"This is too much bullying! Germany is really bullying others too much. They actually forced Empire to retract their decision. This is completely disregarding Austro-Hungarian Empire's face! Moreover, Austro-Hungarian Empire was never Protectorate of the German Empire, nor their subordinates. They have no right to tell us what to do!" Karl I was furious.
When Telegram of Baron von Berchtold sent back Vienna, it immediately caused an uproar among the monarchs and ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Although, after deciding to withdraw from the alliance, they expected that German Empire would be very dissatisfied. But now they realize that they still underestimated German Empire's dissatisfaction. Now, German Emperor personally warned Austro-Hungarian Empire, which can even be regarded as Ultimatum. This undoubtedly means that if Austro-Hungarian Empire cannot meet the requirements of Germany, then the relationship between the two countries will completely break down. The consequences of this will most likely be war.
Baron von Berchtold also sent his speculation back to Vienna, although some ministers thought it was too shocking. However, many ministers still believe that this is not an exaggeration. With Germany's current strength, if they wanted to launch a war against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they would have no choice at all. Especially the important officials in the military felt that the situation was not quite right.
"Your Majesty, Baron von Berchtold is right. This is probably intentional by the Germany people. They are looking for excuses to go to war with us. Before, we were allies with them, and they had no excuse to go to war with us. In that case, they would lose their morality. But now, we have withdrawn from Allied Powers, he They immediately accused us of being a traitor. If the Germany people start a war with us, at least those German people people will not object. In this case, the Germany people can attack without restraint." Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister Mario Weber looked worried.
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid we have to make a choice. The Germany people have already bet Ultimatum on us. If we don't agree, they will start a war." Austro-Hungarian Imperial Chancellor of the Exchequer Duke Andrassy said.
Many of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's important ministers had worried looks on their faces. Obviously, they are not willing to go to the step of starting a war with Germany. Because they don't think Austro-Hungarian Empire will have a chance of winning once the war starts. After all, Austro-Hungarian Empire is like a weak Colossus. And Germany is in its prime. German military, armed to the teeth, can easily defeat Austro-Hungarian Empire's army.
"Let's start a war! Austro-Hungarian Empire will never surrender to the Germany people." Karl I said through gritted teeth. He had just become emperor, and Germany was forcing him like this. It was a slap in the face! If he agrees to Germany's request and withdraws his decision. Then, he will definitely become the laughing stock of the whole world. The incompetent and cowardly emperor will be his nickname. Karl I would rather die than fall into that situation.
"Your Majesty, once a war breaks out, we may have little chance of winning." Archduke Friedrich reminded.
"No, even if there is a war, we will definitely be able to withstand the attack of the Germany people. We have an army and navy second only to the Germany people in the world. Even if we cannot defeat the Germany people, there will still be no problem in resisting the Germany people's attack. I I believe that as long as we persist, United States and other countries will take this opportunity to fight against Germany. Germany is very powerful, but if other major powers jointly launch an attack, Germany will definitely lose!" Karl I insisted.
Even at this point, Karl I has not given up hope. United States's support became his confidence. In addition, Austro-Hungarian Empire's own strength is not weak, so he believes that they can compete with Germany.
"Chief of Staff, if a war breaks out, how long can our army last?" Karl I looked at Austrian Army Chief of Staff Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf.
"Your Majesty, if the Germany people really invade Austro-Hungarian Empire, we will persist in fighting. However, we are not sure how long we can persist." Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf replied.
Karl I couldn't help but frown. He was obviously not satisfied with this answer.
"General Anton Haus, where is the navy?" Karl I asked. The navy is his key force to build. It is with his strong support that Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy's strength is second only to German Navy. Of course, this mainly refers to the quantity of Capital Ships.
"Your Majesty, if we go to war with Germany, Imperial Navy will ensure the safety of the Empire's coast!" General Anton Haus replied.
Although, German Navy and Mediterranean Fleet only have seven Capital Ships. But General Anton Haus doesn't think they can take advantage of German Navy Mediterranean Fleet. What's more, German Navy can mobilize other fleets to reinforce Mediterranean Sea at any time. Therefore, if German Navy goes all out to deal with Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy, General Anton Haus has no chance of winning at all.
Fortunately, Adriatic Sea is relatively small and can be blocked with Naval Mine. If the main force of Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy is assembled in the bay, they may not have the strength to confront German Navy.
Karl I nodded with satisfaction.
"Everyone, the Germany people have issued a Ultimatum order to us, which can even be understood as a threat of war. If we compromise with the Germany people and surrender to them, then Austro-Hungarian Empire will become the laughing stock of the whole world. We will never be able to hold our heads up. This time, facing the threat of the Germany people, we absolutely cannot give in., we must not compromise, we must not surrender to the Germany people. We want the whole world to see that Austro-Hungarian Empire is a great country and will never be afraid of other enemies. Even the world's most powerful country cannot make us bow. I believe that the future victory will definitely belong to the Austro-Hungarian Empire!" Karl I looked confident.
However, it is difficult for Austro-Hungarian ministerss to have such fighting spirit like their emperor. In fact, in their opinion, Germany people are too powerful. Although Austro-Hungarian Empire is not weak, if he fights against Germany, he will probably lose more than he can win.
"Everyone, don't worry too much. Perhaps, this is just blackmail by the Germany people against us. As long as we Indomitable are convinced, there is nothing they can do against us!" Karl I said with a smile.
Although he was very dissatisfied with the performance of these ministers, he knew that he must give these ministers confidence. Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous.