Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.
Austrian Army Chief of Staff Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf, returned from the front line and reported his duties to Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, reporting on the battle situation on the front line.
"Your Majesty, we worked closely with our allies and nearly annihilated Russian Southwestern Front Army on the front line. Russian Southwestern Front Army previously had 1.2 million troops, but now he has fled back to Russia's, I'm afraid, there are only more than 200,000. Adding in the Russian Northwestern Front Army that Germany destroyed before, we will have eliminated two million Russian troops in the future," Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf said with a proud face.
Franz Joseph I also had a long-lost smile on his face. This is undoubtedly good news for him and Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the war broke out, the Austrian army had been in a disadvantageous situation on the battlefield. Well now, the situation has finally been reversed.
"Our allies did not let us down! They helped us win at the critical moment!" Franz Joseph I said with a smile.
"The combat effectiveness of Germany's allies is definitely the best in the world!" Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian Army Archduke Friedrich also said.
Other Austro-Hungarian Empire's important ministers and military generals all agreed and praised German Empire's powerful combat effectiveness.
However, after hearing these praises, Crown Prince Karl's face didn't look good. Although, Austro-Hungarian Empire won the victory on the Eastern Front, this was very beneficial to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and him, Crown Prince. However, he could not hear everyone's praise for Germany, and the fact that these Austro-Hungarian Empire's important ministers and generals regarded themselves as Germany's younger brothers.
In Crown Prince Karl's opinion, Austria is the orthodox German. If Prussia had not defeated Austria with its powerful force, they would not have withdrawn from German Confederation. Perhaps, now Austrian Empire has completed the unification of Germany, and with its current territory, it has already become the overlord of Europe.
Crown Prince Karl hopes that even if Austro-Hungarian Empire and German Empire are in alliance, both parties should be equal allies, not subordinates. In that case, it would be very unfair to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Of course, the most critical factor is that Crown Prince Karl does not want to be inferior to Oscar. He hopes that he and Oscar have an equal relationship. Of course, it would be even better if it could surpass Oscar.
"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, the military is here at Eastern Front. What are you going to do next? Since the main force of Russians has been eliminated by us, this is undoubtedly a good opportunity for us! If we can launch an attack on Russia, we will definitely be able to take the opportunity to capture a large amount of Russia territory." Crown Prince Karl said.
Suddenly, everyone's eyes were focused on Crown Prince Karl. Many people's eyes were bright and they nodded in agreement with Crown Prince Karl's point of view. Indeed, for them, this is undoubtedly a good opportunity to expand the territory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austro-Hungarian Empire joins World War, isn't it just to get more benefits? Now that the benefits are already in front of us, we naturally cannot give up.
"Crown Prince, I have made this suggestion to His Highness the German Crown Prince. However, Your Highness Oskar has other considerations. His 8th Army Corps will Returning to Germany, it is very likely that he will join the battle on the Western Front. After all, for Germany, the battle on the Western Front is the most critical." Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf said.
Franz Joseph I nodded. "Your Highness Oskar's consideration is appropriate."
"That's just right. Without Germany's participation, we don't have to share interests with them. As long as our army fights and defeats Russians, we will be able to occupy the vast territory in the west of Russia." Crown Prince Karl said excitedly.
Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf couldn't help but frown, although Austro-Hungarian Empire could gain greater benefits by leaving Germany alone. However, I am afraid that I will face the counterattack of Russians alone in the future. With the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it may be difficult to resist it when the time comes.
But the other Austro-Hungarian Empire's important ministers and generals all had their eyes shining. Sharing those benefits with Germany is naturally not as good as obtaining those benefits alone.
Joseph? A trace of disappointment flashed across Franz I's cloudy eyes. He was a little dissatisfied with Karl and Crown Prince. The structure is too small and it is too easy to be blinded by immediate interests. If he still has extra time, he will definitely choose Crown Prince. But unfortunately, his physical condition no longer allows him to make any more of these choices.
"I will consider this question carefully. I will give you an answer in a few days!" Franz Joseph I said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone replied.
However, they were caught up in the excitement and did not seem to understand the meaning of Franz Joseph I's words. They have all been blinded by the benefits of the upcoming blockbusters. Only Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf noticed this. However, they also know that with Crown Prince Karl taking the lead and others adding fuel to the flames, it is almost impossible to get everyone to give up the idea of continuing to attack Russia and expand their territory.
World War I, the essence is still a war between the great powers in order to compete for more interests and re-divide the world. Therefore, all countries participating in this World War have their own interests and demands. Austro-Hungarian Empire originally hoped to complete the expansion in the direction of Balkans. However, since they can also gain expansion on the eastern front, they will certainly not give up this opportunity.
Crown Prince Karl doesn't think there's anything wrong with the Austro-Hungarian Empire's choice. They won the war, and naturally they deserved corresponding benefits. If Germany is willing to participate, Germany will naturally be able to share the benefits. Since the Germany people themselves refused, of course they must accept all these benefits without hesitation.
"Let the Germany people fight to the death with Britain and France! Let's take advantage of Russia. If we can bite off a big piece of fat from Russians, this will further improve the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, we will have Germany people to face up to our strength. I am doing this entirely for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, not for my personal gain. I think His Majesty the Emperor will understand me and support me. Crown Prince Karl secretly thought.
He thought that doing so would win the praise of Franz Joseph I. Unexpectedly, he was completely self-defeating.