Hofburg Palace, Mirror Court.
To be honest, Alexander Colonna Walewski's appearance left Franz somewhat disappointed. It was hard for the latter to associate the former with the term "handsome man."
Alexander Colonna Walewski was neither feminine nor masculine in appearance, but somewhere between the two. If he had to use one word to describe him, Franz felt that "round" was the most fitting.
That was right—Alexander Colonna Walewski was round all over. His eyes, his face, his build, all were rounded.
He looked remarkably like portraits of Napoleon; at first glance, he was simply a plumper, taller version of Napoleon.
Though he was not born a legitimate noble, he was thoroughly familiar with court etiquette. Even in Franz's eyes, he was beyond reproach.
While Franz observed Alexander Colonna Walewski, the latter was observing him as well.
The Franz Joseph I before him looked taller and more powerfully built than in the photographs, and was nowhere near as crude and savage as the rumors claimed.
After the customary exchange of pleasantries, Alexander Colonna Walewski presented Franz with his credentials and explained the purpose of his visit.
"By the grace of God and the will of the French people, His Majesty Emperor Napoleon III, inheritor of the Empire's great legacy, wishes to forge a marriage alliance with the House of Habsburg. May France and Austria be bound in everlasting friendship—"
"Please forgive me, but I refuse."
Franz interrupted Alexander Colonna Walewski before he had finished speaking. This left him somewhat astonished; according to his understanding, the Austrian Empire should have been in desperate need of an ally at this moment.
Britain and Austria had long been at odds. If Austria now fell out with Russia as well and refused to befriend France, did he intend to stand against all of Europe?
"Your