Franz merely laughed off the Russians' godlike flights of fancy. In fact, such wildly imaginative plans had never been rare in real life.
Politicians were people too, and people were bound to have muddleheaded moments. Especially when interests were involved, the odds of losing their heads only grew greater.
On the surface, if the Russians occupied France first under the banner of being allies, Austria truly could do nothing about it—but the Vienna Government could drag things out!
If they could not forcibly carve up France, could they not at least delay the negotiations? If one year was not enough, then two; if two were not enough, then three or five. After enough time had passed, could the Russian Army still coexist peacefully with the French populace?
Austria could simply sit back and watch. Once the Russians withdrew with their tails between their legs, it could then consider how to deal with France.
If coordinating the relations between the United Kingdom, France, and Russia had not been such a headache, with virtually no chance of success, Franz really would have liked to give it a push and slowly enjoy the contest between the Tsar's iron fist and French nationalism.
"Send a telegram to the troops at the front. Tell them to end the war as soon as possible. The soldiers are still waiting to come home for Christmas!"
It was only July now, with nearly five months until Christmas. Defeating the French alone would not be difficult, but signing a treaty and withdrawing before Christmas would leave very little time.
Under normal circumstances, postwar conferences involving the interests of multiple countries would usually bicker and bicker, and could drag on for two or three years.
Without question, Franz did not want to keep dragging this out. All signs indicated that