Baron Walter continued loudly, "As long as we contribute to this incident, Mr. Fox will be very grateful to us." The officials present immediately began whispering among themselves. Walter's meaning was already very clear: if they facilitated peace talks, the British would offer political rewards. For the pro-British faction, which had already been pushed to the margins, this was unquestionably good news.
Very soon, the group began discussing how exactly to proceed, while Schulmeister stood to one side with a kindly smile.
The following afternoon.
In the Holy Roman Emperor's study, the Reformist Faction and the Hardline Faction continued their dispute.
Kobzl brought out a new "ultimate weapon." "Mr. Fox has already promised to provide a loan of 300,000 Pound Sterling to make up for our losses in Silesia."
"Ha, that little money wouldn't even be enough to buy the silt in the Oder River."
"Your Majesty, this loan is crucial to stabilizing our finances. It is time to end the war..."
"The British being willing to offer benefits proves that Prussia is extremely weak right now. We need only intensify our offensive..."
"I have read Archduke Karl's report. He said Breslau Fortress could not be breached for at least five months..."
Just then, Kobzl's assistant crept along the wall and whispered something in his ear.
The State Minister immediately furrowed his brows and pulled Earl Stadion aside. "Zimmermann and Suttner had an audience with His Majesty this morning." The latter's gaze darkened at once. "What are they trying to do?"
"They seem to be advocating the British proposal, advising His Majesty to accept British mediation."
Stadion said decisively, "That will not do!"
What he meant by "that will not do" was not British mediation itself, but Zimmermann and the others suddenly stepping forward to make eyes at the British.