Inside the simple military tent, Marshal Radetzky remained unhurried. Countess Judith was also a seasoned negotiator.
But Countess Judith said nothing, and Marshal Radetzky asked no questions. They drank tea from morning until dusk. The cannons outside had thundered all day, but now only sounded sporadically.
At last, Countess Judith could no longer hold back.
"Esteemed Marshal Radetzky, even if you won't consider your soldiers, you should at least think of the Austrian Empire.
War is not the only way to solve problems. We can negotiate, and Mr. Bellevue believes that would benefit both sides."
Marshal Radetzky said nothing. Countess Judith wasn't discouraged. She knew he was waiting to hear the price, so she continued.
"Mr. Bellevue can hand over half the land of the Kingdom of Sardinia to your country in exchange for peace."
Radetzky still said nothing. Countess Judith furrowed her brow and continued.
"Mr. Bellevue doesn't actually oppose your country unifying the German territories. The ones opposing you are those British lackeys in the Parliament of Paris.
If Mr. Bellevue becomes president, he certainly won't openly challenge your country's authority in the German territories."
Countess Judith had made her meaning quite plain. This time, Marshal Radetzky's expression finally shifted a little.
Countess Judith decided to press her advantage and continued.
"On top of that, Mr. Bellevue is willing to provide your country with financial compensation. To show his sincerity, he asked me to bring a thousand kilograms of gold. It's in the carriage."
A thousand kilograms of gold was worth more than three million francs—or 120,000 pounds sterling—at the time.
In truth, this so-called show of sincerity wasn't meant for the Austrian Empire. It was a bribe for Marshal Radetzky and his subordinates.
After all, bribing a theater commander was much easier than bribing an entire country.