Allies' Demands

Oscar's reasoning was undoubtedly somewhat far-fetched. But this time, Germany had made it plain that it did not intend to share the benefits extracted from France with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Oscar believed Crown Prince Karl should have understood what he meant.

Of course Crown Prince Karl understood Oscar's meaning, and a flicker of shame and anger flashed through his eyes. Oscar was actually using the Austro-Hungarian Empire's failure to send troops to attack France as an excuse to exclude it from demanding war reparations from France. This was simply twisting words and forcing logic.

Had it been anyone else, Crown Prince Karl's fury would certainly have erupted long ago. But the person before him was the Crown Prince of the most powerful Empire in the world. This man, who was even a year younger than him, was already one of the most powerful men in the world. Filled with jealousy, Crown Prince Karl also felt a trace of fear. Perhaps even he himself did not know that he feared Oscar.

"Your Majesty, even so, I still believe the Austro-Hungarian Empire has the right to receive a portion of France's reparations," Crown Prince Karl insisted.

"Your Highness, how about this? The Austro-Hungarian Empire can negotiate with France on its own. How much benefit you can obtain from France will depend on yourselves," Oscar said impatiently. Crown Prince Karl clearly did not know when to advance or retreat. Oscar's meaning had already been very clear, yet Crown Prince Karl still refused to let go.

Crown Prince Karl grew even angrier. In his view, Oscar's words were utterly shameless. If the Austro-Hungarian Empire negotiated with France on its own, what benefits could it possibly squeeze out of the French? France had nearly been wrung dry by the Austro-Hungarian Empire already. Besides, so long