Russia, Third Roman Empire expeditionary camp.
After dealing with the domestic rebellion, Nicholas I truly kept his promise and began leading the campaign in person. This, however, placed enormous pressure on Russia's generals.
Nicholas I had received a military education from childhood and had always remained passionate about it, even personally taking part in drills.
He saw himself as a model Russian soldier and governed the country in a militarized fashion. Some even believed that Russia itself was one vast military camp.
By any measure, Nicholas I was a qualified soldier, but he was not an outstanding commander.
Moreover, his pride was immense, and he could not tolerate the slightest failure. Many of the accompanying Russian generals had already written their wills, because they knew that defeat meant death.
Russia's civil officials were suffering just as badly. Since Nicholas I was personally leading the campaign, they had been forced to join the marching columns.
This made an already sluggish civil administration even more lethargic. The Austrian Empire delegation had gone to great lengths just to catch up with the Tsar's entourage.
Nicholas I had no objection to Franz's request for the formal annexation of Wallachia and Moldavia. After all, in his mind, he had long since assigned those two lands to the Austrian Empire.
Yet Nicholas I's decision met with fierce opposition from Russia's civil official bloc.
"Your Majesty! The Austrians are pushing their luck inch by inch—we cannot let them have their way!"
"That's right! They're raising the price on the spot! This is an Austrian Empire conspiracy!"
"Your Majesty, the Austrian Empire is our ally. Our enemies now are Britain and the Ottoman Empire; we must unite every force that can be united!
For the Third Roman Empire, the sacrifice of Wallachia and Moldavia is worthwhile!"
"Once the