The uninvited guests who had spoken were representatives of the Frankfurt National Assembly. Its president, Eduard Simson, and vice president, Gabriel Riesser, were among them.
But they were clearly not the only ones chanting slogans. Pan-Germanists had infiltrated every corner.
The unification of Germany held an irresistible appeal for any German nationalist, and for most monarchs as well. But Franz was an exception.
To be honest, he had never expected those fellows from the National Assembly to dare disrupt his coronation. It seemed it was time to deal with them.
Franz rose and looked down upon the masses beneath the throne, but this gave them a false impression.
"Long live the Greater German Empire!"
"Long live!"
The resounding slogans rang out once more. Even members of some minor states and families joined in. Franz had always refused, but since he had not yet stated his position outright, some people had begun entertaining other ideas.
For some minor states with little appetite for power, a Germany unified by Austria would do no harm. On the contrary, they would no longer have to worry about being swallowed up by another country or seeing their own state go bankrupt.
If they showed a little enthusiasm, they might even earn credit for helping put him on the throne. After unification, Franz would surely balance the various factions, giving these weaker supporters a chance.
President Eduard Simson naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to strike while the iron was hot. He hurriedly said,
"Your Majesty, please accept the Constitution! For true freedom, democracy, and equality! Your benevolent Majesty must already foresee that only a constitutional monarchy can make the country strong and prosperous, and your rule enduring and stable! Just like Britain."
"No, Your Majesty. What is Britain, after all? His Majesty the great Tsar hopes