The Congress of Vienna opened, and delegations from every nation began forging alliances and displaying their talents.
Russia and France sought to carve up the remaining lands of the Balkan Peninsula. Naturally unwilling to be left out, John Bull joined hands with the Ottoman Empire and struck a posture of being ready to fight a war at any cost.
The Russians had no fear of British threats. After all, they controlled Constantinople and could seal off the Bosphorus Strait. Once the two sides fell out, the British fleet in the Black Sea would be like a dog caught behind closed doors.
With hostages in hand, the Russian Bear was brimming with confidence. As a land power, offending the British meant little to them. Possessing vast lands and abundant resources, the Russian Bear could afford to go all in. At worst, they would smash the pot and split apart.
The French Government hesitated first. It was not that Napoleon III feared war with the British; in truth, neither side could possibly go to war over such a trifling matter.
Even if war truly broke out, the French navy was not without fighting strength. They might not defeat the Royal Navy, but they could certainly leave it badly weakened.
The London Government would never rashly stake everything on such a high-risk gamble. In the age of sailing warships, building up a navy was far too easy. If two great powers fought to the death, neither would emerge a winner.
The main issue was still profit. Anyone would be wary of having the Russian Bear as a neighbor. Napoleon III wanted the benefits, yet did not wish to bear the risks involved.
France might monopolize Macedonia, Albania, Thrace, Epirus, and other regions, seemingly reaping immense gains, but after this great war, the Balkan