"Five million florins? Franz, have you gone mad? The Greek government's annual revenue is only three or five million. How many lifetimes would it take him to pay you back?"
Maximilian II didn't miss the chance to take a jab at his younger brother.
"You're talking nonsense! The revenue of Great Greece reached 9.6 million drachmas last year!"
Otto I folded his arms, brimming with pride. One drachma equaled 0.1 florins.
"That still isn't enough to pay back the loan, is it?"
Maximilian II twisted the knife again.
"As if Bavaria were so rich."
"Actually, Bavaria's revenue increased by 50 percent after you left, you jinx. It's now broken through the 30-million-florin mark."
"That's still less than a single province of Venetia. And you have the nerve to brag!"
Seeing that the two were about to start arguing again, Franz had to step in.
"Cousins, neither Greece nor Bavaria is doing very well right now. We should be helping each other."
"I don't have any money."
Maximilian II raised his hand first. Otto I, for his part, said somewhat sheepishly, "Franz, you've lent me far too much already. I'm afraid I can't even pay the interest."
"No interest is needed. Whatever the outcome of this peace conference, stabilize things at home first."
"Thank you ever so much! You can lease Crete for as long as you like!"
The two exchanged smiles and said no more.
In truth, being able to make use of each other was a good thing for everyone.
"Elder Cousin, you should show some support, too," Franz said.
"Bavaria isn't Austria. I don't have as much money as you."
"But you can provide people. The Greek government needs its own people in it."
"There are as many people as you want. But if Otto does that, the