After hearing that Russia had directly ceded Greece to the Austrian Empire, Otto I—who should have been furious—broke out in a cold sweat.
To the Great Powers, Greece was merely one dish on the table, and not even a main course.
Otto I could not refute such contempt.
Austria already bordered Greece. With Russia's support, France and Britain could only accept the decision. Greece's own stance meant nothing.
(Historically, Greece's independence was jointly guaranteed by Russia, Britain, and France.)
Otto I finally realized one thing: the brotherly nation he relied on could just as easily become a monstrous beast that devoured him.
"Dividing the Balkans equally? Your Excellency, I told you: what you cannot win on the battlefield, you cannot win at the negotiating table.
We should think instead about how to hold on to the fruits of victory.
The Ottoman Empire launched a shameless sneak attack on our country and incited our minorities to rebel. They must be punished.
To prevent such a tragedy from happening again, Albania must come under our control, and a demilitarized zone must be established in Wallachia."
At that moment, both Albania and Wallachia were already within the Austrian Empire's grasp.
The demilitarized zone in Wallachia was merely a way to save face for its ally, Russia. As for Albania, unless Russia openly objected, the Ottomans would not even consider asking for it back.
Albania had long been a loss-making province for the Ottoman Empire. Britain and Austria had already infiltrated the region, so ceding it now would actually help cut their losses.
The British would certainly treat Albania as a bargaining chip, but they were unlikely to actually stop Austria from annexing it.
"Our country will fully support the Austrian Empire's legitimate demands. We also hope that, at this crucial moment, His Majesty