Once the public started making a fuss, the whole world knew what the French wanted to do. Belgium and the German states began preparing for war, and their other neighbors did not sit idle either.
Switzerland called up fifty thousand militiamen for six months of military training; Spain expanded five infantry divisions, publicly declaring they would be used to suppress colonial rebellions.
The Austrian Government announced that this year's retiring officers and soldiers would have their service extended by half a year, while anti-invasion drills would be conducted nationwide.
Though no one said so outright, everyone knew these measures were aimed at the French. The situation on the European Continent abruptly grew tense, leaving the French Government, at the heart of the storm, in an awkward position.
Explain?
That would only make things murkier. Even though everyone knew the French were most likely targeting Belgium and the German states, they still raised their guard, afraid the French might pull a feint in the east while attacking in the west.
With Europe growing tense, the Austrian Foreign Ministry became lively. Countries across Europe declared their positions one after another, hoping Austria could check France's ambitions.
Franz had never cared much for formulaic diplomatic rhetoric. After casually flipping through the documents, he frowned and asked, "Is there anything substantive?
"This meaningless moral support can only be used to fool children. It is utterly meaningless to us."
They had not mentioned any concrete support. In any case, they all supported Austria standing against the French, preferably with Austria and France fighting each other to mutual ruin so everyone else could live in peace.
Naturally, the diplomatic notes contained none of that latter part, but Franz was perfectly capable of filling in the blanks. To be fair, it was not excessive.
If their positions