Replacing France as the protector of the Papal States would also allow them to invoke religion to criticize Italy in public opinion. Most importantly, it would delay Italian unification. The temptation was immense for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Though the Papal States were now very small, that was no ordinary territory—it was Rome, one of Italy's most economically developed regions, unsurpassed in Italy in cultural history and political standing. The most economically developed regions, meanwhile, were Venice and Lombardy, once territories of the Austrian Empire.
Ernst had merely proposed a rough plan. To turn it into reality, specialists would still need to refine the details. The fact that it had caught Franz's attention meant the matter was already half accomplished.
"Ernst!"
Ferdinand had just stepped out of Schönbrunn Palace when he called after his future son-in-law.
"Father-in-law, what is it?"
"Do you have some grudge against the Italians? To come up with such a vicious scheme!"
"Hahaha, how could that be? Italy has never offended me, and my business dealings with Italy are hardly small in scale. How could I possibly have anything against them?"
"You're a businessman. Going by your usual style, you would never rise early without profit. There must be some reason for you to set Italy up like this."
"Nonsense. Where did you hear such rumors? I have always run my businesses with honesty and integrity. Fellow businesses are more than willing to work with my companies, and all my operations have always been legal and compliant. I'm not comparable to those unscrupulous capitalists. Tell me who started this rumor, and I'll definitely show him some color!"
"Franz said it."
"Then forget it. Still, even an emperor shouldn't confuse black and white."
"Just what reason could make you willingly dig a pit for the Kingdom of