

He called out:

"If the Poles in Prussia and the Hungarians in Austria can join our sacred German Customs Union, then the French should be allowed to join as well. France boasts a broader market and superior goods..."

But before he could finish, he was met with fierce opposition from the entire assembly, and some even surrounded him.

"You French lackey! You have no right to be here!"

"Get out!"

No one knew who threw a wine glass at the Baden representative’s head. Glass shards and wine splattered all over him, leaving him utterly humiliated.

"Oh, damn it! What are you all doing? I am a nobleman, you know."

This comment enraged both the noble-born and common-born officials present. The nobles felt insulted by his disdain for their class, while the commoners resented his contempt for their origins.

The result was predictable—a furious crowd descended upon the noble-born Baden representative, beating him mercilessly.

Then came a legendary moment: the representatives of the German Customs Union, regardless of nationality or status, united to hurl him out of the window.

For a brief moment, unity prevailed. Following the sound of shattering glass and the clatter of broken shards falling to the ground, accompanied by a heavy grunt, the hall fell silent.

But the calm was short-lived. Soon, the bickering resumed.

---

"Austrian membership in the German Customs Union is impossible; it is a despotic state. Prince Metternich and Emperor Francis II’s desire to spy on others’ privacy knows no bounds."

"Indeed, Austria’s secret police are everywhere!"

"We cannot tolerate such a despotic nation joining our free German Customs Union."

The Prussian side launched a new offensive.

Before the Austrian supporters could respond, Ankert of Saxony spoke up.

"It's laughable to pretend Prussia isn’t despotic. Your spies are numerous. Taking advantage of the newly formed German Customs Union and its imperfect systems, your agents have infiltrated various countries, gathering commercial and military intelligence. We in Saxony have already caught a dozen or so. Prussia’s ambitions need no further explanation."

The Austrian faction immediately counterattacked.

"Yes, Prussia is also an absolute monarchy. Where is the freedom?"

"In my opinion, given the Prussians’ lawlessness, Austria should be allowed to send their secret police to oversee the union’s operations."

"Exactly! Austria, as the presiding state of the German Confederation, should supervise and manage the German Customs Union."

Frederick Anselm’s nose twitched in anger. Why did those damned Saxons always have it out for him?

"Lord Ankert, are you targeting my country, or is this the will of your King Anton I of Saxony?"

Ankert smiled.

"I just find it amusing. You Prussians are exactly like Austria, yet you get to join the German Customs Union, while Austrians are excluded. Is it because you’ve played the prostitute but still want to keep up appearances?"

"The German Customs Union belongs to us Prussians!"

Ankert sneered.

"Listen, you Prussians aren’t even the chairmen of the German Customs Union yet. Making trade rules, planning routes, blocking others—do you really think this union belongs solely to your Prussia?"

"That’s nonsense! You—" Frederick Anselm was about to lose his temper.

At that moment, the Frankfurt representative intervened, "Let’s vote on this matter."

Frederick Anselm regained his composure.

"The German Customs Union was indeed initiated and formed by us Prussians, but all representatives within the union are equal. I propose we decide by vote whether to admit Austria."

---

"Will each member state have the same number of votes? Does Hesse-Cassel have the same number as Bavaria?" asked the Bavarian representative.

Frederick Anselm replied confidently.

"Of course, equal votes for all. That’s the only way to ensure fairness and justice within the union."

He was well aware that the number of states supporting him far exceeded those backing Austria. This open strategy required no further effort—he could simply wait.

"I find that unfair. Since Prussia occupies a crucial position in Germany, many smaller states must pass through your lands. How can we be sure they won’t favor you?" Ankert said.

Frederick Anselm smiled.

"We Prussians would never do that. That’s merely your speculation. If Austria fails to secure more than half the votes within the union, it only means the majority reject Austria."

At this point, a representative stood.

"I have a request."

"Please speak."

Frederick Anselm, feeling confident of victory, appeared magnanimous.

"I request a secret ballot. Regardless of whether Austria joins the German Customs Union, our small states cannot afford to bear the wrath of either Prussia or Austria."

Frederick Anselm agreed readily. Indeed, the smaller states on his side did fear Austrian retaliation. After all, Metternich and his secret police had a notorious reputation.

"No problem—of course, a secret ballot. You need not worry; no one will retaliate," he assured, putting their minds at ease.

With no objections, the vote commenced.

The German Customs Union comprised 36 members, each holding one vote. Should the pro-Austrian side reach half the votes, Austria would be admitted; if not, they would be rejected.

"To ensure fairness, all ballots will be collected publicly by Miss Agathe, the lead dancer of the French Nice Opera Ballet. The ballot box will be opened at the center of the hall for all to see, and the votes will be announced."

... (The following description is somewhat dull; if readers desire, I can add it later.)