Of course, the clash between the old and the new within the Austrian Empire was not confined to politics alone. The economy, technology, culture, livelihoods, and folk customs were all locked in a full-scale confrontation.
Yet this confrontation was exceedingly complex; Franz could not personally step in and interfere in every field.
Naturally, Olga could not see all of this. She could only vaguely sense the conflict and hostility. Her husband and two sons were all in the Austrian Empire, and to her, Austria had to take priority over Russia.
But Franz could barely keep his expression in place.
"Do not meddle recklessly in politics. The Austrian Empire cannot lightly betray its alliances. If Russia wishes to regain its honor, I need not concern myself with it.
"But if an ally's survival is threatened, I will never stand by with my arms folded."
Franz did not know Olga's true thoughts, nor could he entertain naive notions like gambling on her intentions or selectively choosing to trust her.
What Franz Joseph I said had to be flawless—at the very least, it had to sound flawless. Whatever Olga's true purpose, Franz's words were enough to dispel her doubts.
Paris, the Tuileries Palace.
The sudden turn for the worse caught the French somewhat off guard. Napoleon III also believed it had been an assassination, but he did not think the Ottomans were responsible.
Louis Napoleon felt that Nicholas I was entirely capable of deliberately sending someone to assassinate Nesselrode in order to obtain a pretext for war. After all, Nesselrode's death was too strange—and too timely.
Why at this very moment? Why in the Holy Land of all places?
Alexander Colonna Walewski, however, felt that none of that mattered now.
"Your Majesty, this has nothing to do with us. Since war between Russia