The Viability of North Germany

In Saint Petersburg, as Alexander II looked over the battle report in his hand, the joy vanished from his face without a trace, leaving behind only deep sorrow.

The Russian Army had won a great victory at the front, strategically crushing the enemy until they could barely breathe. Victory in the war was drawing ever closer.

Yet behind those victories lay the countless bones of Russian soldiers. Watching the casualty figures rise without end, Alexander II admitted that he was afraid.

The world contained more than just Prussia and Russia. The Russian Empire had many enemies. Having staked everything on winning this war, what would they do afterward?

Foreign Minister Herado Yeselot said, "Your Majesty, this morning the Austrian envoy in Saint Petersburg sent us a diplomatic note. The Vienna Government has proposed convening an international conference to mediate this war."

Alexander II nodded. "So it has finally come."

He seemed to have let out a breath of relief, though it was mixed with a measure of unease.

After a brief pause, Alexander II asked, "What terms did the Austrians offer?"

Foreign Minister Herado Yeselot shook his head. "It was merely an ordinary diplomatic note. The Austrians did not state their position.

"Given the current situation, I fear the Vienna Government will not declare its stance lightly."

That was the truth. The Vienna Government truly found itself in a difficult position. On one side were interests; on the other, public opinion. No matter which they chose, it would be wrong.

Since they could not choose, they would simply refrain from declaring a position for now, wait for the situation to develop further, and only then make their stance known.

At this point, Austria no longer needed to survive by picking sides. Whether sooner or later, its share of the