"Are we just going to sit here and let this golden opportunity slip away?"
Friedrich retorted.
"Of course not. It's just that the true opportunity has yet to appear."
Franz said with a smile.
In truth, Franz did not want to put on such a mysterious act either. But he could hardly say that he had read history books and therefore knew that events favorable to the Austrian Empire would occur in the future.
Besides, there were certain aspects of Franz's arrangements that were indeed not for outsiders to know.
Furthermore, for those in power, mysticism and authoritarianism really were useful—useful enough to become addictive.
"Fine, then. What should we do now?"
Because of his uncle-nephew relationship with Franz, Archduke Friedrich had always maintained a relatively relaxed attitude during imperial council meetings.
Franz, meanwhile, did not want his majesty to become too overbearing either. After all, once certain roads were taken, there would be no turning back.
"Of course, we continue doing business."
Franz had been fine until he mentioned Russia. The moment Russia came up, Archduke Friedrich became very unhappy.
"What business is there to do with the Russians? How much profit can you squeeze out of that pack of paupers?"
Trade between Austria and Russia was substantial, but its profit margins were very low. This had led many within the Austrian Empire to complain bitterly about trade with Russia, though Archduke Friedrich was clearly not among them.
"Uncle Friedrich, someone must have said something to you. Who carries such weight?"
Friedrich did not hide anything. Or rather, in his eyes, there was almost nothing that could be concealed from Franz. And judging from the results, those who deliberately kept things from Franz always met miserable ends.
"A group of people full of patriotic fervor."
Naturally, Franz knew who