The General Trend

The British proposal caused an uproar among the upper ranks of the German Federal Government. After purchasing the Rhineland and making up for its shortcomings in heavy industry, the Comedy Empire's overall national strength had grown by leaps and bounds.

Unfortunately, the German Federal Empire was not truly a unified country. The problem of its member states joining forces against the central government had remained unresolved for far too long.

The Kingdom of Hanover held no overwhelming advantage, and George I was no great ruler of towering ambition, so the matter was shelved.

(Note: George I of the German Federal Empire; George V of the Kingdom of Hanover.)

Unable to complete its internal integration, the German Federal Empire was naturally far weaker than the Prusso-Polish Federation. Personally, George I had not the slightest interest in the British "snake swallowing an elephant" plan.

A cluster of petty states at home was already enough to leave him covered in dust and disgrace. If the Prusso-Polish Federation were added to the mix, how could that possibly end well?

In this day and age, strength meant a voice. Once the Prusso-Polish Federation joined the German Federal Empire, it would immediately become the most influential state within the empire, and Hanover's position would inevitably be shaken.

George I said, "What do you all think? Is the British proposal feasible?"

It was clear that he was hesitating. The Comedy Empire still needed British strength to counter Austria and safeguard its own independent status. Directly rejecting the British was clearly not an option.

But accepting the Prusso-Polish Federation carried risks that were too great. Even with Queen Victoria's guarantee, George I did not dare place complete faith in it when national interests were at stake.

Prime Minister Thorben Hoffman said, "Your Majesty, the British proposal may appear