Joseph seemed not to have had his fill, and continued, "Of course, the focus of the 'Dual Core' lies in the military sphere.
"Signing a defensive and offensive alliance is merely the foundation. If the two armies are to coordinate fully in battle, a Joint General Staff must be established. The armies will remain loyal to their respective Kings, and whether to go to war will still be decided through your discussions. But once war has been decided upon, drawing up specific operational plans will be the work of this General Staff.
"The two countries will have equal numbers of officers in the General Staff. Training, exercises, equipment, intelligence, even troop recruitment—the General Staff must make detailed arrangements for all of them.
"Oh, and the annual military budget must be submitted to the General Staff for review."
Maximilian I swallowed and asked cautiously, "Your Highness, you are not joking, are you?"
The French Regent's proposal was simply too radical. Compared to it, even the most radical plan submitted by his ministers seemed like children at play. Joseph smiled and nodded. "I never joke about serious matters. You know that a strong South German Dual Core is absolutely in the interests of our three countries, and even in the interests of most German States."
The two Kings exchanged glances again, their eyes brimming with wild delight.
The French Regent's plan had an entirely acceptable impact on the sovereignty of both countries. If it could be implemented, the South German Dual Core would truly become a powerful entity capable of changing the situation in Germany!
As the strategic vision Bavaria had pursued for centuries—changing the situation in Germany—finally showed a glimmer of dawn, Maximilian I suddenly grew tense.
After all, in dreams one dreamed however one pleased, but reality meant facing the