In the war room of Austria-Hungary Imperial General Staff Headquarters, there was a person who never said a word from beginning to end. He is Commander Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy General Anton Haus. Austro-Hungarian Empire does not have the position of First Sea Lord, so General Anton Haus is the highest Commander in the Navy.
Originally, Austro-Hungarian Empire did not pay attention to the navy. After all, their coastline is too short. And Adriatic Sea is too narrow and can easily be blocked by enemies. Therefore, Austro-Hungarian Empire's navy has never been strong.
After Archduke Ferdinand became Crown Prince, he began to pay attention to the development of the navy and increased investment in the navy. After Karl became Crown Prince, it further increased its investment in the navy and even purchased eight powerful Capital Shipss at once, making Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy a powerful navy second only to German Navy.
This makes Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy extremely loyal to Karl I. General Anton Haus, the same is true.
Just now, Prime Minister Mario Weber and other Austro-Hungarian Empire Military and Political Ministerss actually began to discuss giving up Karl I, which made General Anton Haus very angry. Although there was no expression on his face, the hands hidden in his sleeves were clenched into fists. If it weren't for the fact that this was the territory of the Army, and his rash attack would not only lead to no results, but would also involve himself, he might have given these guys a good beating.
No matter what, Karl I is their emperor! Although, Karl I's approach this time was a bit extreme, causing Austro-Hungarian Empire to suffer heavy losses. However, Karl I's original intention is good! He didn't want to see Austro-Hungarian Empire being suppressed step by step by Germany, so he chose to fight back. Everything is for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I hope Austro-Hungarian Empire can become more powerful. However, this time their enemies were too powerful, causing Karl I's plan to fail.
However, these guys, as important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now only want to abandon Karl I in order to protect their own interests. That's right, in General Anton Haus's view, what those ministers did was not to keep Austrian Empire, but to keep their own glory and wealth. This undoubtedly made General Anton Haus very dissatisfied.
"It is precisely because of the existence of these guys that Austro-Hungarian Empire's national power is gradually declining. If not for this, how could we lose so quickly?" General Anton Haus thought in his heart.
After the meeting, General Anton Haus returned to the naval headquarters. He then took off his military uniform and went to the palace in disguise.
When Admiral Anton Haus, dressed in casual clothes, entered the palace, Karl I couldn't help but be stunned. He didn't seem to understand why General Anton Haus chose to enter the palace in this way.
You know, General Anton Haus is the minister he trusts and values the most. This is almost a well-known thing throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even in the palace, General Anton Haus can use it at will. Now, General Anton Haus is actually dressed like this. It is obvious that something big has happened. Moreover, it is very detrimental to himself.
Although this disastrous defeat hit Karl I deeply. However, he was not fooled by this and soon figured it all out.
"General Anton Haus, what happened?" Karl I asked.
"Your Majesty, Cabinet have sent Baron von Berchtold to Germany to ask for German Emperor, and are ready to sue for peace. In order to rush for time, Baron von Berchtold even flew to Berlin." General Anton Haus said.
Karl I's face suddenly became unhappy. His ministers were so eager to seek forgiveness from Germany. This undoubtedly made his face look dull! However, when I think about the Austro-Hungarian Empire having been completely defeated in this battle, if we do not seek a peaceful solution to this war, Austro-Hungarian Empire will lose more benefits. Karl I There is nothing else to say.
"Now Empire has no way to continue fighting. It will be of great benefit to the Empire to seek forgiveness from Germany people earlier!" Karl I said.
General Anton Haus nodded. "However, Your Majesty. After discussion, the ministers believe that after this battle, Austro-Hungarian Empire will definitely cease to exist. If Austrian Empire can be saved, it will be the best result."
"Well. Kingdom of Hungary, Kingdom of Bohemia, Kingdom of Dalmatia, Croatia-Snowonia Kingdom and other countries have betrayed Empire. Austro-Hungarian Empire has fallen apart and can no longer exist. The reason why those countries betrayed Empire must be Germany The people promised them better conditions. Therefore, after this war is over, the Germany people will fulfill their commitments and support the independence of those countries. By then, the Austro-Hungarian Empire people will no longer exist. Being able to keep Austrian Empire is a great blessing. "Karl I sighed.
If God gives him another chance, Karl I will definitely not be so Reckless. Even if he is hostile to Germany, he will not show it again until he has no strength to confront Germany. He won't be so arrogant anymore. After all, Austro-Hungarian Empire looks like a big country, but in fact it has a lot of problems. It is simply a weak big country that is strong on the outside but weak on the inside.
"Your Majesty, the ministers have also decided that if the Germany people ask you to abdicate, they will accept it. And from among the children of House of Habsburg, choose a new one to be the future emperor of the Austrian Empire." General Anton Haus continued.
Suddenly, Karl I's face became quite ugly, although it was because of him that Austro-Hungarian Empire suffered such a heavy blow. However, he still values the throne very much. Now, they actually want to deprive him of the throne, which is absolutely unacceptable to Karl I.
"Damn it!" Karl I cursed.
General Anton Haus said nothing.
"General Anton Haus, can I trust you?" Karl I asked.
"Your Majesty, I am your most loyal minister!" General Anton Haus promised.
Karl I nodded, his eyes full of madness.
"If Empire will definitely perish, or I will be kicked off the throne. I hope that you can lead the naval fleet to escort me to United States and form a government-in-exile!" Karl I said. He is not someone who is willing to sit still and wait for death. Even at the last moment, he will not give up easily.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" General Anton Haus nodded heavily.