Everlasting Interests

Crown Prince Karl was determined to tear a huge, juicy chunk of flesh from Italy. Germany's enormous war reparations and other gains from the French had already made his eyes burn red like those of a starving wolf. That was why he had directly laid out the Austro-Hungarian Empire's demands before Oscar.

Crown Prince Karl hoped that Germany would support the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In his view, these were simply the Austro-Hungarian Empire's rightful interests. As its ally, Germany ought to support the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a matter of course.

However, Crown Prince Karl apparently did not believe that the Austro-Hungarian Empire's demands were excessive. In particular, many of their demands even overlapped with Germany's. Under such circumstances, would Germany still support the Austro-Hungarian Empire? That was plainly impossible.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince, Libya cannot be given to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Germany needs that colony as well. Moreover, the German Empire had already made enormous investments there before the war began," Oscar said.

"Your Majesty, Germany has already obtained vast colonies from the French. Can't Libya be given to the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" Crown Prince Karl appeared somewhat disappointed and furious.

Oscar shook his head. "I'm very sorry, Your Highness, Crown Prince. Italian East Africa can be given to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but Libya belongs to the Empire!"

Oscar's attitude was equally firm. That refusal to yield even a single inch made Crown Prince Karl exceptionally furious.

"Damn it! Are the Germans going to ignore their allies' interests just because they are powerful? They are simply shameless! Without the Austro-Hungarian Empire's support, how could they possibly have won this war?" Crown Prince Karl roared inwardly.

Crown Prince Karl was naturally dissatisfied, but from Oscar's standpoint, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had played far too small a role in this war. Yet they still had