Once Konstantin had invoked the tiger's might, Halim Pasha knew what the outcome would be!
There was no doubt that, willing or not, Constantinople would fall into Bulgarian hands—or rather, Russian hands—and the delegations of every country would have no choice but to explicitly declare their support.
The nineteenth century was Europe's century, and also Christ's century! In this era, even in the most open-minded United States, politicians had to believe in God!
Whether Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, or Protestantism, rulers across continental Europe all had to present themselves as devout believers in God!
In this regard, Queen Victoria, Wilhelm II, Nicholas II, and even our protagonist Ferdinand were no exception!
With the unanimous backing of the national representatives, the Ottoman Empire's own views no longer mattered. Halim knew that if he kept wrangling over this matter, he would absolutely come to no good end!
One only had to look at the attitude of London's citizens. After Bulgaria breached Constantinople, Halim Pasha had personally witnessed three spontaneous public celebrations.
The negotiations that followed went far more smoothly. Whether willing or not, Halim Pasha tacitly accepted the other nations' disposal of Constantinople.
Though everyone coveted it, they also understood that neither the British nor the Germans had the ability to stop the Russians from acquiring Constantinople this time. Bulgaria's nominal sovereignty was merely the fig leaf the Russians had left for everyone!
Yet Ferdinand was very satisfied with this outcome. What was left of Constantinople now? Setting aside its political, military, and religious status, it was nothing but ruins!
Perhaps it held some value in Russian hands, but in Bulgaria's hands, Ferdinand truly had no idea what to do with it.
Rebuild Constantinople? Bulgaria did not have that kind of money! Not rebuild it? Then they could just wait