Money That Has to Be Spent

At Vienna Palace, the contents of the Anglo-Prussian negotiations had already reached Franz's hands. It was not because the intelligence department was particularly capable; the British had deliberately leaked it.

In negotiations of such a high level, only a handful of people were privy to the details, and they were all ministers or senior officials. They were simply not targets an intelligence organization could buy off.

It was hardly surprising that the Prusso-Polish Federation was drawing closer to the British. After all, John Bull was a naval power and could never become the hegemon of the continent. There was no direct conflict between Britain and Prussia.

Austria, on the other hand, was different. The Vienna Government shouted every day about unifying the German lands, while the Prusso-Polish Federation's core territories lay in those very lands. It would be strange if the Berlin Government were not worried.

From Austria's standpoint, it best served its interests if Prussia and Russia both emerged battered from the war. Cooperating with Austria was like seeking a tiger's skin. Given a choice, the Berlin Government would naturally lean toward the British.

"The British actually want to promote closer Prusso-French relations. What do you think is behind this scheme?"

The British had always sought to isolate the French. Now that they were suddenly pushing France and Prussia together, Franz could hardly help viewing it with the greatest possible malice.

Foreign Minister Wessenberg analyzed, "Your Majesty, there may be two reasons.

"The outcome of this Prusso-Russian War remains uncertain. The British alone cannot guarantee victory for the Prusso-Polish Federation, yet they do not wish to give up the gains delivered right to their doorstep. They must find someone to share the risk.

"If they draw in the French, then with Britain and France joining forces, even if the