Leo grew excited at the Frenchman's mention of the most glorious victory of his life and lifted his head proudly. "Fighting the Prussian Army alongside His Highness the Crown Prince is a memory I will never forget.
"I swear that as long as I live, no one will hand Liegnitz over to the Prussians!"
Yet Talleyrand's face was full of disappointment. "You cannot keep your eyes fixed solely on Liegnitz."
"Then... what do you mean?"
Talleyrand leaned closer. "Breslau, Glogau, even the whole of Silesia."
Leo's pupils instantly contracted, and his raised head lowered somewhat. "No, no, that would trigger a large-scale war."
Talleyrand patiently analyzed the situation for him. "At present, the Prussians have fewer than twenty thousand mobile troops remaining, nearly all of which must be used to defend Glogau. Breslau Fortress cannot receive supplies and may fall at any moment.
"Archduke Karl, meanwhile, has won victory after victory, and morale is soaring as never before. I would wager that the soldiers of the Royal Moravian Legion even want to march straight to Berlin.
"So long as we display sufficient resolve, that young King of Prussia, newly ascended to the throne, will certainly choose to yield. The Empire will easily obtain all Silesian territory south of Glogau."
Leo still appeared dispirited. "You are right. Militarily, we do indeed hold the advantage, but the Prussians will surely seek aid from the United Kingdom..."
Talleyrand smiled disdainfully. "The main strength of the United Kingdom's army is almost entirely tied down on the Iberian Peninsula. They have no time to concern themselves with the situation in Silesia. Besides, even if the Prussians can find outside aid, Austria has allies as well."
Leo immediately looked up at him.
Talleyrand nodded with a smile. "Yes, France will fully support you in retaking Silesia.