Franz's first major personnel appointment after Christmas was to name his father, Archduke Franz Karl, Viceroy of Northern Italy.
In a sense, this counted as compensation for Archduke Franz Karl. Though he might not care about power or money, in Franz's eyes, no one was more suited to serve as Viceroy of Northern Italy than Archduke Franz Karl.
The bizarre institution of the viceroy should have been abolished long ago, but so-called tradition was not so easily changed.
On the surface, the viceroy's authority resembled that of the Governor-General of Lombardy, Parma, Modena, and Venetia. In reality, it also included the posts of Consul-General to Tuscany and the Papal States, as well as Minister of the Imperial Household.
In the past, it had been a means of safeguarding the family's power and easing the emperor's burden. But times had changed. Such an arrangement would only deepen the nation's division and hinder the Imperial government's efficiency.
Yet even as emperor, if Franz truly carried out sweeping reforms without pause, the outcome would likely not be favorable.
Thus, having Archduke Franz Karl serve as Viceroy of Northern Italy was certainly an excellent idea. As for his seat of administration, Tyrol would do nicely.
Naming Archduke Franz Karl Viceroy of Northern Italy would silence many mouths, even though he possessed neither ability nor ambition.
But no one could deny that he was absolutely qualified. After all, Archduke Franz Karl was the emperor's father.
Placing the viceroy's residence in Tyrol was intended to let Archduke Franz Karl retire in peace. After all, Northern Italy was a great dye vat.
Even a person with the firmest will would find it difficult not to develop other thoughts there, while those of simple heart were even more easily exploited. Franz had no wish for anyone to disturb