Chapter 0943: Warning

Baron Berchtold stood before Qin Tian, his face adorned with an ingratiating smile as he earnestly explained, "Your Imperial Majesty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire's withdrawal from the Alliance is merely a consequence of our collective victory over Britain, France, and Russia in the last great war. His Imperial Majesty deems the Alliance no longer necessary. This is by no means an act of provocation against the German Empire, and we sincerely hope Your Majesty will not take offense." 

On the very day the Austro-Hungarian government declared its withdrawal, Baron Berchtold had already arrived in Berlin, a clear indication that he had set out from Vienna in advance. His purpose was to explain matters to Germany at the earliest opportunity and prevent further deterioration of relations between the two nations. 

Though the high officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire had not explicitly opposed Emperor Karl I's decision, they were keen to avoid an irreparable rift with Germany, let alone provoke a war between the two nations. 

Of course, it was doubtful whether these officials were truly against leaving the Alliance. Their objections stemmed primarily from fear of German retaliation. If they could weather the storm, the withdrawal might ultimately benefit the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

Qin Tian regarded Baron Berchtold with a cold, piercing gaze. The fact that Karl I had so decisively announced the withdrawal, and that it had been approved with such ease, made it clear to Qin Tian that the Austro-Hungarian leadership had long harbored such intentions. They had simply refrained from acting earlier due to the overwhelming military might of the German Empire. 

"Baron, the Austro-Hungarian Empire unilaterally withdrew from the Alliance without consulting the German Empire. This is an act of betrayal! A disgraceful affront!" Qin Tian roared in fury. 

Baron Berchtold's heart sank. He had not anticipated such an intense reaction from Qin Tian, a reaction that left no doubt—Germany was deeply displeased with Austria-Hungary's decision. This was an exceedingly dire development for Vienna. 

"Your Majesty, this was an oversight on our part. We did not believe this decision would impact the German Empire significantly, and thus we failed to notify your government in advance. We earnestly hope for your understanding. Even though Austria-Hungary has left the Alliance, the deep-rooted friendship between our two nations remains unshaken. Please rest assured, our withdrawal will not alter the bonds between our countries," Baron Berchtold implored, though an ominous premonition gripped him—Austria-Hungary's decision was bound to have far-reaching consequences. 

"Baron, in light of our nations' long-standing friendship, the German Empire is willing to grant Austria-Hungary an opportunity. You must immediately issue a global declaration retracting your decision to withdraw from the Alliance. If you comply, we will consider this matter as if it never transpired. However, should Austria-Hungary refuse, your nation will bear the full weight of the consequences!" Qin Tian's voice was laced with menace. 

"What?" Baron Berchtold paled in shock. He had not anticipated such an ultimatum. Clearly, these terms were unacceptable. 

If Austria-Hungary were to publicly revoke its decision, it would become an international laughingstock. Given Karl I's obstinate and arrogant disposition, a reversal of his decree was inconceivable. This left Austria-Hungary in an impossible predicament, one that could only accelerate the rupture between the two nations. 

"The Germans are doing this deliberately—they seek a pretext for war! Damn it, this is a trap, a carefully laid snare to justify an attack on Austria-Hungary. If we do not acquiesce to their demand, war is inevitable! They must be confident in their ability to crush us, which is why they dare to be so bold. My God! Is Austria-Hungary truly standing on the precipice of catastrophe?" Baron Berchtold was no fool. He quickly pieced together the grim reality. 

Yet, the realization sent chills down his spine. The Germans dared to scheme against Austria-Hungary—an unequivocal sign that his country was now in mortal peril. 

"Baron, you may relay this message to your government. You have three days. If, after three days, Austria-Hungary has not rescinded its decision, it will be deemed a rejection of the German Empire's goodwill," Qin Tian declared icily. 

"Yes, Your Majesty. I shall immediately convey your message to Vienna. The Austro-Hungarian Empire and the German Empire share a profound and time-honored friendship. I believe this misunderstanding will not damage our relations," Baron Berchtold responded, though his words lacked conviction. 

"Of course. The German Empire has always regarded Austria-Hungary as its most steadfast ally. We sincerely hope that this alliance endures," Qin Tian replied with a pleasant smile, betraying no hint of his true intentions. 

"Yes, Your Majesty." Baron Berchtold bowed and took his leave. 

Upon departing the palace, he rushed to the Austro-Hungarian Embassy in Berlin, where he promptly relayed Germany's ultimatum and his own grim assessment to Vienna. He strongly advised Karl I to reconsider his decision, for it was now evident that Germany was using this as an excuse to wage war against Austria-Hungary. 

Revoking the withdrawal would certainly be a humiliating blow to Austria-Hungary's prestige, but it might be the only way to ensure its survival. Baron Berchtold harbored no illusions about Austria-Hungary's military capabilities—they were woefully insufficient to repel a German invasion. The fact that Germany had clearly been preparing for this confrontation only worsened their predicament. If war broke out, Austria-Hungary would stand no chance. The consequences of defeat would be catastrophic, possibly even spelling the dissolution of the empire itself. 

Though the Americans had pledged to support Austria-Hungary, Baron Berchtold found their assurances unconvincing. During the previous war, Germany had so thoroughly intimidated the United States that they dared not act recklessly. Now, with Germany's power even greater than before, would the Americans truly risk everything for Austria-Hungary? That seemed highly improbable. Most likely, they merely sought to use Austria-Hungary as a pawn, a bulwark against German expansion—or worse, as cannon fodder. 

The implications of this conclusion were harrowing, but Baron Berchtold found them disturbingly plausible. After all, Emperor Wilhelm III was a man of unyielding resolve.