Chapter 0167: War Is Inevitable

On June 28, 1914, it was a Sunday. Emperor Franz Joseph I of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was resting in the palace gardens. At eighty-four years of age, he was among the oldest monarchs in the world. 

Naturally, due to his advanced age, his vitality was no longer what it once was, compelling him to delegate most affairs to Crown Prince Ferdinand and the government, intervening only in significant matters. Franz Joseph I, in his twilight years, was a tragic figure. Although he had married the young and beautiful Princess Sisi, his life was marred by loss; in 1889, his heir, Rudolf, took his own life alongside his lover, leaving the empire without a legitimate successor. Nine years later, Sisi was murdered by an Italian anarchist on the shores of Lake Geneva. In 1899, Franz Joseph I was forced to allow Ferdinand to marry Countess Sophie Chotek, resulting in the exclusion of Ferdinand's offspring from the line of succession.

Franz Joseph I believed his fate was sealed, yet tragedy still pursued him. In the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, with a blanket draped over his legs, he sat basking in the warm summer sun, feeling drowsy. 

Suddenly, the hurried footsteps of a servant jolted him awake. 

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and his wife have been assassinated in Sarajevo!" the servant reported.

"What?" Franz Joseph I exclaimed, his expression turning ashen, his murky eyes glinting with a fierce light.

"Summon the Chancellor, Archduke Friedrich, and Marshal von Hötzendorf to my presence at once!" Despite his trembling fury, Franz Joseph I forced himself to remain composed, issuing the command. As emperor, the assassination of Ferdinand was a profound blow, yet he knew he must hold steady; the stability of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was paramount. Chaos could have dire consequences.

Soon, Chancellor Mario Weber, Commander-in-Chief Archduke Friedrich, and Chief of Staff Marshal von Hötzendorf arrived at Schönbrunn Palace, their faces pale with concern. They all understood that the assassination of the Crown Prince would not go unpunished. War was now inevitable.

"Your Majesty, the Serbians have dared to assassinate the Crown Prince; this is a direct challenge to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We cannot let this pass. We must mobilize immediately and declare war on Serbia!" declared Marshal von Hötzendorf.

In truth, the plan to invade Serbia had been jointly conceived by him and Ferdinand. They had not anticipated that the opportunity for war would come at such a grave cost. Given the circumstances, discussing alternatives was futile; their only recourse was to avenge Ferdinand and make his death count for something.

"Your Majesty, the British, French, and Russians stand firmly behind the Serbians. If we declare war on Serbia, they will surely join the fray," Chancellor Weber cautioned.

Alone, Serbia could hardly stand against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. While the empire's military might was not the strongest among the great powers, subduing a small nation like Serbia would be manageable.

"Our German allies will support us!" Marshal von Hötzendorf insisted.

"What say you, Friedrich?" asked Franz Joseph I.

"Your Majesty, this war is unstoppable unless divine intervention occurs," Archduke Friedrich replied.

Franz Joseph I closed his eyes in anguish. He understood that this conflict would be terrible; a single misstep could spell ruin for the empire. Yet, as Friedrich had asserted, war was unavoidable. Both internal and international forces were poised, waiting for the slightest pretext for conflict. The assassination of the Crown Prince was, without a doubt, that long-awaited trigger.

"Initiate troop mobilization and prepare for war!" commanded Franz Joseph I.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" 

"Send our ambassador in Germany to meet with the Kaiser. It is time for Germany to fulfill its obligations," he continued.

"Germany is our ally; they will honor their commitments," Marshal von Hötzendorf replied.

"Gentlemen, since war is inevitable, let us strive to win it with all our might!"declared Franz Joseph I.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" they all affirmed, hopeful for a victorious outcome, yet fully aware of the challenges ahead.

With that, Franz Joseph I closed his eyes again, too fatigued to speak further, as if the weight of his earlier words had drained his strength.

Mario Weber, Archduke Friedrich, and Marshal von Hötzendorf quickly departed. Having resolved to go to war, they needed to prepare thoroughly. War was no trivial matter; countless details required attention.

The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand sent shockwaves throughout the world. 

The global situation was already tense, with war looming ominously. The only missing element was a suitable catalyst to ignite it. Ferdinand's death had become that very spark.

The Serbian government swiftly learned of Ferdinand's assassination in Sarajevo, leaving them stunned. Though Serbia had long opposed the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they never believed they could truly contend with such a powerful adversary. The empire's population, industry, and military capabilities far exceeded Serbia's; had it not been for Russian support, Serbia might have been overwhelmed long ago.

As the Serbian government descended into chaos, General Putnik ordered the army to enter a state of emergency, mobilizing for war. He also instructed the ambassador in Russia to seek an audience with Tsar Nicholas II, requesting Russian support.

At this juncture, war had become unavoidable!