Suppressing the Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Your Excellency, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is, after all, an ally of the Empire. We cannot use our overwhelming strength to pressure them. That would not reflect well on the Empire's reputation, and it would also affect our relations with the Austro-Hungarian Empire." Wachth shook his head.

These Italians truly were indulging in wild fantasies. It was only natural that the Empire should obtain those benefits from Italy. But that did not mean the Empire would help them pressure the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"Your Excellency, then what should we do? Do we truly have no choice but to fight the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" Paul Borselli asked painfully.

Wachth considered it for a moment, then said, "The terms proposed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire this time are indeed extremely harsh."

"Yes, Your Excellency, they truly are extremely harsh." Paul Borselli hurriedly agreed.

"Then how much are you able to pay the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" Wachth asked.

"Your Excellency, after paying Germany 20 billion Marks in war reparations, we have no money left. The tremendous wounds inflicted upon the country by the war also require vast sums to heal. Therefore, the most we can pay the Austro-Hungarian Empire in war reparations is 5 billion Kronen," Paul Borselli said.

Wachth could not help frowning. These Italians were no saints either—they had directly reduced the Austro-Hungarian Empire's reparations to one-tenth of the original amount. Although 5 billion Kronen was no small sum, it was still far too distant from the Austro-Hungarian Empire's expectations!

"Five billion Kronen is too little. Make it 5 billion Marks instead," Wachth said.

Paul Borselli was startled at first, then immediately nodded. Five billion Marks was somewhat more than 5 billion Kronen, but only by a very limited amount. Converted over, it was merely an additional 1 billion Marks. This sum would make the Austro-Hungarian