The eternal theme of this world was nothing but—interests. Britain and France had serious conflicts of interest, and without sufficient external pressure, it was naturally impossible for them to truly unite.
In the original timeline, the German Empire had placed such immense pressure on the French that the Paris Government would rather pay a heavy price to win over Russia than immediately draw closer to Britain. That alone was enough to explain the issue.
After the Franco-Prussian War, Germany and Britain both became France's greatest enemies. Over the following decades, Britain and France had nearly gone to war several times.
The reason the Franco-German conflict surpassed the Anglo-French conflict was still because William II had recklessly courted death, provoking French national sentiment again and again, only for Britain to take advantage of it.
Once the British realized that the Germans threatened their own interests, they took the initiative to extend goodwill to the French.
Even so, the Paris Government hesitated for a long time before swallowing its pride and becoming the junior partner. Otherwise, the two sides would not have compromised so easily.
There was no need to say more now. France, basking in the glory of its zenith, could hardly feel threatened. Why should it become Britain's junior partner?
Thinking of this, Franz was relieved. The intertwining contradictions between Britain and France, Britain and Austria, and France and Austria formed the most stable configuration.
With such severe conflicts of interest among them, the fact that Britain, France, and Austria could sit at the same table truly showed how subtle diplomacy could be.
With the external issues settled, it was time to turn to internal matters. Over the past few years, Austria's economy seemed to have sprouted wings, flourishing on the winds of the Second Industrial Revolution.
Not only Austria—economic