"And for Austria to remain in chaos a while longer is the state of affairs most favorable to our country."
Watching the report he had painstakingly compiled get tossed aside, Baron de Breteuil said with a pained expression, "Your Highness, then shall we refrain from intervening in Austria's situation for the time being?"
Joseph sighed softly. The prime minister still lacked a bit of polish in his grasp of the overall international situation. Compared with him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' views were somewhat more reliable, though far from complete.
He explained patiently, "Of course we must intervene, and actively at that. Not supporting any particular side does not mean we cannot make use of the situation there. We will contact all parties, mediate among them, move only our mouths and not our money, and try our best to steer the war in the direction we need..." By the time he finished, Baron de Breteuil was already somewhat dazed. He simply put away his notebook and asked directly, "Your Highness, what stance should we convey to the other German States regarding Austria?"
Joseph asked in confusion, "Convey our stance to the German States?"
Breteuil nodded. "In fact, more than ten days ago, diplomats from over a dozen countries, including Saxony and Mainz, were already making inquiries at Versailles Palace about our country's policy toward Austria."
Joseph could not help narrowing his eyes. It seemed he had still underestimated France's influence among the small German States.
These countries were surely more concerned about Austria's situation than anyone else, yet feared that a misstep in their diplomatic direction would invite trouble. Thus, they wanted to follow a powerful patron. That way, even if they placed their bets on the wrong horse, they would still have room to turn things around.
This influence