Compromise

"The German Empire had indeed betrayed the Empire this time. Not only had they signed a peace treaty with France behind the Empire's back, completely shutting us out, but now they had secretly signed a peace treaty with Italy and were even helping the Italians suppress the Empire. This was indeed an enormous blow to the Empire!" Imperial Chancellor Mario Weber said gravely.

"How could the Germans do this? We were their allies! When the Italians betrayed the alliance, only we remained faithful to it and fought shoulder to shoulder with them. And now they treated us like this—it was simply biting the hand that fed them!" Duke Andrassy, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was equally furious. The Empire's finances were already in a dreadful state. If they could extort a vast sum in war reparations from the Italians, it would greatly improve the Austro-Hungarian Empire's disastrous financial situation.

"Your Majesty, we absolutely cannot compromise like this. Otherwise, the Germans will surely push their luck and demand more!" Duke Kaspar, Minister of War, said as well.

Clearly, nearly all the Empire's senior ministers were deeply dissatisfied with the German Empire's actions. What the German Empire had done exceeded their expectations and made them realize that the relationship between the two nations was changing. Their former alliance was gradually vanishing, replaced by rivals—or even enemies.

Franz Joseph I looked at everyone, then said, "If we continue the offensive against the Kingdom of Italy, can we destroy them?"

"Your Majesty, with the Italians' strength, they are no match for the Empire at all. The Austro-Hungarian Empire's army will certainly be able to defeat them. However, this war will likely continue for some time. If the Germans secretly support the Italians, we will probably have to pay an even greater price in this war,"