Chapter 226: Scheming
A noble banquet was underway at an estate in Paris. In an inconspicuous little corner, British Foreign Secretary Thomas and Russian Foreign Secretary Karl-Wessel had gathered together.
If word of this got out, the front-page headline of Parisian newspapers could practically be reserved in advance.
Karl-Wessel frowned and asked, "Mr. Thomas, you didn't ask me here just to drink, did you?"
He had been busy flirting with noblewomen at the reception and having a fine time when Thomas, who had come looking for him, interrupted him. Naturally, he was in no good mood.
As for discussing business, Karl-Wessel did not think there was much for him to discuss with the British at present. Besides, this was hardly the right setting. This secrecy was like covering one's ears while stealing a bell—plainly intended to let the Austrians discover them.
Thomas said with a genial smile, "Mr. Karl-Wessel, don't you think Austria has become a little too powerful after annexing South Germany?"
Karl-Wessel's expression changed. There were plenty within the Tsarist Government who believed Austria had grown too strong, and he was one of them. It was one thing to say so behind closed doors, but now that the British had exposed it, he certainly could not admit it.
Who knew whether Austrian spies were lurking nearby? Even if there were not, the British undoubtedly had ways to ensure Austria learned the contents of their conversation.
Karl-Wessel's political instincts were still passable. He knew this was a political trap dug by the British, so naturally he would not follow the topic any further.
He immediately said bluntly, "Mr. Thomas, if that is what you wish to discuss, then you need not trouble yourself over it. It is not your place to point fingers at how we conduct our affairs."