Vienna, Hofburg Palace.
Franz had little interest in the war unfolding in the Near East. After all, he had already done nearly everything he could and should do.
Given the strength of both sides and their offensive and defensive posture, it would be difficult for any unexpected development to arise.
Speaking of unexpected developments, what had happened in Prussia was what truly caught Franz by surprise.
William IV had ultimately chosen to compromise with the Constitutionalists. His compromise itself did not surprise Franz, but the way he had compromised struck Franz as strange.
William IV had agreed to the bourgeoisie and nobility's demand for a constitutional monarchy, while also agreeing to the Rhineland's request to establish a separate parliament. In other words, Prussia had not only become a constitutional monarchy—it now had two parliaments.
Franz sighed. His long-standing goal had finally been achieved.
"A dual-system state. Now that's living the good life."
Though William IV was deeply withdrawn, in the Kingdom of Prussia, everyone—the bourgeoisie, the nobility, liberals, commoners, and Catholics alike—felt that they had won big.
On King's Avenue, the festive atmosphere spread into every corner. Even the darkest alleys were draped with colorful flags, while enormous banners hung high overhead, bearing the words: "Long live the Constitution! Long live Prussia!"
Citizens dressed in their finest paraded through the streets. Even drunkards slurred, "Long live the Constitution! Long live the King!"
Powerful merchants, bankers, and great landowners gathered together. They raised their glasses in celebration; their age was about to arrive.
Whatever had caught their eye would sooner or later be theirs. First this country—then the world.
Liberals and public intellectuals held forth on street corners, sweating with passion as they preached of the changes constitutional monarchy would bring to the world.
The citizens shouted familiar-sounding slogans. Every face