After settling affairs at home, Konstantin's delegation boarded the Constantinople and set off for Paris. This was Konstantin's second time attending an international conference; the last had been the London Peace Conference. Unlike last time, Bulgaria had gone from being a chess piece to being a chess player!
Before the Paris Peace Conference had even begun, everyone knew that its leaders would undoubtedly be the United Kingdom, France, and Bulgaria—the Triple Entente. As for the Russians, they could talk after they finished their civil war; for now, they only needed to make up the numbers!
Ferdinand had actually wanted to go and join the excitement as well, but after seeing the representatives from the various nations, he decisively gave up on the idea. Every other country was sending government officials; it would have been awkward for him, a king, to go in person!
Surely he could not personally haggle with French President Poincaré and British Prime Minister Lloyd George? If he went only to sit there as a spectator, saying nothing while watching them quarrel, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?
International standing had always been fought for, never negotiated. Only strength could earn respect.
Although more than twenty nations were attending this peace conference, it was said that the Americans, unwilling to be left out in the cold, had also sent representatives. Yet the only ones who truly held any say were still the three giants of the Entente.
The clearest sign was that as soon as the World War ended, Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry became bustling with activity. Many countries that had taken part in the war came knocking, hoping Bulgaria would support them at the peace conference.
Bulgaria's rise had come late. Apart from the Mediterranean coast, its influence in other parts of the world remained extremely limited.