Franz's expression stiffened. How had his younger sister suddenly decided she wanted to marry into Spain? Which idiot was behind this?
Though his heart was already churning like a stormy sea, Franz kept his expression calm as he patted his sister on the head.
"Don't talk nonsense. What goes on in that little head of yours all day? How old are you?"
"Wasn't Queen Marie Antoinette married off to France before she was even fifteen?"
Maria Anna pouted and muttered in protest.
"Couldn't you pick an example that wasn't so tragic?"
Franz couldn't help but grumble.
Maria's big eyes blinked.
"Lakshmi."
Franz froze for a moment before remembering that dark-skinned little brat.
"Why are you copying that Indian runt!"
Franz snapped in exasperation, his usual gentleness and composure gone completely.
"Indian runt?"
Maria asked curiously.
"Why are you learning things from that brat? She's a bad influence, you know? Right now, you should be studying, playing, eating, and sleeping properly.
Don't go thinking about strange things."
"Aren't you always saying you hate those scum who enjoy the privileges their noble status brings but refuse to fulfill their duties as nobles?
I'm only fulfilling my duty as a member of the royal family."
Maria spoke with complete seriousness, and Franz sat up to give her an equally serious answer.
"Archduchess Maria Anna."
"Yes, brother."
"Your idea about Spain doesn't fit our country's strategy right now. Spain has limited strategic value, and you have more important missions ahead of you."
"Yes!"
Maria Anna gave a salute with her chubby little hand and turned to leave.
"Come back. Which idiot told you to do this?"
Franz had considered many ways to retaliate against the actions of Isabella II and her daughter in Spain, but he had never thought of escalating things to the