Franz II was caught in a dilemma.
Ten years earlier, his father, Leopold II, had only managed to "suspend indefinitely" the Hungarian Grand Parliament by riding the momentum of victory in the Silesian Wars and employing a series of political maneuvers.
From then on, the Hungarians' irritating clamor had almost vanished.
But if they could not raise sufficient military funds now, the Empire would very likely lose face in Switzerland...
Seeing the Emperor's expression, Metternich hurried forward two steps and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, your decision will add nearly eight million Florins in tax revenue to the Empire's finances.
"And you are merely agreeing to convene this Hungarian Parliament, not rescinding the 'indefinite suspension' order. Once the new tax rate is passed, in three years' time, you will no longer need to pay any heed to the Hungarians."
Under Hungarian law, the Great Council convened once every three years, but it had to be summoned by order of the King of Hungary—that was, the Holy Roman Emperor. Franz II finally nodded. "Then draft an order to convene the Hungarian Parliament."
For those eight million Florins, he could at most let the Hungarians strut around for a while longer.
Paris.
Grand Trianon Palace.
Alexandra wore an elegant yet lively light-purple gown, topped with an exquisite white feathered wide-brimmed hat, as she eagerly made her way toward her reception room.
Well, the Regent was discussing matters there with several ministers, but it was nearly time to depart, and she needed to help him change into formal attire. Yet when she reached the corridor, she saw the president of the Literature and Propaganda Association and the editor-in-chief of the Paris Business Daily entering the reception room side by side. Alexandra sighed. It seemed she would have to wait again.
"That