Although Franz's plan had already taken shape, the vast majority had no idea what was happening.
A few trailblazers of the age seemed to sense that something was amiss, but they too had no idea what exactly was going on.
In the end, everyone merely assumed that the Austrian Empire was once again flaunting its wealth. After all, this was how the House of Habsburg had operated for the past several centuries.
Determined not to let Austria steal the limelight, they all increased their investment. They too wanted to flex their muscles on this stage; even the small states wanted to make their presence felt.
Roads throughout the Confederation underwent extensive repairs. After all, this concerned the nation's face—letting the other member states see one's muddy roads would be far too humiliating.
It was hard to say who would win or lose the competition. With great powers like Austria and Prussia ahead of them, earning a ranking depended both on their opponents and on luck.
But the results of road construction were entirely foreseeable: repair them, and the improvement would certainly be visible; leave them alone, and they would certainly lose face.
For a time, every state in Germany was busy repairing roads, while also preparing a grand opening ceremony—and, naturally, promoting local products and customs along the way.
The grand opening ceremony would not merely be a trade exhibition; it would also be a lavish social gathering. People from every walk of life would not miss such an opportunity to show their faces.
The nobles and artists in particular—musicians and actors included—would all do everything in their power to promote themselves.
The politicians, meanwhile, would flaunt their achievements and sing the praises of the government and its leaders.
The casinos and brothels along the route were happiest about this,