Franz, however, had no intention of making the same choice as his historical counterpart—stabbing Russia in the back and ending up with the whole world as his enemy.
There had always been a voice within the Austrian Empire calling for the destruction of Russia, sole dominance over the Balkans, and the complete removal of the threat from the Near East.
It was a fine idea, but to later generations, it was nothing more than a fool's dream. The Balkans were no place that just any country could keep a grip on, and besides, Austria would truly have no allies if it did that.
Franz had plans of his own. Compared to throwing himself into the great brawl of the Near East, he preferred to devote his efforts overseas or at home.
At this time, within Europe, aside from the Spanish succession issue and the Tenth Russo-Turkish War, the matters drawing the most attention were the Suez Canal and the European Monetary Union.
It had to be said that Muhammad Ali truly possessed the flair of an old deadbeat. From the Suez Canal Company's declaration of establishment on December 31, 1848, Egypt had dispatched only a few thousand slaves as laborers over nearly a year, while using a contract and a design sketch to run the British in circles.
Franz had truly broadened his horizons. A blueprint that had supposedly already been finalized was revised over fifty times, again and again. As for the Egyptians actually being qualified to alter the contract—that was simply a fantasy from the heavens.
Could the Canal Supervisory Committee established by the great powers possibly be just for show?
After investigating, Franz found that it really was just for show. Or rather, without the Canal Supervisory Committee's backing, Muhammad Ali would never have had the chance