The British were meddling behind the scenes. Nicholas I could naturally guess as much.
But the Austrian Empire was Russia's ally at the time, and despite the pressure of civil war, it was cooperating with Russia's offensive. In particular, a considerable portion of Russia's armaments came from Austria.
"The British joining in certainly strengthened the Ottomans, but the real reason we've been put on the back foot is that the Austrians have been all show and no action.
Their troops never launched an attack after entering Wallachia. That was why the Bulgarian uprising failed, and why the Ottomans had enough troops to deal with us and Serbia."
Nicholas I couldn't help feeling a little awkward at that. After all, he was the one who had personally written to the Austrian Empire, asking it to halt its offensive.
At the time, however, everything had been going smoothly for the Russian army, and it truly hadn't needed Austrian assistance. Above all, Nicholas I hadn't wanted someone else to swoop in and claim the spoils.
"It was a momentary lapse on My part. I never expected the situation to change so quickly. Asking Austria to halt its offensive was a mistake."
Nicholas I admitted his error, but Andrei Uvarov said, "Your Majesty, do you really think it was your mistake? How could the Austrian Empire have halted its offensive just because of a letter from you?"
Even when questioned by the young man he trusted most, Nicholas I still felt his judgment had been sound.
"We're Austria's greatest ally, and Franz is about to become my son-in-law. He ought to have granted me that favor."
Duke Uvarov was left somewhat speechless by Nicholas I's words. He simply couldn't bring himself to say that the Tsar's favor wasn't worth much.
"Your Majesty, Austria's new