Chapter 0945: Isolation

"Madness! The Emperor has gone mad! He actually delivered a speech proclaiming that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would never compromise with Germany. Does he not realize that such a declaration will incite German fury? If the Kaiser is enraged, the consequences will be unimaginable!" an elderly man complained with evident displeasure. His title was Count István Tisza, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Although the Kingdom of Hungary was a constituent part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it retained its own government. Apart from foreign affairs and military matters, which were controlled by the central government of the Empire, Hungary held considerable autonomy over its internal affairs. As the second most powerful state within the Empire, Hungary enjoyed substantial independence.

While Emperor Charles I held the titles of both Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and King of Hungary, the Hungarian nobility had never fully accepted his reign. Now, Charles I had dared to challenge the German Empire, ignoring the vast disparity in military strength between the two nations, a move that greatly displeased them. They believed that such reckless actions would embroil Hungary in imminent danger.

"Indeed! Now, Archduke Friedrich and Marshal Baron von Hötzendorf have ordered the Austro-Hungarian Army to be placed on high alert. It seems war may be on the verge of breaking out," said Baron Tobel, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Austro-Hungarian Army and Chief of Staff of the Hungarian Army, his face etched with concern.

"Placing the troops on high alert now is nothing less than a further provocation of Germany. This will only escalate tensions!" remarked an elderly nobleman in a tailcoat, sipping his coffee elegantly. He was Marquis Dámán Fehrendt of the Hungarian nobility, a family of great prominence within the Kingdom of Hungary. His family held significant influence, with many members occupying positions within the government. The Kingdom's policies were often swayed by their influence, and they were regarded as the informal leaders of the Hungarian aristocracy, effectively holding the reins of power in Hungary.

"Charles I seeks his own demise, but we cannot go down with him!" other high-ranking Hungarian officials and nobles echoed, voicing their concerns and criticizing the actions of Charles I and the central government of the Empire.

"Gentlemen, we can no longer tolerate Charles I. He will lead our nation into the abyss. Hungary has a long and proud history. Our union with the Austrian Empire was solely due to the wisdom of His Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I. But now, with the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I, Charles I lacks the vision or ability to steer the Empire toward prosperity. He will only lead us to ruin. Therefore, we must not allow him to continue on this reckless path!" declared Marquis Dámán Fehrendt, his tone resolute and filled with righteous indignation.

"Indeed, we must save Hungary! We cannot allow it to be dragged down by Charles I's foolishness!" others added.

"I believe that if the Austro-Hungarian Empire is attacked by the Germans, Hungary should remain neutral. After all, this is Charles I's mess, not ours," suggested Marquis Dámán Fehrendt.

"Wouldn't that be a bit too drastic?" asked Count István Tisza. After all, from a certain perspective, it could be seen as an act of betrayal.

"There is nothing wrong with it; this is for the salvation of our nation. I have already sent envoys to the Germans, and as long as we maintain neutrality, they will not invade our territory. Once the Germans have dealt with the reckless Charles I, we can then discuss the future of the Kingdom of Hungary," said Marquis Dámán Fehrendt.

The others readily agreed with the plan, believing that if Charles I sought his own destruction, he could be left to his fate—Hungary would not perish with him.

In Prague, the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Archduke of Bohemia respectfully saw the German envoy out of the royal palace.

As one of the most powerful states in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, second only to Austria and Hungary, the Kingdom of Bohemia had considerable strength. The King of Bohemia was also the Emperor of Hungary. However, apart from foreign affairs and military matters, almost all powers lay in the hands of the Archduke of Bohemia.

"Father, are we truly going to comply with the Germans' demands?" Prince Karini of Bohemia asked.

"What other choice do we have? If we refuse, the Germans will invade us directly, and we will pay a far higher price," replied the Archduke of Bohemia.

"But we have a vast army. If we fight the Germans to the death, they may not succeed!" Prince Karini said, his voice rising in agitation.

"No, we do not need to sacrifice ourselves for Charles I. It is he who has recklessly provoked Germany. Germany is far stronger than the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If we resist them, the outcome will be disastrous. Therefore, agreeing to their demands is the best course of action," said the Archduke of Bohemia.

Prince Karini furrowed his brow. To him, the Germans were invaders, and it seemed only right to resist them.

"When the time comes, I will order the Bohemian army to stand down and allow the Germans to pass through our territory toward Vienna. I hope everything goes smoothly without incident. Otherwise, it will bring disaster upon the Kingdom of Bohemia," the Archduke of Bohemia stated.

"Understood, Father. But after the Germans defeat the Austro-Hungarian Empire, will they really allow us to remain independent?" Prince Karini asked.

The Archduke of Bohemia nodded. "The German Kaiser is a man of his word. He will not deceive us. However, once Bohemia is independent, we will likely have to align with Germany on foreign and military matters. Otherwise, they will not tolerate us."

Although the power would be somewhat constrained, this prospect was still highly appealing to the Archduke. At the very least, he would become the King of Bohemia rather than the Archduke, and his son would be the rightful heir to the Kingdom.

"Father, does the Austro-Hungarian Empire truly have no power to resist the German invasion?" Prince Karini asked. After all, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had long proclaimed itself as the second strongest power after Germany.

The Archduke of Bohemia nodded grimly. "Since the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has effectively ceased to exist."