Chapter 2: Open the Door and let the Russians in

Franz's breakfast was very simple: bread, jam, milk, and some fruits, vegetables—almost the same standard as the middle class. The only difference was that he replaced coffee with milk. Perhaps influenced by his past life, Franz had no affection for coffee and even had a particular liking for dark bread.

The dark bread in the palace, of course, was different from the ones outside mixed with all sorts of things. At Franz's request, it contained melon seeds, sesame seeds, and walnut kernels...

With more people today, the kitchen had to prepare a richer meal, adding coffee, sandwiches, butter, pastries, and ham.

Everyone has different tastes, and they chose their breakfast according to their preferences. The relationship between European monarchs and ministers is different from the East. Everyone was casual during meals without being overly cautious.

After breakfast, everyone had their schedules. They dispersed to start their day's work.

"Your Majesty, your appointment with Grand Duke Aleksandr Nikolayevich is approaching," the maid Jenny reminded him.

Grand Duke Aleksandr Nikolayevich was the eldest son of Nicholas I, none other than the historically renowned Alexander II, who carried out the Russian serfdom reforms.

He was also highly educated, mastering English, German, French, and Polish, being among the most educated of all Russian czars.

Aleksandr Nikolayevich and Franz had many similarities. Both received military training from a young age and had the demeanor of soldiers. They were also both scholars.

Birds of a feather flock together, and these two, with so much in common, should have become friends. However, after the outbreak of the Crimean War, they stood on opposing sides.

Now, history was bound to change. It wasn't always right to keep distant relations and attack nearby enemies. Austria, caught in the midst of various conflicts, needed at least one stable ally.

At the moment, the best choice seemed to be Russia. Although the Russians were greedy and making alliances with them might not be the most beneficial in terms of interests, forming alliances with these imperial nations seemed more reliable than with the purely interest-driven British. Sometimes, the czar's personal views could supersede national interests, reducing the chances of betrayal.

Franz had decided to give up the struggle for dominance in the Near East. If the Russians wanted to take Constantinople, let them. Gaining or losing a bit of interest in the Balkans didn't matter much to Austria.

Of course, the key reason was that Russia, with its numerous internal conflicts, was like a paper tiger—strong outside but weak within. Before resolving its internal issues, it couldn't truly rise.

...

The weather in Vienna in September has a post-autumn breeze, and the rain is cool after autumn, making the weather pleasant. The earth presents a delightful scene of harvest, making one feel elated, prompting song and dance. But it also brings a sense of loss and prompts deep reflection.

People who can converse as equals naturally get along very casually. It wasn't Aleksandr's first time in Austria; he had visited Vienna back in 1838.

Back then, Franz was just a little brat. They had met and had some impression of each other, but there was no real bond.

As the emperor, Franz couldn't possibly play tour guide to others anymore. However, an exception might be made if the visitor was a beautiful princess.

Aleksandr had started dealing with Russian state affairs and had significant influence in politics. Their meeting this time was also politically motivated.

After some pleasantries, they delved into the main topic of their discussion.

"Our countries, Russia and Austria, have a long history. It's essential for us to communicate more deeply on international issues and aim for a win-win partnership. The Ottoman Empire is declining, and we should reach an agreement on the Eastern Front before Britain and France exploit the situation," Franz suggested.

Compared to the Ottoman Empire at its peak, it was indeed in decline. However, its external strength and internal weaknesses were not yet apparent, and major powers hadn't begun the scramble to carve up the empire.

"Of course, the Ottoman Empire is our common enemy, and we need to act quickly. They are reforming internally, and once they complete these reforms, they won't be easy to deal with," Aleksandr seriously said.

"Is Russia planning to move against the Ottoman Empire now?" Franz wondered. Considering the timeline, another Russo-Turkish war seemed likely.

In that case, Aleksandr, perhaps we should define our respective spheres of influence in the Balkans first, to avoid unnecessary conflict that could strain our relations," Franz suggested.

Divide the Balkans? Alexander was taken aback; this implied Austria wasn't opposing Russia's expansion in the Near East.

Alexander quickly realized the implications. Austria had given up its Italian expansion due to British intervention in the recent Austro-Prussian War.

Austria's options were limited: either continue westward to unify the German territories or advance into the Balkans.

Had the Habsburg dynasty easily unified Germany, why would they have waited until now?

To unify the German territories, the Habsburg dynasty even waged wars that ended their global empire. Spain's decline was in large part because of the money spent on warfare in the German territories, neglecting industrial development.

"No problem. To free the people of the Balkans from the evil grasp of the Ottoman Empire, our countries must work together wholeheartedly," Aleksandr agreed promptly.

Specific negotiations about the division of interests would take more than a simple discussion. It wouldn't be surprising if these talks lasted years.

"Rescuing the Balkan people is essential, but the friendship between our nations is equally crucial. I suggest we support each other's core interests and compensate elsewhere if conflicts arise," Franz proposed.

"Is Austria willing to support Russia in obtaining the Straits of the Black Sea?" Aleksandr asked impulsively.

The Straits weren't merely Constantinople; it seemed Russia had its eyes on the entire Anatolian peninsula.

"Of course, Austria has no interest in the Black Sea Straits. It's not our target. As allies, we have no reason to hinder the actions of the Russian Empire!" Franz replied confidently.

Aleksandr was inwardly shaken by the response. Austria's change in policy was unexpected, given that they had not historically asked Russia for assistance in quelling internal revolutions, and therefore no compromises were expected.

"Franz, has Austria changed its foreign policy? Are you aiming for the Danube Basin?" Aleksandr inquired.

Franz, reminding of their status, suggested, "I believe these detailed negotiations are better left to the diplomats."

Considering Austria's support, Aleksandr wondered who could prevent Russia from obtaining the Black Sea Straits.

"If Russia acts quickly, perhaps they might even capture Constantinople before France sorts out its internal issues," Franz pondered.

They both knew the implications of their negotiations. Whether it was Russia or Britain and France that emerged dominant, Austria stood to benefit.

If Russia lost, Austria could expand further into the Balkans; if Britain and France were defeated, Austria might grab a portion of their colonial territories.