Chapter 1: Coronation

Time flew by swiftly, and before one realized, it was the end of August. With Franz's coronation drawing near, Vienna became increasingly bustling.

Laughter and joy gradually overshadowed the shadow left by the March rebellion.

The wartime economic system set up by the government played a significant role in reviving the economy. Austria had already shaken off the effects of the economic crisis.

Numerous state-owned enterprises emerged, and with the implementation of the "Labour Protection Law," the working class could finally take a breather. Life improved significantly for many.

Thanks to the consistent positive propaganda in the newspapers, Franz's reputation among the populace was rather impressive. People had high hopes for this young monarch.

The prestige of the Habsburg family remained unmatched, as major nobility from across Europe sent high-profile representatives to attend the coronation. For a time, Vienna was a gathering place for the elite.

Franz finally understood the intricacies of being part of the Habsburg family. Their relatives spanned across the European continent, with myriad complex relations that were almost impossible to untangle.

Thankfully, in Europe, hierarchies were not too strictly adhered to; otherwise, Franz would have been overwhelmed. Depending on one's perspective, a single individual could simultaneously be a second uncle, third grand-uncle, younger nephew, and cousin...

This was also because the political situation in Europe was unstable. Many nobles had to remain in their home countries to oversee affairs, otherwise, Vienna would have been even busier.

Capitalists had much to thank Franz for. His coronation directly elevated the commercial prosperity of Vienna.

The guests attending the ceremony were all influential figures. When traveling, they would always be accompanied by a retinue. Suddenly, Vienna saw an influx of tens of thousands of affluent customers, ensuring the city's commercial success.

On September 1st, a day of commemoration, God seemed to favor his faithful followers.

Today, the sky over Vienna was especially high, the air crisp, and the breeze gentle. Without the scorching heat of summer or the bone-chilling cold of winter, the landscape was lush and green.

On this beautiful day, Franz ascended the throne at Hofburg Palace, ushering in a new chapter in Austria's history.

Regarding how the sacred coronation went, Franz didn't wish to comment. All he felt was exhaustion.

First, he went through the coronation procedures like a puppet, then he had to receive a host of distinguished guests, leaving him drained.

In the evening, when he returned to his bedroom, Franz felt a sudden emptiness. Even the grandeur of the Vienna palace couldn't bring warmth to his heart.

Emperors were destined to be lonely, and a great emperor must forsake unnecessary emotions. Emotions, after all, are a part of the political system.

Emperors are alone in their feelings, political ideologies, and decisions. Yet, through their loneliness, they forge resilient hearts and learn tolerance.

At least in mainland Europe, internal strife within the royal family wasn't too severe. Under normal circumstances, one didn't need to worry about siblings scheming for power, which was perhaps the only silver lining.

Franz was fortunate; he had two younger brothers and a sister. Excluding one sister who had passed away prematurely, the relationship with the remaining siblings was harmonious.

Believing that younger brothers were there to share burdens, Franz sent Maximilian and Karl Ludwig to welcome guests, a duty of royal family members.

His youngest sister, however, was spared from such duties. At just six years old, Ludovica Victoria was playful and mischievous, much to Franz's amusement.

Franz and his father, Archduke Karl, both doted on her, which often frustrated Sophie, who wished to groom her into a proper princess.

As he looked at the gifts in his room, Franz's cold heart melted. Opening a beautifully wrapped box, he found a chubby clay figurine. The figurine wore what could either be a hat or a crown – who could tell?

A note next to the figure explained that it was how his sister perceived him. While the chubby design was forgivable, the figurine's missing arm was not. Did his sister see him as disabled?

Blaming the Renaissance for this flawed perception, as many European statues from that era were missing limbs in the name of "imperfect beauty," Franz resolved to correct this aesthetic misconception.

Deciding this, Franz already lay in bed and quickly drifted off to sleep. There was work to be done tomorrow, and the young monarch couldn't indulge just yet.

...

The next day, Franz got up early as usual, and he seemed to be in a good mood. He wandered around the Vienna Palace, taking a break from his training for the day.

Being one of the three most famous palaces in Europe, the Vienna Palace is truly beautiful. Everywhere he looked, there were dazzling enamel-painted window lattices and lifelike marble reliefs. They reminded him of the hands of Rodin, the soul of Michelangelo, the spirit of Da Vinci, and the elegance of Raphael...

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers request an audience," the maid Jenny's clear voice rang in Franz's ear. It was still something he had to get used to. Just the day before, he was referred to as "Your Highness", but now it's "Your Majesty".

This fleeting unfamiliarity passed, and Franz replied, "Let them come in."

The fact that Prime Minister Felix showed up early in the morning with the cabinet meant that something major had transpired. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so presumptuous.

"Please, sit down. Jenny, have the kitchen prepare more breakfast," Franz said, suspecting that since they came so early, they probably hadn't eaten. Being a good leader, he was naturally concerned about the well-being of his subordinates.

"What has happened that you all came in such a hurry?" Franz inquired.

To ensure the coronation went smoothly, the Austrian government had been adopting steady policies, ensuring peace and stability throughout the nation. There shouldn't be any major issues.

Prime Minister Felix responded with a grave face, "Your Majesty, our covert investigation into the church's assets is about to be exposed. A related document from the cabinet was stolen yesterday, and we have no clue where it is now."

Hearing this, Franz's good mood vanished instantly. This news came at a very inopportune time. Investigating the deeply rooted church assets wasn't something that could be done overnight.

This wasn't like suppressing rebels where they could simply arrest and confiscate properties. They couldn't be that brutal with church personnel.

Franz just wanted their money, not their lives. The public still needed spiritual guidance.

Once the news got out, it would become harder to continue the investigation discreetly. There were numerous ways to transfer or hide assets. By the time they got their act together, the Austrian government might recover very little.

Franz thought for a moment, "Let's act in advance then. Anyway, we never expected to drain all the church's resources. Just confiscate their illegal assets.

They can hide many things, but they can't hide land, right?

Let's negotiate with the Pope to issue an order for churches in Austria to sell their lands to the government. The proceeds will be used to save the Papal State's military expenses."

This was a golden opportunity, especially since Pope Pius IX was currently in exile due to revolutionaries. He had just crowned Franz the day before and was now in Vienna. It was a blatant exchange of interests, and Franz doubted the Pope would refuse.

As for the Austrian church's interests being compromised, what does that have to do with the Pope? The Papal State is Pius IX's foundation.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Metternich replied.

Using the Pope against the church seemed like the best approach. With the Pope's backing, the Austrian government could easily pressure the bishops into submission.

The government only wanted the church's assets, not their personal properties, which was unlikely to push them to desperation.

After having recently suppressed domestic rebellions, many regions in Austria had experienced bloodshed. The nobles were now wary of the government, making this the perfect time to strike.

"Your Majesty, why not summon all the bishops to Vienna in the Pope's name to announce this decision? Anyone who opposes can be dismissed from their bishopric by Pope Pius IX," Prime Minister Felix suggested.

Clearly, in this era of diminishing church power, the Pope wasn't seen as untouchable. Felix didn't regard Pius IX that highly. If Austria wished, even replacing the Pope wouldn't be too difficult.

Hearing Felix's suggestion, the idea of a "banquet trap" instantly popped into Franz's mind. Bishop positions aren't hereditary; the Vatican has the right to dismiss them.

Although in recent times, most bishop appointments were decided locally with the Vatican merely rubber-stamping the decisions, the Austrian government could now temporarily reclaim that right.

Franz nodded, "Very well, let's proceed with that."

There's no need for bloodshed if problems can be resolved civilly. The church's greed and corruption have been known for a long time, and Franz, being a nominal Catholic, didn't have any plans to cleanse the church on God's behalf.