The next day.
In the spacious conference hall, Earl Stadion, Earl Spielmann, and the other ministers all kept their heads lowered, not daring to utter a word.
Franz II first berated every state that had attended the Stuttgart Conference, then finally snapped in fury, "Tell those rebel ministers that the Habsburg crown will never be theirs to decide!"
After several more seconds of silence, Earl Stadion, the highest-ranking official in the hall, spoke helplessly. "Your Majesty, the Imperial Parliament can no longer convene normally... We are likely unable to effectively restrain these states."
Franz II had dearly wanted to say, "Then use the army to discipline them," but he could only swallow the words.
Had Russia not sent troops to help during Austria's recent internal turmoil, who knew how badly things might have spiraled? Even now, Hungary had yet to sign the Ceasefire Agreement.
Where did the Empire have any strength left to send troops abroad?
Franz II drew a deep breath and asked unwillingly, "Is there no other way?"
Earl Stadion exchanged glances with the other ministers. "Your Majesty, perhaps changing the Empire's name is not entirely unacceptable."
Facing the Emperor's icy gaze, he forced himself to continue. "The Hungarians have always refused to sign the agreement because of the country's name. If it is changed to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, the situation in the south can immediately be restored.
"Then the Russians stationed on the Hungarian Plain can go home. We are paying two million Florins a month for their logistical expenses."
As he spoke, he glanced at Count Geissler.
The latter hurriedly added, "Maintaining the Imperial Parliament, the Imperial Court, and so on also requires enormous funds every year..."
Franz II looked at the utterly dispirited ministers. His clenched fists trembled faintly from the force he exerted. "Abandoning