After a moment's pause, Napoleon IV nodded. "That really won't do. The reply is too blunt; our allies will feel uncomfortable.
How about you rephrase it? Talk more about the difficulties we face and soothe their wounded hearts."
Karel Kadletz looked as though he wanted to speak but stopped himself. No matter how they replied, it would not change the fact that the French Government was playing the fisherman reaping the spoils.
Perhaps before the Anglo-Russian War broke out, the French Government still had to take their feelings into account. Now, however, there was no need.
Even if Britain and Russia bore grudges, that would be a matter for after the war ended.
The current international situation was crystal clear. Austria supported the Russians, and France's stance would directly determine the outcome of this war.
If France remained neutral or supported Britain, the war could go on; but if France supported the Russians, Britain would be unable to contend with three great powers at once.
How could they possibly let an opportunity like this to squeeze them dry slip away?
Provoking Britain and Russia was, in fact, also meant to make the two countries offer more sincere prices. After all, people could not always see themselves clearly.
Prime Minister Terence Bulkin proposed, "Your Majesty, the Anglo-Russian War has already broken out, and it does not look as though it will end anytime soon. We should consider putting the next stage of our strategy into effect."
For the French Empire, fleecing Britain and Russia was merely a trifling profit.
The greatest benefit the Anglo-Russian War had brought France was that the shackles pressing down upon it were gone.
Now, Austria was the only power capable of restraining France. Yet that was merely restraint; it was not enough to make the French