Chapter 0956: The Empire's Demands

In the eyes of the world, although the Austro-Hungarian Empire may not be the most powerful nation, it is certainly one of the few great powers. Yet, it is widely believed that in this war, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is no match for Germany.

However, due to the weather conditions and the advantages held by the defenders, many people and nations believed that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would endure for quite some time. Some even speculated that Germany would suffer significant losses in its campaign against the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Alas, their conjectures were clearly wrong. The Austro-Hungarian Empire proved to be incredibly fragile in this conflict.

Qin Tian had not yet left the General Staff when Foreign Minister Vashit arrived.

"What's the matter, Foreign Minister? Is the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the verge of collapse?" Qin Tian said with a smile.

Though the war had only just begun, with the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire already disintegrating and realizing its inevitable defeat, it was entirely understandable for the Empire to seek peace with Germany at this point. After all, the situation had become so dire for the Austro-Hungarian Empire that continuing the fight offered no hope of victory.

"Your Majesty, indeed, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has come to seek peace. Baron Berchtold has already arrived in Berlin and is on his way to the Imperial Palace, hoping to meet with you!" Vashit reported.

"What? Baron Berchtold is already here? How is that possible? How could he have arrived so quickly? Did he fly here?" Qin Tian immediately thought.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Baron Berchtold arrived by plane and has just landed at the airport," Vashit confirmed.

Qin Tian could not help but feel a deep admiration for the elderly baron. Considering the high risks associated with air travel in that era, where even a minor misstep could cost one's life, the fact that Baron Berchtold, a prominent figure in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, had dared to travel by plane to Germany was truly impressive. Of course, Qin Tian also understood that he did so out of a desperate desire to save time, and for the safety of his nation, this act was indeed commendable.

"Your Majesty, shall I arrange for you to meet him?" Vashit inquired.

As the Emperor of the Empire, Qin Tian had the absolute authority to decide whether or not to meet with Baron Berchtold. After all, the fate of the Austro-Hungarian Empire had already been sealed. Perhaps it had been decided the moment Emperor Karl I chose to betray Germany and abandon the Central Powers, or even earlier when Qin Tian began to orchestrate the downfall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Yet, the people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire remained unaware, still fighting for their nation's fate with their final efforts.

"Make the arrangements. I will meet him at the Imperial Palace. After all, Baron Berchtold has risked traveling by plane to get here. Refusing to meet him would be somewhat inhumane," Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Vashit nodded.

Half an hour later, Qin Tian met with the weary Baron Berchtold in his palace office.

"Your Majesty, thank you for receiving me. You are offering not just myself, but the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a chance!" Baron Berchtold expressed gratefully.

After all, Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were currently at war. If Qin Tian had chosen not to meet with him, there would have been no recourse. As the Emperor of the world's greatest power, being somewhat harsh would have been entirely justified. Moreover, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was on the brink of defeat.

"Baron, I am meeting you simply out of respect for the traditional friendship between our two nations. However, due to Emperor Karl I's reckless actions, that traditional friendship is now shattered," Qin Tian replied.

"I know, Your Majesty. Our Emperor made a grave mistake that severely impacted our relations. Now, our Emperor has realized his error, which is why he sent me to seek your forgiveness. I hope that, in light of our nations' historical ties, you will forgive the actions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We vow that from now on, the Austro-Hungarian Empire will follow the lead of the German Empire and will never betray it again!" Baron Berchtold proclaimed solemnly.

Qin Tian could not help but laugh. "Baron, although I haven't met your Emperor often, I believe I know him well enough. I am certain that with his character, he would never bow to the German Empire, let alone admit his mistake!"

A brief moment of awkwardness crossed Baron Berchtold's face before it quickly vanished. As a seasoned diplomat, his composure was undoubtedly well-practiced.

"Your Majesty, regardless, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has truly come to recognize its error. We hope the German Empire can give us another chance!" Baron Berchtold pleaded.

Qin Tian shook his head. "The opportunity has already been given. When Emperor Karl I declared the Empire's withdrawal from the Central Powers, we provided you with three days to reconsider. But in the end, you chose to persist in your course. Don't place all the blame on Emperor Karl I. He had only just ascended to the throne, and if the officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire had opposed him, he would have been powerless."

A glimmer of despair flashed across Baron Berchtold's face as he understood the clear message from Qin Tian—there was no room for negotiation.

"Your Majesty, is there truly no hope left for the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Is the German Empire truly determined to destroy us?" Baron Berchtold asked in desperation.

"Baron, to prevent unnecessary loss of life, I can tell you with absolute clarity: the Austro-Hungarian Empire will no longer exist. It will become a historical term. The constituent nations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire will gain their independence, but they will become protectorates of the German Empire. Specific terms will be negotiated," Qin Tian replied.

"And Austria? The Austro-Hungarian Empire may cease to exist, but surely Austria will endure?" Baron Berchtold asked, clinging to his last hope.

"Austria will no longer exist. The Empire will annex Austria. Austria and the German Empire were always one. Before the Austro-Prussian War, Austria was a state of Germany. Now, it is only fitting that Austria returns to the fold of the German Empire," Qin Tian smiled.