"Are you referring to the Holy Alliance?"
"That's right."
Metternich let out a long sigh. He had never dreamed that one day the alliance created to protect Austria would turn around and bring Austria to ruin.
Metternich continued.
"The Holy Alliance's purpose is to preserve the proper order of the world, oppose radical democrats, and unite Europe's monarchs to suppress any uprisings that might occur.
In reality, we formed it to prevent France from rising again. But now, with what's happening in Sicily, if Ferdinand II asks us for help, the Austrian Empire will be dragged into an unnecessary war.
It reminds me of what happened before. The terrain in France, Spain, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies is extremely complicated. This would be a protracted war.
If we back down, the so-called Holy Alliance will exist in name only."
In reality, the so-called Holy Alliance had long existed in name only. But Naples asking Austria for help was a genuine conundrum.
After all, apart from the Holy Alliance, there was also the Apennine Commercial Alliance. This was directly tied to Austria's grand strategy in the Apennines.
If they refused to send troops outright now, all their efforts over the years would have been for nothing. But sending troops to Southern Italy would be a bottomless pit, and would also earn Austria the label of executioner.
Still, there was a way out. Franz thought for a moment, then said,
"Your Highness, we can stall for time or bribe the ministers of the Two Sicilies, so they won't let the king write a letter asking for help."
Metternich was a little taken aback. This was completely unlike Archduke Franz, but it was indeed a last resort—and better than being caught between two impossible choices and waiting to die.
Prince Metternich