"Austro-Hungarian Empire is the main force fighting against Italy. But the Italy people bypassed us and went directly to seek peace from the Germany people. This is clearly contempt for the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is unacceptable to us." Crown Prince Karl continued.
The ministers all looked at Crown Prince Karl, feeling more or less angry in their hearts. It's just that it's not as intense as Crown Prince Karl's performance.
"Crown Prince, what are you going to do? Are you not going to Berlin to participate in the peace talks? Or are you going to directly accuse Germany and break up with them?" asked Franz? Joseph I.
Suddenly, Crown Prince Karl was speechless. He only dared to say this. If he really wanted to question Germany and break up with Germany, he would not have the courage. He deeply knows how powerful Germany's military strength is. Although Austro-Hungarian Empire is also one of the major powers in the world, there is a huge gap between its military strength and Germany. If there was a fight, Austro-Hungarian Empire would never be Germany's opponent.
Franz? Joseph I could not help but sigh when I saw Crown Prince Karl who was speechless. Now he feels more and more that this heir to the throne is somewhat inappropriate.
"Exchanges between countries ultimately depend on the strength of the country. Although we and Germany are allies. But haven't you seen that the strength of the Germany people has far surpassed ours? This is why the Italy people will bypass us and directly engage with Germany The reason for the peace talks. If the Germany people are willing, they can even ignore us. Therefore, if we insist on insisting on it when we are inferior to others, it will not only bring no benefits to us, but will put Empire in trouble." Franz? Joseph said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone replied. They all know the meaning of Franz? Joseph. That is, Austro-Hungarian Empire is not as strong as Germany, so don't be too pushy about interests.
Crown Prince Karl, I feel very unwilling. But in front of Franz? Joseph I, he didn't dare to refute at all. Although, Franz? Joseph I is already dying. But his influence in the entire Empire is far from comparable to that of Crown Prince Karl. If Franz? Joseph is willing, he can dethrone his position of Crown Prince with just one sentence.
"Crown Prince, you and Baron von Berchtold, go to Berlin to participate in negotiations. I don't expect you to win many benefits for the Empire. I only hope that you can forge a good relationship with His Majesty Wilhelm III. So for the Austro-Hungarian Empire is the most advantageous. You and His Majesty Wilhelm III are similar in age, but His Majesty Wilhelm III's performance is much better than yours, so I hope you can learn from His Majesty Wilhelm III." Franz? Joseph continued.
However, Franz? Joseph I didn't seem to have thought that Crown Prince Karl's character was quite paranoid. The more he said this, the more resistant Crown Prince Karl felt. He is one year older than Oscar. How can he do it if he is asked to learn from Oscar?
After leaving Schönbrunn Palace, Crown Prince Karl directly stopped Baron von Berchtold who was about to leave.
"Your Excellency, French also sent representatives to Berlin?" Crown Prince Karl asked.
"Yes, Your Highness. According to the information we received, the French commander Ministry of Foreign Affairs led a delegation to Berlin. It should also be for peace negotiations. Their navy failed, and French also saw no hope of victory. Therefore, they chose to have peace talks." Baron von Berchtold said.
"Damn it, the Germany people didn't notify us to participate in the negotiations with French. They clearly want to be alone!" Crown Prince Karl's expression became ferocious.
Baron von Berchtold, said nothing. However, Crown Prince Karl's performance made him a little worried. This time Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I sent them to Berlin to participate in negotiations. If the relationship between them and Germany is affected due to Crown Prince Karl, then it may not be good. However, Crown Prince Karl has always been paranoid in character, and there is nothing he can do about it!
With anger, Crown Prince Karl got on the train to Berlin with the delegation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
At this time, the French delegation and the Italy delegation had arrived at Berlin. German Foreign Minister von Kidron Wachth, came forward to entertain the two delegations. Although, both sides are still enemies now. Our soldiers are still fighting to the death on the battlefield. However, this does not prevent the upper levels of both parties from starting to contact each other. Especially when everyone wants to end the war.
Important ministers such as German Emperor Oscar and Prime Minister Bülow did not show up. This time, the negotiation between France and Italy has been fully handed over to Wachth. Now that Oscar has drawn a bottom line, he should know how to negotiate and how to obtain more benefits for Germany.
The atmosphere of the banquet was quite good. Everyone exchanged glasses and drank wine with smiles on their faces. It was as if they had forgotten that both sides were enemies.
However, the smiles of French and Italy are somewhat far-fetched. After all, they came to Berlin this time to seek peace. Soon, the Germany people will kill them severely. They will pay an unimaginable price for peace. Under such circumstances, naturally no one can laugh.
The banquet ended not long after. Because time is urgent, peace talks will be held the next day. Therefore, both parties need to take time to prepare.
That night, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief Theophile Delcasse and Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief Paul? Borselli met secretly.
For France and Italy, they are now like a pair of brothers in need. Losing the war is inevitable. Next, they will inevitably be slaughtered by the Germany people. Although, no one wants to be slaughtered by Germany people. But since they couldn't beat Germany, they could only passively accept it. Otherwise, they will pay a higher price for this. After all, the current Germany is powerful enough to destroy their country.
France and Italy hope to form an offensive and defensive alliance during negotiations. In this case, you may be able to pay less. Their country also suffered heavy losses in the war. If the Germany people extort too hard, then I don't know how long it will take to recover.