Naturally, Franz tore into him without mercy. Though he opposed authoritarianism, he did not want his subordinates to waver over the nation's established policy.
But Franz had no intention of killing a chicken to scare the monkeys. He merely laid bare the heart of the problem.
"Since you know Britain is strong and we are weak, how could you still think this way? Would this kind of secret agreement bind the British?
"It would only tie our own hands and make us the laughingstock of the other side."
Prince Schwarzenberg was not actually stupid. His confidence had simply swelled, and he had unwittingly let the other side set the pace, overlooking one crucial factor.
"Besides, whether Russia is friend or foe is not for them to decide. The real decision-makers are Nicholas I and me. As for this so-called joint establishment of a new order—
"Have the British and Russians established a new order?
"British promises are worth nothing. Once they have won, they can choose how to honor them—or whether to honor them at all."
Franz paused, then continued.
"Rest assured, the British believe they must occupy the leading position. Otherwise, they will never let the matter rest.
"As long as we understand that, it is enough."
Naturally, the first round of Anglo-Austrian negotiations broke down. Yet before long, George Villiers returned to Vienna, this time taking full control himself.
George Villiers was also deeply dissatisfied with Prime Minister George Hamilton-Gordon. The latter always liked to put on an appearance of humbly accepting instruction, yet he was prouder than anyone.
"What a naïve fool. That man actually thought the Austrians wouldn't notice what he was thinking."
George Villiers viciously vented his frustration. After all, the other man had dared question his professional competence as a diplomat—this was simply intolerable.