Chapter Eight: Challenge Accepted

Returning to his throne, Francis II lifted Franz in his arms.

“No one in this world can bully the Emperor, no one can bully me, and no one can bully you! Today, Grandpa will teach you how to be an Emperor!”

Having just given Prince Esterházy a bit of a hard time, the unlucky fellow, Francis II was in high spirits. He felt as though he had returned to the old days—when he was full of ambition, determined to sweep through France and conquer the continent.

“Where were we in our discussion?” Francis II asked somewhat awkwardly.

“Joining the German Customs Union,” Metternich whispered.

Upon hearing this, Count Kolowrat was inwardly stunned. He thought, “Good heavens! This is a clear case of misleading the Emperor.” He then said, “Prussia has already taken the lead by joining the German Customs Union. As the leading state of the German Confederation, the Austrian Empire has no reason to fall behind!”

Baron Bruck thought to himself, “Good grief, how shameless these two are! There’s not a shred of evidence yet they act as if it’s already settled, even competing with Prussia for leadership.” Then he spoke up.

“Joining the German Customs Union not only strengthens our leadership within the German states, but also boosts the national treasury and facilitates the inflow of precious metals. According to Count Kolowrat’s estimates, the Empire’s debts could be cleared within twenty years. Failing that, I am willing to resign alongside Count Kolowrat.”

After the Napoleonic Wars, countries had erected high trade barriers to prevent the outflow of precious metals, guarding against the draining of gold and silver. Austria’s reserves were critically low, and its paper currency lacked credibility due to the Empire’s heavy debts. Baron Bruck’s words struck at the heart of Austria’s predicament, sparking great interest in Francis II.

Metternich and Count Kolowrat exchanged disdainful glances, silently cursing, “Turns out you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, are the most shameless of all.”

The nobles had barely recovered from their shock moments ago, only to be stunned anew by the shamelessness of these three ministers.

Yet the example of Prince Esterházy’s misfortune made the nobles hesitate. After all, the old Emperor was as if injected with adrenaline, and no one wished to provoke such bad luck. Their gazes then fell upon Prince Windisch-Graetz, who, as a high-ranking noble with military command, seemed a safer bet.

Under the scrutiny of all eyes, Prince Windisch-Graetz forced himself to say, “Your Majesty, you know the French once demanded the three southern German states withdraw from our Customs Union. If—”

Had he not mentioned the French, it might have been fine, but the moment France was brought up, a blood-boiling Francis II grew furious.

“French? Damn them! This is the German Customs Union! It’s an internal affair of the German Confederation! Who are they to interfere? How dare they!”

“Send a note to the German states: if France dares to interfere, we shall go to war! Notify the countries of the Holy Alliance that should France declare war on us, they must fulfill their sacred obligations. In short, if the French want war, we will see it through to the end!”

The ministers in the Hall of Mirrors were swept up by the Emperor’s fervor and applauded enthusiastically. War Minister Count Thurn was moved to tears; after decades of following his monarch, the Emperor had finally shown some backbone. He shouted:

“Let’s march on Paris!”

Yet, no one echoed his rallying cry.

Heads shook across the room; it was simply impossible. Seeing this, Count Thurn feigned nonchalance as if nothing had happened.

Metternich sighed, wishing the Emperor could always be this resolute. Still, the note of warning posed a challenge.

Though Prussia was a key German state and a member of the Holy Alliance, it was also the staunchest opponent of Austria’s entry into the German Customs Union. What the Prussian king thought upon receiving this note was unknown.

As for the French, having just endured internal upheaval, their likelihood of military intervention was near zero. Moreover, if France did act, the Holy Alliance was not just for show. After decades of peace, it was unlikely France would produce another Napoleon.

Franz, opportunely, joined in the applause to please the old man.

The nobles, seeing this, knew their hopes were dashed, yet fiery enthusiasm inevitably wanes. Delaying tactics were vital in politics—and delay they would.

Their excuse was simple: the need to contact envoys from various states, prepare venues, and other trivial matters.

Though minor, these matters could not be refused; after all, small issues often have large implications. The nobles had no choice but to accept these pretexts.

In the meantime, the nobles sought outside allies, bribed where necessary, and spread rumors—all to block Austria’s entry into the German Customs Union.

However, today’s decision had the Emperor’s approval, making reversal difficult.

Meanwhile, Metternich, Count Kolowrat, Baron Bruck, Count Latour, and the nearly invisible Interior Minister Piller-Sippl were preparing for the nobles’ final counterattack.

After all, these unscrupulous men were unpredictable.

Count Thurn had already deployed a large group of seasoned generals from the anti-French wars—Heinau, Radetzky, Anton von others—to the most critical posts, instructing them to be doubly vigilant. His task now was to provide these generals with sufficient troops and authority.

He was determined not to allow another uprising under his nose.

Baron Bruck had to liaise with Austria’s bankers, convincing them that the country still had a future and raising as much capital as possible.

With tariffs abolished and border trade opening, the funds required would be astronomical.

For this, he intended to squeeze every last drop of blood from the bankers.

Metternich’s mission was to persuade as many domestic nobles as possible—one friend gained meant one enemy fewer.

Beyond internal opposition, there were the princes and nobles of the German states. His secret police and informants had already uncovered their preferences. Metternich had prepared gifts tailored for each, including the King of Prussia, the Prussian ambassador, and even Friedrich List—the mastermind behind the German Customs Union.

It was said Friedrich List had suffered investment failures and now lived in poverty. Yet, with Austria’s accession to the Customs Union, such talent was urgently needed.

“How did I think of this man? Ah yes, it was the archduke who dropped that paper airplane. Archduke Franz truly is a blessing for this country,” Metternich mused silently, dismissing the matter as a child’s harmless pastime.

Most importantly, they had to ensure Francis II did not backtrack.

This Emperor was notoriously fickle—more than once had he reversed his decisions. Today, thanks to the future Emperor’s support, they still had a final chance.