Joseph said bluntly, "First, I can have Poland and Russia agree to a ceasefire before the end of the month.
"Second, my country will guarantee the Russian Army's entry into Austria— the Poles will not take the opportunity to attack Iasi."
He glanced at Metternich. "If you believe you can settle these matters yourself, you are welcome to go directly to Saint Petersburg."
The young Austrian diplomat had taken part in such important international mediation for the first time, only to receive a merciless beating. He immediately dared not respond, lowering his head and retreating several steps.
Kobzl Jr. hurriedly switched into flattery mode. "Thank you so much, Your Highness the Regent. You are simply the maker of peace in Europe! Countless people will remember your benevolence—"
Joseph raised a hand to cut him off. "Also, I can mediate your disputes with Bavaria, Württemberg, and the other states in Switzerland, allowing the Empire to withdraw with dignity."
The Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs immediately felt his heart tighten.
Their affairs with Bavaria and the other states were considered the Holy Roman Empire's "family business," yet now they had to rely on France for mediation.
On one hand, this displayed the fractures within the Holy Roman Empire to the outside world; on the other, it further increased France's voice in South Germany. But then he remembered that His Majesty the Emperor was prepared to accept even the Stuttgart Declaration. France's influence in South Germany was already impossible to contain. He placed a hand over his chest and bowed. "Please allow me to express my gratitude once again. God must have sent you to save those poor Swiss people..." The Austrians skipped the customary diplomatic banquet and hurried away.
Joseph merely sent a Court Official to see them off, while he himself