Waging a Public Opinion War in Austria

The second floor of Schönbrunn Palace.

Baron Thugut, Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, escorted Talleyrand out of the hall, his face wreathed in smiles:

"That is roughly how things stand, Archbishop Talleyrand. The formal diplomatic note will be sent to Paris next week.

"Thank you for France's outstanding contribution to defeating the Southern Netherlands Rebels. Oh, His Majesty the Emperor also specifically instructed that a lavish farewell banquet be held in Brussels for France's brave soldiers. We shall leave what follows to General Leo."

Talleyrand nodded calmly:

"Please convey my thanks to His Majesty for his arrangements. Long live the Franco-Austrian Alliance."

"Long live the Franco-Austrian Alliance."

The moment Talleyrand stepped out through the main entrance of Schönbrunn Palace, his expression darkened. He took out his notebook and flipped through it, then looked at a line written there and told his valet:

"Go to 31 Würzburg Street."

That was Baron Ferrari's residence. Although he was a staunch opponent of Prussia, his influence was not particularly great. However, Talleyrand had already met all the leading figures of the anti-Prussian faction over the past few days. All he could do now was unite as many anti-Prussian ministers as possible.

Meanwhile, in a private room at Red Boots, Vienna's most luxurious brothel, Viscount Malte, a senior official of Vienna's Secret Police, had just enjoyed some soul-melting service. He raised a glass of gin-this spiked liquor was said to have aphrodisiac effects-and, narrowing his eyes drunkenly, gestured to the corpulent man opposite him:

"You really have spared no expense today, Mr. Kugel. You can rest assured about that matter."

Mr. Kugel had treated him to the very finest package, costing eighty florins a day. Even Viscount Malte ordinarily could not bear to spend that much.

"Thank you so much, my dearest friend." Kugel raised