"Recognize the independence of the Duchy of Belgium and the Duchy of Alsace-Lorraine, agree to a three-year truce with Algeria, and cede the Texas Colony. Don't you think you're asking too much?"
Although Cavaignac understood the current situation very well, he didn't quite understand France's position.
He still believed that Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine, and Algeria were French territory.
In reality, those lands had already slipped beyond France's control, and this was the greatest concession Franz could make.
If the problems of the Duchy of Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine couldn't be resolved, Franz would be a sinner in the eyes of the nation and the Confederation.
"The Duchy of Belgium and the Duchy of Alsace-Lorraine are both part of the German Confederation. Your country need only acknowledge that fact.
"As for the war between your country and Algeria, it has already caused too many casualties. We hope both sides can lay down their arms and give the people a chance to catch their breath.
"And as I understand it, the so-called Texas Colony has never accepted the leadership of the French Second Republic. All the officials your country sent to take charge mysteriously disappeared.
"So this can hardly be considered a loss for your country."
Cavaignac naturally couldn't accept Franz's words, even though everything he said was true.
"The Austrian Empire is asking far too much. We can set the question of Belgium aside for now, but Alsace-Lorraine has been part of France since time immemorial!"
Cavaignac spoke with righteous conviction, but Franz remained unruffled as he replied,
"Exactly two hundred years ago today, your country took Alsace-Lorraine from ours. Where, then, does this claim of 'time immemorial' come from?
"Today, I'm simply reclaiming what our ancestors lost."
In 1648, under the Peace of Westphalia, Austria ceded Alsace-Lorraine to France.
Cavaignac wasn't an