The Austrian Empire's show of strength in the German Civil War had left the princes trembling with fear. The once-arrogant National Assembly had been swept away like dead leaves before a gale.
Some princes still couldn't believe it. The National Assembly had been so enormous that they felt stuffed just from eating a few scraps of its legacy.
In fact, the Austrian guards had already moved the moment Ludwig III spoke, but Franz stopped them with a wave of his hand.
Franz was a man of good breeding. He had his reasons for showing the other man no respect.
"Open your eyes and take a look first."
"I won't!"
Ludwig III roared furiously.
Franz sighed helplessly, then turned to Bordeaux.
"Mr. Bordeaux, please read it to everyone."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
"Hesse-Darmstadt: Ludwig III colluded with Eduard Simson in an attempt to overthrow all legitimate dynasties and establish a constitutional government.
"During the war to suppress the rebellion, he provided the rebels with five thousand soldiers and 1.5 million Thalers in military funds. He also sabotaged the railway in an attempt to delay the campaign, causing 678 casualties among our soldiers and 13 among civilians, destroying one train, and damaging at least three sections of railway.
"The total direct losses amounted to 10 million Florins."
The moment Bordeaux began reading, Ludwig III's body went limp. He slumped into his seat, unable to utter a word.
The charge of conspiring to overthrow legitimate dynasties was far too serious. If the German lands had a tradition of killing kings, he would have thought himself as good as dead.
Fortunately, this was Germany. Still, with such a heavy charge hanging over him, he was certain to lose his title as Archduke. Having lost all value, his future would undoubtedly be bleak.
Almost