France and Russia drawing closer together also accelerated the negotiations between Britain and Austria. To increase their say, the British even intended to pull the Prussians into the alliance.
There was no doubt that this met with fierce opposition from France and Austria. The cake was only so large; splitting it among three was already a stretch. How could they possibly allow another competitor in?
If the Kingdom of Prussia joined the alliance, then would the Russian Empire have to join as well? And once the Russians came in, the Nordic Federation could enter the fray too.
One would lead to another, and before long every country in Europe would be involved. The alliance would then become utterly useless.
The British truly had an unmatched talent for stirring up trouble; at every moment, they were plotting something. When allied with them, one had to remain constantly vigilant. A moment's carelessness, and they would lead you into a pit. That was not much safer than being enemies.
Europe's rapidly shifting situation still affected the South African War. Ever since the British had reinforced their forces with a batch of Indian legions, Viscount Fikeni's second plan had lost all use.
Even when they deliberately exposed weaknesses, the British showed no intention of leaving the city for a decisive battle. It was as though: let you change in a thousand ways, while I remain unmoved as a mountain.
As time passed, Cape Town's population also plummeted. John Bull had transferred nearly all the war refugees away, leaving behind nothing but troops.
With their logistical burden eased, the British did not sit idle. They were stockpiling supplies for the winter, apparently preparing to fight a protracted war.
By now, the war had changed as well. It was common to see groups of Indian soldiers