Chapter 52: Aftermath (Please Vote)
Which mattered more, politics or the military?
There was no precise answer to that question.
Militarily, Marshal Radetzky's decision had been entirely correct, but politically, it had been a grave mistake.
His withdrawal would make outsiders believe that Austria had lost on the battlefield—or that the Austrian Empire had already begun to rot from within.
It would embolden ambitious men at home and make the domestic situation even more complicated; at the same time, Austria's international standing would also be shaken.
"Since matters have come to this, there is no use saying more!"
"The Foreign Ministry should first communicate with the United Kingdom and France. We cannot allow them to give the Kingdom of Sardinia any substantial support. Our focus should be on the French. If necessary, we can allow the French into northern Italy," Franz said without hesitation.
Deep down, he supported Marshal Radetzky's approach as well. So long as they could win the war, what was wrong with paying a small price?
At worst, the cabinet could take the blame for the political fallout. Besides, he, the regent crown prince, was still young and a model young man. The public would not curse him.
Prime Minister Felix's face was dark enough to terrify anyone. Unfortunately, Marshal Radetzky was far away in Venice; no matter how furious he was, Felix had nowhere to vent it.
He could hardly issue an order now demanding that Marshal Radetzky immediately retake Lombardy, could he? War was no child's game. How could they simply take things for granted?
Should they replace him? The thought flashed through his mind, then vanished. Replacing a commander in the midst of battle was a great military taboo. Not only would the crown prince certainly refuse, even Felix himself did not dare take