The Parting of Ways, Part Two

The Kingdom of Sardinia could only choose to meekly remain neutral, helping neither side, or stake everything on one side and take a gamble.

As for crossing the Rhine, there were many advantages. After all, it would drag the entire German Confederation into the conflict. As its presiding state and largest member, Austria could afford to act with such impunity.

The French wouldn't choose to cross the river and counterattack unless they were mad. And if France fell into a disadvantageous position—or if the other states in the German Confederation thought it had—then they would likely kick it while it was down and attack en masse.

There was another point: a huge pit had been dug earlier. Alsace and Lorraine nominally belonged to the German Confederation as well.

In short, if a war broke out in the Rhineland, France would be in an extremely passive position.

But that wasn't Count Kolarov's goal. He hoped his eldest grandson could become governor of Central America.

That would not only give Arkadyev room to exercise his military talents, but also strengthen his relationship with Franz. After all, the latter wouldn't easily hand such a strategically vital place to someone he didn't trust.

Likewise, if Arkadyev did an outstanding job in Central America, he would certainly be entrusted with important responsibilities after returning home. Even if he couldn't return, he would eventually become a powerful regional governor. The Liebnsteinsky family would benefit as well.

Franz was actually a little surprised by Arkadyev Liebnsteinsky's request. For the eldest grandson of a great family, starting as an assistant governor wasn't a low rung at all.

But colonial officials and officials at home were on completely different levels. Moreover, in this era, no Austrian—whether descended from generations of nobles or generations of officials—would choose to go abroad.