For Franz, the Austrian Empire's expansion in the Balkans had now nearly reached its limits.
Though the map looked somewhat awkward, it had indeed encompassed every important strategic point.
With these strategic points, the Austrian Empire could defend the Balkans at the lowest possible cost while also preventing its naval fleet from being trapped in the Adriatic Sea.
The primary reason for choosing not to expand further was to preserve the Russo-Austrian Alliance. Only with this alliance could Austria avoid the predicament of fighting alone.
Russia's expansion was bound to draw more of the fire away from Austria. Only if the two alliances remained close in strength could the world enjoy a measure of peace.
What Austria needed most at this point was still peaceful development. Give Franz another ten years, and Austria's national strength would rise to another level.
Secondly, it had to be said that the Balkans were full of hard bones to crack, and the infrastructure was terrible. Many regions lacked even the most basic roads.
For Austria to digest these gains, it would have to cut through mountains and build roads. Unless these territories were linked to its homeland, they would still not truly belong to Austria.
Thirdly, as a melting pot of peoples, it needed time to assimilate new ethnic groups. History had already proved that letting matters drift or indulging troublemakers was a sure path to ruin.
As for advancing the front, the Austrian Empire did not need to act in person. Greece and Egypt were more than willing to do the job, and their attacks would be deadly enough for the Ottoman Empire.
Tripoli's Karamanli Family also wanted a share of the spoils. Its current head, Hamed Karamanli, had long been steeped in European culture and now considered himself a European through and