"Your Imperial Majesty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire withdrew from the Allied Powers only because, in the previous great war, we had already defeated Britain, France, and Russia. Therefore, His Majesty the Emperor believed there was no need for the Allied Powers to continue existing. This was absolutely not a provocation against the German Empire. We hope the German Empire will not take offense!" Baron von Berchtold, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister, stood before Oscar, his face heaped with smiles as he repeatedly explained himself.
On the very day the Austro-Hungarian government announced its withdrawal from the Allied Powers, Baron von Berchtold had rushed to Berlin. This showed that the Foreign Minister had departed Vienna in advance, all so he could explain matters to Germany at the first opportunity and prevent relations between the two nations from deteriorating further.
Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire's senior ministers had not openly opposed Karl I's decision, they absolutely did not want matters to become too strained with Germany over this, much less provoke a war between the two nations.
Of course, those senior Austro-Hungarian officials might not truly have opposed leaving the Allied Powers either. The reason they objected was that they feared Germany would attack them as a result. If they could truly weather this storm, it would bring great benefits to the Austro-Hungarian Empire as well.
Oscar looked coldly at Baron von Berchtold. Karl I had directly proposed withdrawal from the Allied Powers, and it had actually passed so easily. This made Oscar fully realize that these rulers and ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire had long harbored such intentions. They had merely not dared act rashly before because of the German Empire's formidable military strength.
"Your Excellency, the Austro-Hungarian Empire withdrew from the Allied Powers without consulting the German Empire. This is a betrayal of