Syria's fall did not cause much of a stir within Bulgaria. To ordinary people, it was merely a colony; if it was lost, they could simply take it back.
What mattered more was landing on the Asia Minor peninsula as quickly as possible and destroying the Ottoman Empire. Strategically speaking, Bulgaria's greatest threat was the Ottoman Empire across Asia Minor.
The two sides were separated only by a narrow strait. Many coastal cities, including Constantinople, lay within range of Ottoman artillery, creating enormous trouble for Bulgaria's national defense and security.
Of course, that was only the common people's view. In Ferdinand's eyes, as science and technology advanced, if they could not settle the question of Asia Minor, then Bulgaria would have no national defense security to speak of. In any case, he did not believe there was any possibility of reconciliation with the Ottomans!
From the perspective of long-term development, a country without sufficient territory, population, and resources would find it difficult to sustain its growth.
Ferdinand had no wish to see the empire he had built with his own hands collapse over such problems, only to be cast aside by this world where the weak were meat for the strong.
Just as Ferdinand was planning for Bulgaria's future, startling news arrived.
"Your Majesty, a heaven-shaking upheaval has occurred on the Eastern Front. The Russians have won the winter campaign, and the Alliance is about to be finished!" Foreign Minister Metev said excitedly.
Ferdinand's expression changed drastically. If the Russians had won, Bulgaria had to accelerate its own plans. Only by securing enough bargaining chips could it retain sufficient influence in the coming international upheaval.
"Where is the battle report? Hasn't it been sent back yet?" Ferdinand asked doubtfully.
After thinking for a moment, Metev said, "Your Majesty, the Russians