"I believe the true Emperor of the Western Roman Empire ought to be crowned in Rome."
Nicholas I displayed extraordinary enthusiasm and concern over Franz's coronation. He believed that only the coexistence of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires could stabilize both sides' rule.
Though Russia's ministers despised Nicholas I and Franz, they had to admit that if Franz were crowned in Rome, it would greatly ease Russia's pressure.
In fact, the main reason Russia had not yet gone to war with the Austrian Empire, aside from the harmonious relationship between their monarchs, was that their strengths were closely matched.
Russia could field a million troops, and the Austrian Empire could do the same. Russia emerged victorious from every battle; as it happened, so did the Austrian Empire.
Russia controlled Eastern Europe, while Austria controlled Central Europe. Both possessed sufficient strategic depth and the ability to sustain a prolonged war.
If they truly went to war, they would either both be grievously wounded, or the fighting would drag on without end.
The Russians were not fools either. They had no desire to gamble on something so uncertain.
Russia might have been winning all these years, and Greater Slavism might have seemed to be at its zenith.
But Russia's elite had extensive contact with Austria, and they could feel that pressure.
Russia's upper ranks could feel that scarcity as well. Coupled with the Tsar's personal will, no one dared take that step.
Furthermore, Russia's diplomatic work had always been terrible, like a slow-witted elephant. Even so, the Russians had discovered that the Austrian Empire seemed to be Russia's only ally at this moment.
Given Russia's current scale, no country could directly shake it.
You could say the Russians looked down on everyone else, but you could not say they were blind.