November 14, 1934.
Budapest.
As November arrived, Budapest's weather grew increasingly cold, while conditions within the city became ever more chaotic. Because of the war, Budapest's external communications had been cut off, and supplies had become extremely scarce.
Upon Budapest's walls, Emperor Rudolf forced himself to remain alert as he visited the soldiers defending the city.
"Your Majesty, it's raining. For the sake of your health, you should return at once!" Krajato, Budapest's commander of city defenses, said to Emperor Rudolf.
A few faint raindrops had already fallen upon them. Emperor Rudolf raised his head to look at the sky. Dark clouds, like black city walls, had gathered overhead, making the already desolate Budapest seem even more gloomy.
Emperor Rudolf lowered his head and said to Krajato, "The soldiers are still guarding the walls. Some of them have not slept for two or three days straight. How can I hide away in the palace?"
After hearing Emperor Rudolf's words, Commander Krajato parted his cracked lips, his voice somewhat hoarse.
"Your Majesty, the Empire has reached the edge of an abyss. If even your health collapses, the Empire will fall into a place beyond redemption. You are the Empire's last spiritual pillar. When that time comes..."
Rudolf sighed. "Krajato, do you think the Empire can still hold on?"
Krajato fell silent for a moment before carefully saying, "Perhaps once the Germans arrive, our problems will be solved as easily as splitting bamboo."
Emperor Rudolf shook his head. "If the Germans wanted to save us, their troops in Slovakia would not have stood idly by while Budapest faced its fate."
"The Germans' intentions are easy to guess. Their armies entered the Empire only because they covet our land, industry, food, and population."
"Even if Germany achieves final victory and permits the Empire