Chapter 0954: The Final Frenzy

Within the operations room of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial General Staff, there was one man who remained utterly silent from beginning to end. He was Admiral Anton Haus, the commander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. The Empire did not have a minister of the navy, making Admiral Haus the highest naval authority in the empire.

Initially, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had little regard for its navy, as its coastline was exceedingly short, and the Adriatic Sea was too narrow, making it all too easy for enemies to trap them. Thus, the navy had never been a formidable force. 

However, after Archduke Ferdinand became the heir to the throne, the navy's development began to gain significant attention, with greater investments poured into its expansion. Under Crown Prince Karl, these efforts were further intensified, culminating in the acquisition of eight powerful battleships, which propelled the Austro-Hungarian Navy into a position of strength, second only to the German Navy.

This marked the Austro-Hungarian Navy as a staunchly loyal ally of Karl I, a sentiment shared by Admiral Haus.

Recently, however, Chancellor Mario Weber and other high-ranking ministers of the Empire had begun discussing the abandonment of Karl I, a move that incited great fury in Admiral Haus. Although his face remained impassive, his hands, concealed within his sleeves, were clenched into fists. Were it not for the fact that this was the army's domain, where an outburst would lead to no tangible result and likely his own downfall, he might have dealt harshly with these men.

Regardless of the circumstances, Karl I was still their emperor! Though Karl I's actions had indeed been extreme, leading to grave losses for the Empire, his intentions had been noble. He had sought to resist Germany's growing dominance over the Empire, hoping to strengthen Austria-Hungary. Unfortunately, their adversary was too powerful, and his plans had failed.

But now, these ministers, those trusted officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, were only concerned with securing their own fortunes, prepared to abandon their emperor to preserve their privileges. To Admiral Haus, it seemed they were more interested in safeguarding their own wealth and status than in preserving the Empire itself. This infuriated him greatly.

"Such men are precisely why the power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has steadily declined," Admiral Haus thought to himself. "Had it not been for them, how could we have fallen so swiftly?"

After the meeting, Admiral Haus returned to the naval headquarters, shed his uniform, and dressed in civilian clothes before making his way to the palace.

Upon his arrival, dressed in plain attire, Karl I was taken aback. He could not understand why the admiral, whom he trusted and esteemed above all others, had chosen to appear so uncharacteristically. It was well known throughout the Empire that Admiral Haus was one of Karl's most loyal and important ministers. Even within the palace, Haus was always allowed unrestricted access. Clearly, something of grave importance had transpired, and it was something decidedly unfavorable to Karl I.

Despite the heavy blow dealt to him by this defeat, Karl I did not lose his composure. He quickly grasped the situation.

"Admiral Haus, what has happened?" he inquired.

"Sire, the Cabinet has sent Baron Berchthold to Germany to meet with the Kaiser, seeking peace. To expedite the process, the Baron is even flying to Berlin," Admiral Haus reported.

Karl I's face immediately darkened. His ministers were so eager to seek Germany's forgiveness, a move that shamed him deeply. Yet, reflecting on the catastrophic defeat suffered by the Empire, Karl I understood that, without seeking peace, Austria-Hungary would lose even more in the ongoing conflict. He said nothing more, his thoughts turning to the grim reality ahead.

"The Empire can no longer continue this war. Seeking Germany's forgiveness as soon as possible is for the Empire's own benefit," Karl I admitted.

Admiral Haus nodded gravely. "However, Sire, after much deliberation, the ministers have concluded that, following this war, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is unlikely to survive. If we can preserve the Austrian Empire, that would be the best possible outcome."

"Indeed. Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, and Croatia have already betrayed the Empire. Austria-Hungary is falling apart, and its dissolution is inevitable. These countries must have been promised better terms by the Germans in exchange for their defection. After the war, the Germans will likely fulfill their promises and support the independence of these nations. Without these territories, the Austro-Hungarian Empire will no longer exist. Preserving Austria, however, is a small mercy in the face of such calamity," Karl I sighed.

If God were to grant him another chance, Karl I would never have acted so rashly. Even though he had been opposed to Germany, he would not have confronted them without the strength to do so. He would have been more cautious. After all, while the Austro-Hungarian Empire appeared formidable, it was riddled with internal problems, a hollow shell of a once-mighty nation.

"Sire, the ministers have also decided that, should the Germans demand your abdication, they will accept it. Furthermore, they intend to select a new emperor from the Habsburg family to rule the future Austrian Empire," Admiral Haus continued.

At these words, Karl I's expression turned grave. Although the disastrous defeat had been caused by his own actions, he could not accept the loss of his throne. The prospect of being dethroned was unbearable.

"Damn!" Karl I cursed.

Admiral Haus remained silent.

"Admiral Haus, can I trust you?" Karl I asked.

"Sire, I am your most loyal subject!" Admiral Haus assured him.

Karl I nodded, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. 

"If the Empire is doomed to fall, or if I am forced from the throne, I ask that you lead the navy and escort me to America, where we shall establish a government in exile!" Karl I declared. He was not a man willing to succumb to fate without a fight, even if it meant facing the end.

"Yes, Sire!" Admiral Haus replied, his voice firm with resolve.