War served politics, and propaganda was naturally indispensable. Ever since the Vienna Government reached an agreement with the Russians, Austrian newspapers had been filled with news exposing the Ottoman Empire's dark history.
There was no need to fabricate anything this time. Back when the Ottoman Empire had been at the height of its power, the crimes it committed were too numerous to record even on all the bamboo strips in the world. A casual search turned up plenty of dirt.
Calls for revenge grew louder by the day. The various petitions received by the Vienna Government could probably fill an entire room.
The power of hatred exceeded Franz's expectations somewhat. If Vienna's police had not been so capable, the Ottoman embassy would probably have been wiped out already.
The Vienna police now had no choice but to dispatch officers to patrol the surrounding area around the clock, ensuring the Ottoman embassy's safety. Even supplies for the embassy had to be delivered by personnel specially assigned by Austria. The embassy staff simply did not dare step outside.
If he had not been waiting for the Russians, Franz could already have ordered the war to begin.
For Austria, this was merely a local war. There was no need for full mobilization, and it would have little impact on the domestic economy. Every government department continued doing what it normally did; only the Foreign Ministry had become busy.
If you did not seize the moral high ground, the enemy would. Diplomatic activity was unavoidable. Fortunately, this time the enemy was the Ottoman Empire. Most Europeans leaned more toward Austria, so there was not much pressure from public opinion.
At Vienna Palace, Foreign Minister Wessenberg, dragging his weary body along, reported to Franz, "Your Majesty, this is a telegram from the Holy See.
"The