Armenia

The internal issues of the Anti-Ottoman Alliance had been resolved. All that remained was the final link: finding a king for the newly independent Armenians.

The Kingdom of Armenia had perished over a thousand years ago. Its former royal house had long vanished into the river of history; there simply was no legitimate heir.

Caught like filling between Russia and Austria, this newborn nation was destined for an uncomfortable future.

If Russo-Austrian relations remained friendly, that would be one thing. But once relations between the two powers deteriorated, Armenia would be forced to choose a side.

Franz had not the slightest interest in such a miserable position. But the House of Habsburg giving up did not mean other royal houses would do the same.

What Europe lacked least were fallen royal families. For their core members, their illustrious status still granted them access to high society. With those connections, they could at worst live as wealthy men of leisure.

The collateral branches had it far worse. Fallen royal houses no longer had surplus resources to support them, so they had to fend for themselves.

The lucky ones could scrape by beneath an empty title; the unlucky ones fell straight into commoner status.

Those who had nothing would not give up any opportunity. Napoleon III's success was an even greater inspiration for everyone to strive upward.

A hot potato?

What was there to fear? Being king for one day still meant being king. As long as one gained recognition from European society, it would be a leap in social standing—one that soared straight to the heavens.

Ever since the House of Habsburg announced its withdrawal, the side effect of having too many relatives had come to light. Vienna Palace became exceptionally bustling, with countless people arriving to claim kinship.

Foreign Minister