Chapter 649 The Worries of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Vienna, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Schönbrunn Palace. Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, lying on the bed, listened to the ministers' report on state affairs.

Franz Joseph I is now 85 years old. Among the monarchs of European countries, he is undoubtedly the longest-lived one. Of course, being too old and not in good health made him no longer have the energy to deal with state affairs. Most of the state affairs are handed over to Crown Prince Karl. This is also an exercise for Crown Prince Karl. So that he can better inherit the throne after a hundred years.

Crown Prince Karl is also very young, only 28 years old. It is undoubtedly difficult to control a big country like the Austro-Hungarian Empire at such an age. Of course, Kaiser Wilhelm III is only 27 years old now. This is even more incomparable.

However, compared with William III, although everyone is of the same age. But Crown Prince Karl's personal ability is much worse. At the same time, Crown Prince Karl was headstrong and conceited, and was hostile to William III and the German Empire. This was also what worried Franz Joseph I. If he was a few years younger, he might have re-selected a more suitable crown prince. It's just that he doesn't have so much time now, so he can only hope that God can bless the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"Your Majesty, the German Navy once again won a decisive battle. The combined fleet of Britain, France and Italy was defeated by the German Navy at a small cost. The German Navy has consolidated its position as the supremacy of the sea. Even if other countries add up , and not as powerful as the German navy. The world's oceans will soon be under German rule." Admiral Anton House, commander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, said.

"Send a telegram to His Majesty William III to congratulate the German Navy on its victory in the naval battle! I know that the Austro-Hungarian Navy may not be able to confront the German Navy no matter what." Franz Joseph I sighed.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Compared with the German Navy, we are really far behind." Admiral Anton House said.

Although, the Austro-Hungarian Navy was also developing. However, all over the world, they are not ranked first. Not to mention that it has been compared with the world's number one German navy. If the German Navy dispatched a squadron at will, it would easily crush the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

"Your Majesty, I think the German navy is too powerful. This is not good news for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I'm sure that the Germans' ambitions will also expand with their strength. The German Navy will definitely send Fleet, stationed in the Mediterranean. This will pose a serious threat to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and will also change the power structure of the Mediterranean. From now on, the Austro-Hungarian Empire also needs to vigorously develop its navy. Otherwise, our Interests will be seriously damaged," Crown Prince Karl said.

He was very jealous of the German navy's successive victories in decisive battles and trampled the British Royal Navy, which was once the world's number one, to the ground. How he hopes that one day, the Austro-Hungarian Navy will also become stronger! In this case, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would have the capital to confront Germany.

Franz Joseph I remained silent for a long time. After a while, he said: "The navy is indeed very important, and this is also the shortcoming of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is true that Britain has shifted its resources to the navy."

"Your Majesty is wise." Crown Prince Carl and Admiral Anton House said immediately.

"Your Majesty, after the German Navy won this naval battle, it is foreseeable that the French and Italians will definitely not be able to hold on. They are expected to surrender soon. The interests of the Empire in this war need to be guaranteed. ’” said Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister Mario Weber.

All the senior officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire gathered here were a little excited. The war is coming to an end, and it seems time to distribute the spoils. As a member of the Allied Powers, Austria-Hungary was also the victor of the war. So, how much benefit should they gain from this feast? Definitely the more the merrier! It has already made the ministers crazy.

"What I'm worried about now is whether the Germans will deliberately target the empire and take the interests that originally belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire as their own. Just like what they did in Russia." Crown Prince Karl said suddenly.

Suddenly, the ministers were stunned. Germany almost monopolized Russia's interests, and only gave a little soup to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although, Germany expressed its support for the expansion of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the Balkans. However, they still felt a little uncomfortable.

"In any case, the Empire is also the winner of this war. It is also an ally with the Germans. They should not go too far." Franz Joseph I said.

"In the negotiations with France, we can try our best to gain interests. If the Germans stop us, we will give up. Anyway, we did not participate in the war against France. However, the negotiations with Italy are directly related to the vital interests of the empire. Therefore, in the negotiations with Italy, the interests of the Austro-Hungarian Empire must be guaranteed." Mario Weber said.

"Although we did not send troops to attack France, it was precisely because of our attack on Italy that we restrained a large number of French troops. Reasonably, the Germans cannot be greedy for our interests." Crown Prince Karl said somewhat Said angrily.

Crown Prince Karl knows how rich France is. He can be sure that the Germans will severely blackmail the French. He felt very uncomfortable when he thought that the Germans could extort a large amount of wealth from France. The flame of jealousy was about to ignite his whole body.

"We can't offend Germany yet. Therefore, it is best not to have any grudges with them. Appropriate concessions are helpful to the empire." Franz Joseph I said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Although a little unwilling, Crown Prince Karl nodded. However, it's hard to say what he will think in his heart.

"Your Majesty, I have just been notified by Germany that the Italians have formally requested peace talks with Germany. The German government asked us to send a delegation to participate." Baron Leopold von Berchidold, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire reported.

"Where is the venue for the negotiations?" Crown Prince Karl asked.

"In Berlin!" Baron Berchdold replied.

"Damn it! The Germans just don't take us seriously. They didn't discuss with us at all, and they directly set the negotiation location." Crown Prince Karl said angrily.