Decision

Thus, wordplay became a necessary tool. In reality, Franz had brought in numerous legal experts and linguists to work together on the matter.

But Prince Metternich spotted the catch at a glance.

"Archduke Franz, what you're doing..." He pondered for a moment.

"Actually, there's nothing wrong with it. But it would be best to act through the Regency Council. After all, some inflexible fools might lash out like cornered dogs."

Count Kolowrat also saw the problem. He hesitated for a moment, but this time he didn't contradict Prince Metternich.

"Archduke Franz, I understand how you feel. After all, you've borne the pressure of reviving the empire and the title of a born saint since childhood. But shouldn't reforms like this be made only after we're driven to desperation?

"The empire is flourishing now, and you have plenty of ways to make your mark. Why resort to the most radical approach?

"I dislike those people who constantly try to guilt-trip others as much as you do, but I still suggest waiting until some day in the future to do this.

"After all, following so many years of benevolent rule, House of Habsburg's position in Austria is still secure enough. If you ever have no choice but to act, you won't need to worry too much."

Count Latour, however, looked deeply troubled. As the leader of the Josephists, how could he not know what Franz intended to do?

Count Latour had looked forward to this day since he was young, but now that it had finally come, he was the most hesitant of all. After all, nobody wanted to see the tragedy of a great empire flourishing only to decline repeated.

Although he hadn't lived through Maria Theresa's era, the empress's virtuous reputation still endured throughout Austria. And the one who had