Competitors?

Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.

Franz was in a foul mood, having just left the chambers of Sophie. From her, he had learned that his supposed rivals were not his two brothers, but his own father, Archduke Franz Karl.

In reality, due to the ancient Salic Law, Archduke Franz Karl was the first in line to the throne of the Austrian Empire, and those who knew of the late Emperor's secret decree were few and far between.

Furthermore, it remained to be seen how much weight a dead man's decree truly held. Moreover, those who knew of the decree and possessed the power to enforce it were already advanced in years; Archduke Karl, Archduke Louis, and Prince Metternich were all in the twilight of their lives.

In Vienna at this time, the vast majority did not believe Franz would ascend the throne anytime soon. Although Ferdinand I was plagued by illness, he suffered from no terminal condition, so surviving another ten or twenty years was not out of the question.

Historically, Ferdinand I lived for another 27 years after his abdication, passing away only on June 29, 1875.

As for Franz's father, Archduke Franz Karl, he was in robust health. He loved nature, excelled at hunting, and could carry a seal weighing 60 to 70 kilograms up a flight of stairs; his physical fitness could easily outclass anyone his age.

By the time these two passed away, at least thirty years would have to pass. By then, it was uncertain whether Franz Joseph would even be alive, as this era was never short on accidents.

Moreover, the old fogies in Vienna knew well that people changed; even Emperor Joseph II, the least flexible of them all, had eventually destroyed his own reforms with his own hands.

Thirty years was enough to corrupt