Nicholas I was like a shark that had caught the scent of blood, waiting for a chance to feast to his heart's content.
But Franz had no choice but to pour a bucket of cold water over him. What the Holy Roman Empire needed now was not victory, but stability.
The Austrian Empire had expanded too quickly, and its foundations in every respect had yet to catch up. Defeating Sweden was no problem; seizing Norway was no problem.
The problem was that Franz could no longer spare any extra energy. Land that could not be integrated would only become a burden after occupation.
"Forgive my bluntness. We do not have a reasonable pretext for war."
Nicholas I burst into laughter.
"Isn't that simple? Didn't Oscar I take in a German traitor? We can use that as our point of entry.
Whether he hands the man over or not, all we need to do is insist that the person is a fake."
Franz was speechless for a moment. It was outrageous, but given the strength of the Holy Roman Empire and Russia at present, they might actually be able to make it stick.
"But what benefit would taking Sweden bring us? The Scandinavian Peninsula is nothing but a frozen wasteland. Is it truly worth fighting a war over?
Besides, though Sweden has declined, even a rotten ship still has three pounds of nails. On top of that, supplies are difficult on the Scandinavian Peninsula, making it hard for a large army to move.
If we want to conquer Sweden, I fear we will have to pay twelvefold the price."
Nicholas I, however, said dismissively.
"So what if it is a frozen wasteland? What if there is gold there too?"
Franz was even more helpless.
"Father-in-law, we cannot possibly have such good