The Russo-Japanese War was merely a minor interlude, its impact on the international situation far eclipsed by the much-watched Anglo-Austrian conflict.
Ever since Britain withdrew from the free-trade system, relations between the two countries had deteriorated sharply. Frictions and conflicts that both sides had once jointly suppressed had also begun surfacing recently.
The civilian press in particular seemed to relish the chaos. Not only did they fan the flames, but they also deliberately or inadvertently exaggerated the clashes; some even openly cried out for "war."
The air itself seemed thick with tension. Anyone even slightly attuned to the situation knew that war was drawing near.
It was not as though no one had tried to mediate. Many experts, scholars, and prominent figures in society had called on the two governments to sit down and have a proper talk.
But it was utterly useless. The conflict between their core interests was too great; neither side could possibly make major concessions.
If they could have reached an agreement, they would have compromised long ago. Who wanted to pour hard-earned money into that bottomless pit called war? Did people really think everyone was warmongering?
Franz had no objection to signing a peace agreement; even maintaining the status quo was acceptable.
The problem was that the British did not dare agree. The British Isles were only so large, and their development potential was inherently constrained to the death.
If no restrictions were imposed, then as the current situation continued to develop, the gap in strength between the two sides would only grow wider and wider.
The British Government was unwilling to yield, while expecting the Holy Roman Empire to cripple itself was even more unrealistic. The Vienna Government's bottom line was clear: at most, maintain the status quo and refrain from interfering with one