Newly Dug Pit

No matter what the British thought, the Vienna Conference was held as scheduled. Without any surprises, the United Kingdom, France, and Austria all became mediating powers.

As the negotiating delegations arrived, Vienna grew increasingly lively. The Prussian and Russian representatives were like diligent little bees, flitting back and forth among the various embassies. Every day brought fresh sensational news for the gossiping spectators to savor.

The British supported the Berlin Government. The French were somewhat hesitant and could barely be counted as standing with the Prusso-Polish Federation, though their support was limited.

As the host, Austria had yet to state its position, making it the primary target of both sides' efforts. Whoever gained the Vienna Government's support would hold the advantage in the negotiations.

Setting aside the worthless negotiation minutes, Franz asked, "Have we roughly figured out the bottom lines of Prussia and Russia?"

No one knew when it had begun, but everyone had learned to open their mouths like lions in diplomatic negotiations. The terms initially proposed were usually more outrageous than the last, with no consideration whatsoever for feasibility.

Take the present case. The Russians demanded that the Berlin Government cede East and West Prussia, Pomerania, the Poznan region, the two duchies of Schleswig—Holstein, and pay war reparations equivalent to 960 million Divine Shields.

The two duchies of Schleswig—Holstein were to be returned to Denmark. Although Franz did not know whether the Russians had reached some agreement with the Danes, he knew this was all trouble caused by "money."

The end of the war did not mean the Tsarist Government's troubles were over. On the contrary, their troubles had only just begun. In the years ahead, the Russians would have no choice but to embark on a long life of repaying debts.

By this point in the war,