Munich
Ever since learning that Felix had made the Kingdom of Bavaria the final stop of his German tour, Maximilian II had not slept soundly.
The previous states could play tai chi and stall for time, but as the last state, what could they do?
Without question, all the states hoped Bavaria would step forward and stop Austria's actions. As the leader of the small states, Bavaria could not evade this.
Especially after Maximilian II took the throne and pursued his three-legged strategy, Bavaria had been driven into a corner.
The Kingdom of Prussia had grown distant from everyone else. Frederick William IV could play dumb without any pressure—after all, he was not afraid of offending people.
Bavaria was different. Since it wanted to be the big brother leading the small states, it had to step forward now. Whether it supported Austria's plan or opposed Austria, either was better than burying its head in the sand like an ostrich.
Maximilian II said solemnly, "Gentlemen, Felix will arrive in Munich before long. We do not have much time left. Today, we must make a choice."
This was the price they had to pay for their earlier diplomatic blunder. They had been led around by the nose by the Prussians and put forward the Three-Part Germany strategy, offending numerous small states in the process.
At this moment, the Bavarian government could either simply throw in its lot with Austria, join everyone in establishing the Holy Roman Group, and become one of its minor shareholders.
Or it could stop Austria's plan, voice the true feelings of the many German states, and regain everyone's support. After all, interests were what bound states together. As long as their interests aligned, everyone was a friend.
Bavarian Prime Minister August analyzed, "Your Majesty, stopping the Austrians' plan