On September 1, 1854, Constantinople fell amid a chorus of slaughter. The Russians fulfilled their century-old ambition, the Russian Empire erupted in celebration, and the European Continent collectively fell silent.
The day after the Battle of Constantinople ended, the New Holy Roman Empire sent diplomatic notes to both belligerents, grandly announcing its mediation of the war.
This responsible international stance was immediately praised by both France and Russia. After more than two years, the Near East War had finally shown a glimmer of peace.
The eyes of the world turned to—London. The Ottoman Empire and the Principality of Montenegro had already been ignored by everyone. Weak countries had no diplomacy; it was better for them to behave themselves.
At 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister George furiously hurled the cup in his hand. Constantinople had fallen just like that? Could they have made their deliberate surrender any more obvious?
As early as a week ago, the Russians had halted their offensive, while the French army began withdrawing the wounded and the sick from the city. With an epidemic breaking out, there seemed to be nothing wrong with suspending the attack.
Two days earlier, the French ambassador had solemnly sworn to him that they would defend Constantinople to the death, and that 120,000 French troops were enough to fend off any Russian attack.
Then, last night, he received news that Constantinople had fallen. The 120,000 French troops had collectively activated cheat codes: after Constantinople fell, they broke out of the encirclement, and on the very same day captured Tekirdag, which was heavily defended by Russian forces.
Prime Minister George dearly wanted to say: Could you make the cheating any less obvious? What you're doing is really putting me in a difficult position!
Foreign Secretary Thomas said with a pale face, "Gentlemen, the