Dan Gira's tone, attitude, forcefulness, confidence, and air of absolute certainty effectively spread his emotions to his listeners and supporters.
It was a remarkable talent, and it immediately earned him thunderous applause.
Andrei Uvarov, however, found it all utterly pointless blather.
Dan Gira's arrogance actually did him a great favor. Andrei Uvarov personally opposed Russia getting involved in a war between Britain and France on one side and the Austrian Empire or German Confederation on the other.
In Andrei Uvarov's view, with Britain and France at war with the Austrian Empire, Russia shouldn't take sides. It should sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, then profit from the outcome.
First, Russia was powerful enough that no country dared pressure it or hold it to account.
Second, Russia's economy was deeply tied to Austria's at the moment, making this the perfect opportunity to reshape their existing relationship.
At the same time, Russia had abundant resources and could sell supplies to both sides of the war for a profit.
As one side weakened and the other grew stronger, Russia could secure its place as the world's foremost power.
Finally, Russia was far enough away that the other great powers couldn't reach it.
Russia should take advantage of the great powers being too preoccupied with war to look east, launch a new Russo-Turkish War, and even attack Afghanistan and invade India, creating a fait accompli.
But he wasn't the Tsar, and Nicholas I didn't want to do that, so all he could do was try to secure as much benefit for Russia as possible.
A hundred million francs was an astronomical sum to most people of the era, but it was still too little for the vast Russian Empire.
"Heh, even a fly's leg is meat."
Andrei Uvarov let out an