Since no one had any objections, the plan to build an Austrian economic bloc naturally passed by an overwhelming vote.
As for how exactly to implement it, Franz honestly had no idea. The times were different, the national conditions were different, and many things could not simply be copied wholesale.
Even bringing in junior partners required persuading them one by one; the benefits promised to each state might well have to differ.
Franz still trusted Metternich on this point. After all, this "Chancellor of Europe" was vastly experienced, and balancing the interests of all sides was his greatest specialty.
In Franz's view, this economic alliance could in the future become a political alliance and a military alliance. As the economy developed, it was only a matter of time before everyone's interests became bound together.
It was therefore vital to prepare for a rainy day.
For example, the alliance's name had to be representative. Franz thought Holy Roman Alliance was an excellent choice.
"Your Majesty, if it is named after the Holy Roman Empire, I'm afraid the Italian states would find it emotionally difficult to accept," Prime Minister Felix said after some thought.
"What if we put the alliance headquarters in Rome? We could even place it next to the holy land of the Vatican. It would have both 'Holy' and 'Rome'—what would be wrong with calling it that?" Franz countered.
Metternich advised against it. "Your Majesty, placing the alliance headquarters in Rome would damage the Empire's prestige within the alliance."
Franz thought for a moment, then said, "That is not important. The economic alliance will essentially revolve around Austria anyway. We already occupy the leading position, so the impact on our prestige will be negligible.
"We can also send a signal to the outside world that this is merely an