Seeing the two resignation letters in his hand, Franz could only let out a helpless sigh.
Time spared no one; that was beyond human power to change.
Marshal Radetzky was already ninety-one. At this point in history, he would have already collected his boxed lunch. In reality, he was not far from it now either. Though he nominally held the post of Chief of the General Staff, he had effectively been living in retirement for the past three years.
After all, the Chief of the General Staff only wielded great authority during wartime. In peacetime, the role mainly involved formulating strategy, with few concrete affairs to handle. Thus, Franz had retained the old marshal in his post.
Clearly, Marshal Radetzky had no desire to merely muddle through his days. After realizing that his body could no longer hold on, he began submitting resignation letters to Franz every few days.
His wording also grew increasingly forceful. If Franz did not approve it soon, the old man would keel over in office. After some hesitation, Franz reluctantly approved his resignation.
If Marshal Radetzky's departure was chiefly an emotional blow to him, then Metternich's resignation truly gave him a headache.
The Foreign Minister was no ceremonial post. It was one of the three great offices that stood shoulder to shoulder with the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.
Metternich was already eighty-five. At that age, he clearly could not keep going. Most of the Foreign Ministry's affairs were now handled by his deputies, while he only concerned himself with important matters.
Two years ago, Franz had granted him special approval: he could set his own working hours, work wherever he wished, and take leave without filing a report.
After sighing over it for a while, Franz had no choice but to accept the